Posted March 09, 2023 by Julie Sich, MS ATC, Director of Quality Improvement and Provider Engagement
By the time they reach their senior year, nearly 70 percent of high schoolers will have tried alcohol, 50 percent will have taken an illegal drug and more than 20 percent will have used a prescription drug inappropriately, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
These statistics are especially alarming because a child’s brain continues to develop and grow until about age 25. Substance use can affect brain growth and development. Kids who begin substance...
Posted February 23, 2023 by Bassey Ijoma, RN Mgr, Quality Improvement, Quality Mgmt – Commercial
Depending on your ethnic background, you may be at higher risk for certain diseases and chronic health conditions. While some of that risk is associated with genetics and lifestyle or cultural habits, another part of that risk is due to what’s called health disparities.
Health disparities highlight differences in social, economic, educational and health care opportunities among certain ethnic groups. These differences are caused by several factors, including:
Posted February 09, 2023 by Michael J. Tan, MD, FACP, FIDSA, Assistant Medical Director
The United States is experiencing a national blood supply shortage due to significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. So, roll up your sleeves to help those in need. We need you!
Donating blood is a life-saving gift. Your blood donation can save the lives of up to three people, according to the American Red Cross. Healthcare providers use blood donations daily for surgery and cancer patients, organ transplant recipients and trauma patients — both young and old....
Posted January 26, 2023 by James F. Grow, Jr., M.D.
You should dispose of expired prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Medicine is expensive. It can be frustrating to frequently replace expired, yet unused medicine. However, there’s a good reason the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) began requiring expiration dates on medicine in 1979. This critical data states whether the product is safe to use and will work as intended.
Using expired medical products is risky and possibly harmful to your health. Once an...
Posted January 13, 2023 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness and Provider Engagement
With winter in full swing, it’s a great time to focus your energy indoors to declutter your home. Getting rid of excess possessions and organizing your space can improve your mental health, add value to your home and give you the room you need to do the things you love.
A messy, unorganized house can feel overwhelming. In fact, clutter has been shown to have a negative impact on stress levels, productivity and health by making it difficult to focus and relax.
If you&...
Posted December 29, 2022 by Julie Sich, MS ATC, Director of Quality Improvement and Provider Engagement
When it comes to catching your zzzs, quality is just as important as quantity.
The average adult should get between seven to nine hours of sleep every night, according to the National Sleep Foundation. But even if you’re sleeping an adequate amount of time each night, if you don’t reach a deep enough stage of sleep, you won’t feel well-rested and refreshed in the morning.
Getting a quality night’s sleep means falling asleep after 10 to 15 minutes and...
Posted December 15, 2022 by Christine Elerick, Director, Member Experience
With today’s busy family schedules, fitting in time to volunteer can be challenging. But, finding the time to give back isn’t just a matter of kindness, it’s a matter of your health!
Volunteering makes a huge difference in the lives of others. Acts of service such as dishing out meals in a soup kitchen, fostering animals or making blankets for kids in hospitals give tremendous help to people in need, worthy causes and your community.
What you may not know is...
Posted November 23, 2022 by Sue Crawford
Did you recently lose your health insurance? Does your employer not offer health insurance, or are you just looking to switch? Do you need to bridge the gap before qualifying for Medicare?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, SummaCare is here to help.
We offer insurance options for individuals and families who do not have access to group coverage, don’t yet qualify for Medicare or make too much money for Medicaid. For nearly 30 years, we’re proud to...
Posted November 10, 2022 by Julie Sich
SummaCare is proud to share our 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan recently earned a 5-Star Rating (out of five stars) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This is an increase from our 4.5-Star Rating in 2022, which underscores our hard work, dedication and commitment to providing high-quality products and services to our Medicare members just like you.
Each year, CMS releases star ratings that deliver important information about the quality and performance of...
Posted October 27, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG, Senior Vice President, Chief Quality Officer, Summa
Colorectal cancer screening should be an important part of your routine health care. Screening can detect cancer and even prevent it by identifying precancerous polyps, which can be removed.
Unfortunately, too many people wait until they experience symptoms before scheduling a screening. By then, the cancer may be more difficult to treat and cure.
Colorectal cancer, like many cancers, can be found early before it has a chance to grow and spread. Studies prove catching it...
Posted October 13, 2022 by Sue Crawford
SummaCare is committed to contributing to a healthy community by guiding members to be the healthiest versions of themselves. That’s why we take pride in going beyond basic Medicare with valuable extra benefits designed to fit your different needs to reach optimal health.
Every year, we are pleased to add Medicare Advantage extra benefits and enhancements to our plans — and this year is no different.
We’re thrilled to introduce our new Medicare Advantage plan...
Posted September 29, 2022 by Henry W. Mahncke, Ph.D., CEO of Posit Science.
Brain health is important for everyone because our brain is at the center of everything we think, say and do. That’s why keeping our brain in optimal health is key to living a full, engaging and independent life.
As we age — even past mid-20s! — our brain starts to develop a kind of static that can make it difficult to focus and remember things. Fortunately, scientists now know what we can do to harness our brain’s unique power to adapt and change...
Posted August 25, 2022 by Tiffanie Mrakovich, Pharm.D.
When you’re prescribed medication, missing a dose or two seems like no big deal, right? Wrong. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medication non-adherence leads to up to 50 percent of chronic disease treatment failure and 125,000 deaths each year in this country.
There are many reasons patients don’t stick to their medication routine. Misunderstanding the directions, forgetfulness, uncomfortable side effects, high prescription costs...
Posted August 10, 2022 by Christine Elerick, Director, Member Experience
With summertime upon us, many families are gearing up for their annual summer getaways — from lakeside adventures to beachside fun.
Now that your bags are packed, hotel reservations confirmed and the gas tank is filled (or boarding passes printed), you’re all set, right? Wrong. Packing your health coverage should also be on your to-do list before you hit the road (or board the plane). Even when having fun in the sun, the unfortunate can happen.
SummaCare makes it...
Posted July 01, 2022 by Julie Sich
Having trouble deciding which Medicare Advantage plan is right for you? Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or considering a change, look no further than the Medicare Advantage Star Rating system.
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) release star ratings that deliver important information about the quality and performance of specific plans to help Medicare eligible individuals compare them. Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription...
Posted June 08, 2022 by Sue Crawford, Vice President, Sales and Market Development
Whether you’re just turning 65 and newly eligible for Medicare or you’re simply looking to enhance your current Medicare coverage, there are key things to consider when weighing your options for a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans offer everything that original Medicare covers, but adds extra benefits and services. Those extras could include coverage for dental, vision, hearing aids, over-the-counter items, gym memberships, rides to your doctor and...
Posted May 19, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG, Senior Vice President, Chief Quality Officer, Summa.
If you’re battling diabetes, a retinal eye exam is imperative to your vision health. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss. In fact, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Posted May 05, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
While we can’t turn back the clock, we can be proactive and slow down aging. By making preventive health screenings and treatment a priority, you are taking the necessary steps toward living a longer, healthier life.
Posted April 13, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Catching on to insurance lingo can feel a little bit like learning a new language. Words like “copay, coinsurance and deductible” are common terms, but many wonder what do they mean and how does health insurance work?
Posted March 31, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
It’s estimated that six in ten adults have a chronic condition in this country, and four in ten have two or more, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sadly, chronic conditions, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer, are the leading causes of death and disability.
Posted March 18, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
As the snow begins to melt and buds appear, it’s that time of year for the annual Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (CAHPS) survey. Set to distribute in late March, the survey plays an integral role in how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) measures the quality of health care services and determines how to improve health care across the country.
Posted March 02, 2022 by Bill Epling | President
SummaCare Health Plan and Summa Health – oftentimes we are asked, how are the two related? To put it simply, we are two Akron-based, integrated organizations tied together with a singular focus, improving the cost and quality of healthcare and providing well-being for our entire community.
To share more about this lasting partnership, I must first share more about SummaCare’s history and how we got here.
In the early 1990s, one of the area’s largest...
Posted February 24, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
The COVID-19 vaccine is a proven way to protect individuals from severe illness, hospitalization and even death from the virus in most cases.
However, recent studies have shown that immunity from the initial COVID-19 vaccine series begins to wane over time, especially in people aged 65 and older. The COVID-19 booster vaccine is an additional dose of the vaccine to help people maintain their level of immunity.
That’s why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the...
Posted February 10, 2022 by Sue Crawford, Vice President, Sales and Market Development.
Dates play a critical part in our lives. From birthdays to vacation times to doctor appointments, we mark important dates on our calendars. Recording Medicare Advantage enrollment periods on your calendar should be important, too.
Posted January 27, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
SummaCare is proud to share that our 2022 Medicare Advantage Plan recently earned a 4.5 Star Rating (out of 5) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This is an increase from our 4-Star Rating in 2021, which underscores our hard work, dedication and commitment to providing high-quality service to our Medicare members.
Each year, CMS releases star ratings that deliver important information about the quality of specific plans to help people selecting Medicare...
Posted January 14, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Yearly wellness exams are an especially important tool to be proactive about your health. During these visits, you can discuss preventive care with your primary care provider, ask questions about current medications, address your health concerns and more.
Posted December 23, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
The coldest months of the year are upon us and going outdoors is the best way to enjoy the season and beat cabin fever. Getting a breath of fresh air is a proven way to relieve stress and anxiety.
Unfortunately, wintertime fun can come with a host of hazards. From skiing and hiking beautiful snowy landscapes to exercising outdoors and snow shoveling, there are plenty of preparations you should take when enjoying these activities to keep you safe and warm.
So before...
Posted December 09, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Posted November 11, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development
If you’re eligible for Medicare and are a Veteran, you’re probably receiving a lot of information from Medicare plans since we’re now in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP.) The AEP is from October 15 through December 7 and this is when most Medicare-eligibles select their coverage for the coming year.
Posted November 01, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Shopping for health insurance? If you don’t have health insurance through your employer, don’t yet qualify for Medicare or make too much money for Medicaid, SummaCare is here to help.
Posted October 21, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
SummaCare is committed to guiding members to be the healthiest versions of themselves. That’s why we take pride in going beyond basic Medicare with valuable extra benefits designed to fit your different needs in order to reach optimal health.
Posted October 01, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development
It’s that time of year again when the leaves change color, temperatures turn cooler and the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins. From October 15 through December 7, 2021 is when most Medicare eligibles can select their Medicare coverage for 2022.
Posted September 24, 2021 by 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Losing your balance is no laughing matter. It’s one thing to be clumsy and trip over the rug from time to time, but falling is one of the most dangerous medical issues facing older people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four adults over age 65 takes a serious fall each year.
Posted September 09, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
As the saying goes, if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Strength training is a safe and effective way to keep muscles and bones strong.
As we age, hormonal changes lead to a decline in muscle mass. We also tend to lose more bone mass than our bodies form — and the rate at which we lose bone mass speeds up once we hit middle age.
But, you don’t have to be a weightlifter or pro athlete to see real results.
Posted August 27, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Losing weight is never easy. This is especially true after the age of 50, when you become more susceptible to gaining weight and storing excess body fat. This is attributed to loss of muscle mass and metabolic changes, coupled with the tendency to make poor dietary choices and live a sedentary lifestyle.
Posted August 12, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
The big 5-0 celebration is over. The cake has been eaten, the gifts put away and the thank-you notes sent. Now what? It’s time to take a proactive role in your health, if you haven’t already.
Posted July 22, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Posted July 08, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Think walking isn’t good exercise? Think again. Brisk walking boosts your physical and mental health in so many ways.
Walking increases your cardiovascular fitness, strengthens bones, muscles and joints, and reduces excess body fat, while decreasing your risk of developing conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and some cancers.
Posted June 24, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Posted June 03, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Posted May 20, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Posted May 06, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
People around the country are lining up to get one of three available COVID-19 vaccines — Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson — that have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to combat the virus.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a crucial step to help guard against severe illness, hospitalization and even death from the virus. It also is an important tool to help stop this ongoing pandemic.
But before you roll up your sleeve, know you...
Posted March 25, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
A drug formulary is a list of all drugs, both generic and brand name, that are covered by your health plan. The purpose of the drug formulary is to direct members to the least costly medication that is most effective in treating their condition.
So whether you are taking prescription drugs temporarily for an infection or you take them regularly for a chronic illness, it’s important to understand your heath plan’s drug formulary so you’re prescribed a covered...
Posted March 11, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
At SummaCare, our goal is to provide members with the tools they need to become their healthiest — and happiest — self. That’s why we created Plan Central, so you can manage your health and wellness all from one convenient, online location.
Through Plan Central, you will enjoy 24-hour, secure access to the following and more:
Posted February 24, 2021 by Anne Armao Vice President of Member Experience and Product Development
As part of the pandemic’s toll, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their employer-sponsored health coverage. The window to sign up for your own individual or family plan closed on December 15.
Good news! Starting February 15, consumers seeking health insurance may be able to take advantage of this Special Election Period. Find out if you are eligible by visiting summacare.com/individual or by calling us. The SEP is being offered from February 15...
Posted February 04, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
Regular appointments and building a strong relationship with your primary care provider are important steps toward a healthy — and perhaps, longer — life. Think of your primary care provider, or PCP, as your partner in becoming your healthiest self.
Good communication is one way to build a strong relationship with your PCP. Coming prepared with a list of your top questions and concerns is important to ensure you make the most of your next checkup.
SummaCare...
Posted January 21, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
It’s estimated about 54 million Americans are living with osteoporosis and low bone mass, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. More alarming, studies suggest about one in two women and up to one in four men age 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis.
As we age, we tend to lose more bone mass than our bodies form — and the rate at which we lose bone mass speeds up once we hit middle age. With osteoporosis, your bones become porous, weak and...
Posted January 12, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
After nearly a year of interruptions in every aspect of our lives — work, school, entertainment and more — families finally have some good news: a COVID-19 vaccine.
The first vaccine recently approved by the FDA was by drug giant Pfizer and shows a 95% effective rate for preventing a COVID-19 infection. Pfizer developed the vaccine in partnership with the German company BioNTech and Chinese drugmaker Fosun Pharma.
The second frontrunner approved by the FDA was by...
Posted December 15, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
It’s Saturday afternoon and you’re just getting around to putting up the holiday lights. In a matter of seconds, your foot slips off the ladder, you try to grab ahold of the roof but miss and fall fast to the ground with a thud.
At first glance, you seem OK, but when you try to get up your arm is throbbing. There is a chance it could be broken, and you want to get it evaluated.
When situations like this arise, we’re often faced with the uncertainty of where to...
Posted December 03, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
If you suffer a catastrophic accident, become terminally ill or are in a coma that leaves you unconscious or unable to speak, how can you make sure your medical wishes are known? Advance directives are your answer.
Advance directives are written instructions to your loved ones and health-care providers about the type of medical care you would like to receive should you not be able to communicate them. They are important tools that help reduce confusion and disagreements about...
Posted November 19, 2020 by Anne Armao VP, Medicare & Individual Products and Sales
No employer health coverage? No problem.
If you don’t have health insurance coverage through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can still protect yourself with an Individual & Family plan.
What should you look for in an Individual & Family plan?
Access to care is crucial. Be sure the plan you choose includes your doctors and preferred hospitals in their network and that the drugs you take are in their...
Posted November 05, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
You know the feeling: your hands sweat, your heart pounds and your muscles tense. Yes, that’s stress, commonly known as our “flight or fight” response. It can motivate you to nail that big presentation at work or quickly react if your kid takes a tumble. But unless you’re being chased by wolves or slamming on the brakes to avoid a pile-up, your stress could be doing you more harm than good.
That’s because our stress response isn’t very good...
Posted October 18, 2020
Meet our new president Bill Epling.
Born at Summa Health System-Akron Campus, Bill is literally a born and raised Northeast Ohio native. That gives him a unique perspective on our local market and the people who live and work here. However, his 30-year healthcare delivery and health plan experience extends far beyond his roots.
His deep experience will serve him well as he tackles the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare delivery system. “I think the diversity of my...
Posted October 05, 2020 by Anne Armao VP, Medicare & Individual Products and Sales
Maybe you’re just turning 65 and newly eligible for Medicare coverage. Maybe you’re a Medicare “veteran” and looking to enhance your original Medicare coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan. There are key things to consider when weighing your options.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Plans
A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan offers everything you get with original Medicare but adds to that coverage with money-saving extras. Depending on the one you...
Posted September 21, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
As we wage war against COVID-19, testing is a powerful weapon to help stop the spread of the virus.
Testing can be used to expedite care when needed and potentially identify individuals who require self-isolation. In addition, people they’ve come into contact with can be traced sooner, so those at risk can quarantine and watch for symptoms.
Testing also helps epidemiologists determine how widely the illness has spread; it makes the “enemy”...
Posted September 01, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Posted August 17, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Life is busy, and it’s easy to forget to take care of ourselves first. There’s just not enough time in the day.
But even in these uncertain times of COVID-19, it’s important to take charge of your health. Preventive health screenings should be a priority to ensure optimal health, in addition to a healthy diet, exercise and plenty of rest.
Regular health exams and tests can detect problems even before you experience any symptoms. In addition, detecting...
Posted August 04, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Posted July 17, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Posted July 01, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Now that summer has arrived, it’s time for some much-needed fun in the sun — especially after weeks of stay-at-home orders to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
From outdoor hikes to swimming to pick-up games at the park, there are many activities to look forward to doing outdoors. Not to mention, these activities are a great way to boost your mental health and keep your family physically active.
But with the gradual reopening of parks, pools and playgrounds,...
Posted June 18, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
In accordance with Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health, many hospitals, physician practices and dental offices across the state are resuming health services as cases continue to stabilize and the stay-at-home order has been lifted.
But while we understand the integral part regular checkups, health screenings and management of chronic illness play in our overall health, it’s understandable many members are nervous to step back into the doctor&...
Posted June 03, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
Posted May 15, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
The nonstop news coverage and daily statistics on COVID-19 infections and deaths can leave anyone feeling stressed and anxiety filled, if not depressed. It’s only natural to worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, especially when it comes to a new disease where not much is known.
Fear and anxiety about the recent COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming, isolating and cause strong emotions. You may notice:
Posted April 30, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, Network Development and Contracting
SummaCare is here to serve and support our members — especially in this unprecedented time of crisis. As we navigate changes to our everyday lives amid the recent COVID-19 pandemic, know that your well-being and health coverage remain our top priority.
That’s why we are actively monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak as cases continue to increase across the country and putting measures in place to protect our members, while also providing prompt access to...