Posted December 19, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
The holidays are a time for family, celebration and great food. But if you’re not careful, unwanted pounds can quickly sneak up on you. Just 500 additional calories a day — the equivalent of about three cookies or a tumbler of your favorite holiday latte — can lead to a pound of weight gain each week.
The good news is healthy eating around the holidays doesn’t have to mean eating boring foods or depriving yourself of your favorite holiday treats....
Posted December 05, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Choosing a Medicare Advantage healthcare plan can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than going it alone, connect with a Medicare Advantage advisor who can walk you through your options and help you choose the plan that’s right for you.
Already have coverage? Medicare Advantage advisors can help you better understand your plan plus offer tips on ways to use your benefits to their fullest potential.
Think of your Medicare Advantage...
Posted December 02, 2024 by Matt Baker, Director of Sales
‘Tis the season for the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). If you recently lost your health insurance, need to bridge the gap before qualifying for Medicare, your employer doesn’t offer group coverage, or you’re simply looking to switch plans, this season is for you.
This is the time when individuals and families can sign up for private health insurance, adjust their current plan or cancel.
Even if you have health insurance and are happy with your...
Posted October 22, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
It’s that time of year again when the leaves change color, temperatures turn cooler and the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins. AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 every year.
Rather than simply letting your Medicare Advantage plan renew automatically at the beginning of each year, it’s a good idea to review it to make sure it’s still meeting your needs. And if it isn’t, this is the time to make changes. If you miss...
Posted October 15, 2024 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
Selecting the right health insurance for your small business can seem overwhelming, but a crucial factor that should significantly impact your decision is the provider network included in the plan. A provider network is simply the group of doctors, advanced practice providers, hospitals, healthcare facilities and pharmacies your insurance company partners with to provide care for its members. These networks help lower healthcare costs by negotiating substantial discounts with...
Posted September 26, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
In today’s fast-paced digital age, technology is an integral part of our lives. We use it for work, connecting with loved ones, entertainment, purchasing goods, scheduling activities and so much more. Most of us would agree, we can’t live without it!
But in a world of constant connectivity that continuously bombards us with news, notifications, emails, text messages, social media updates and more, it’s vital to take breaks and unplug. ...
Posted September 13, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Did you know being proactive about your health can help you live longer, improve your quality of life and reduce your risk for chronic disease?
That’s reason enough to take action now when it comes to your health!
SummaCare is here to help. We understand how taking steps to be healthy are key to living a longer, healthier and happier life. That’s why we offer health and wellness tools and programs to members at no additional cost across all of our plans.
Our...
Posted August 22, 2024 by Bassey Ijoma MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Clinical Quality Improvement
Social relationships are central to your well-being. Everyone needs social connections to survive and thrive. But as we age, factors such as mobility challenges, hearing loss, chronic illness and death of a partner can leave older adults spending more time alone and disconnected from the outside world.
Unfortunately, social isolation and loneliness can lead to a decrease in physical and mental health, and an increased risk for early death. In fact, the World Health...
Posted August 08, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Navigating health insurance can be tricky. Myths that frequent the insurance landscape can make it worse by leading to unnecessary confusion. However, with the right information and guidance, you can make informed decisions in protecting you, and if applicable, your family’s health.
SummaCare debunks six common health insurance myths so you can make an educated plan decision. Because the fact is: Health insurance is necessary and it’s not a one-size-fits-all...
Posted July 25, 2024 by Matthew Baker, Director of Sales
Thinking about early retirement? Before you take that leap…looking into what health insurance options may be available to you is one of the most important topics to consider—especially if you retire before you’re eligible for Medicare.
Healthcare costs can add up fast, especially if you’re uninsured or have inadequate coverage. What’s more, as we age more health challenges tend to surface and access to quality, affordable health care...
Posted July 11, 2024 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness
Summertime is here and that means many families are gearing up for their annual summer getaways including beachside fun, cross-country adventures – even international voyages.
Whether you’re an occasional road-tripper or a frequent flier, SummaCare offers six essential tips to ensure smoother travels and avoid unnecessary headaches while spending time away from home.
After all, the more research and prep you put in before you hit the road (or board the plane...
Posted June 20, 2024 by Bassey Ijoma MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Clinical Quality Improvement
It’s a fact of life: Everyone will get a dreaded headache at one time or another.
But, not all headaches are created equal: They can range in severity, frequency and cause. So, when you have pain and pressure in your head, how do you know whether it’s a headache or a migraine?
A migraine is much worse than a bad headache. It can cause severe, sometimes debilitating, throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head, and disrupt school or work. It also...
Posted June 06, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
We get it. Health insurance can be very confusing. There are many moving parts, lots of terms (and acronyms) to understand, different plans and coverage can work a little bit differently and there are many ways to get it.
Nevertheless, health insurance is vital to help you pay for your healthcare costs. Just like car and home insurance, it provides crucial financial protection if you need care, are involved in a severe accident or become seriously ill. If you end up...
Posted May 23, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Who said resolutions have to fail? With flowers in full bloom, sunnier days and warmer temps, summer is a great season to refocus, refresh and renew your health goals for a healthier, happier you.
Life can feel a little easier in the summer. Research shows bright sunshine can lighten your mood and longer days with more time outside can reduce stress. You feel energized to eat better, be more active and focus on your well-being.
So, to help you feel your best this...
Posted May 09, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
In today’s world chock full of modern conveniences, physical activity may not play a big part in our daily lives. Think about it: We drive to our destinations, get our goods delivered by mail and many professions require prolonged sitting at a computer. Not to mention, our favorite pastimes (reading, watching movies and playing video or board games) involve long periods of sitting.
In fact, if you’re like most people, you spend more than half of your...
Posted April 25, 2024 by Anne Armao, Vice President of Member Experience & Product Development
Have you ever thought about what some of your favorite sounds are? Some individuals may say it’s a loved one’s voice or their laugh. Others might note a favorite piece of music as their most pleasing sound. The relaxing sounds of the ocean or rustling leaves in the fall may top other people’s lists of favorite sounds.
After taking a moment to think about those auditory pleasures, would you be willing to give any of them up? Probably not &...
Posted April 15, 2024 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
With SummaCare’s Plan Central, MEWA clients can enjoy streamlined enrollment administration via our online platform. By leveraging our platform’s features and convenient tools, you can expect to save time, enhance productivity and foster a more engaged and informed workforce.
Plan Central allows you to customize user roles and permissions, ensuring secure access and control over specific functions...
Posted April 11, 2024 by Kerri Towsley, Director, Product Development & Market Intelligence
Do you frequently misplace your car keys or phone? Do you have trouble coming up with the right words during conversation or forget why you went upstairs?
Many people think that becoming forgetful and slowing down mentally is a fact of growing older. But, it doesn’t have to be!
Just as our bodies require care and exercise over the course of our life, so do our brains — especially as we age. Lifting weights strengthens our muscles, while strengthening our brain...
Posted March 28, 2024 by Kerri Towsley, Director, Product Development & Market Intelligence
Did you know SummaCare makes it easier than ever to get over-the-counter (OTC) products to help you stay healthy at home?
Most Medicare Advantage plan members receive a quarterly OTC benefit allowance to cover health and wellness products, non-prescription medications, vitamins, and more. You can use your SummaCare Visa card to pick up these health essentials at most major retail stores and pharmacies, or have them shipped directly to your door.
Learn more about...
Posted March 14, 2024 by Bassey Ijoma, MSN, RN, BSN, Manager, Quality & Clinical Improvement
Not only can art add beauty and meaning to your life, but research shows it may be essential for your health and well-being. Think of art as creative fitness for your mind and body! Studies show that expression through art and creativity can boost your mood, reduce stress, relieve pain and improve memory.
In fact, many hospitals and clinics use art therapy as an effective tool to support healing from depression, anxiety, traumatic events, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder...
Posted February 29, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
It’s estimated more than 65 percent of U.S. households own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. Dogs are the most popular pet, followed closely by cats and freshwater fish.
Owning a pet is a good choice to make — and not just because they’re cute and cuddly. While owning a pet comes with great responsibility, research suggests it can bring a wealth of physical and emotional benefits, too.
“Man’s best friend”...
Posted February 15, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
While it is sometimes easier to focus on our physical health, good mental health is just as essential for your overall well-being.
Mental health incorporates your emotional, psychological and social welfare. It affects how you think, act and feel. But, that doesn’t mean that you’re always happy or you’re unaffected by your experiences.
Instead, having a healthy mental state means you’re better able to cope with life’s stressors,...
Posted February 01, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Vitamin D deficiency is a common concern among people who live in northern climates. Shorter days with less sunlight during the cloudy months, paired with more time indoors to escape the cold, can make it difficult to get adequate levels of vitamin D.
Some vitamins can only be obtained through dietary adjustments. However, vitamin D is often called the sunshine vitamin because the body is able to produce it when exposed to the sun’s rays.
Vitamin D is essential...
Posted January 18, 2024 by Pamela L. Krutkiewicz, MSEd, MPA, CWP, Senior Health Promotion Specialist
A new year always prompts us to start thinking about ways to improve our health — whether that’s tackling a fitness goal, prioritizing emotional well-being or seeking ways to better manage chronic conditions. Whatever your resolution(s) might be, SummaCare’s MEWA health plan is here to support you with a comprehensive toolbox of valuable wellness benefits.
At the heart of your wellness journey is SummaCare’s WebMD® Health...
Posted January 18, 2024 by Jen Yates, MS, Manager, Health & Wellness
Changes in nature, cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice and the anticipation of the holidays make the fall and winter seasons favorites for many. But for those suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), shorter days with intermittent sunshine can make this time of year long and dreary — both physically and mentally.
The American Psychiatric Association estimates about five percent of adults in this country suffer from SAD, a reoccurring type of mild-to-...