Posted September 01, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
As we age, hearing loss can become a significant challenge, impacting daily conversations, social interactions and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often include coverage for hearing aids and related services, giving you the advantage of getting the coverage you need without the cost of supplemental coverage. A downright game-changer, if you ask us! And something you can’t get on an Original Medicare plan.
Posted August 06, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
There are lots of benefits to be had as a member on SummaCare’s Medicare Advantage plans. From plans with low premiums to comprehensive medical and dental benefits to Silver Sneakers gym memberships that keep you in shape, the perks abound. But one perk you may not be as familiar with is BrainHQ.
Developed by an international team of neuroscientists, BrainHQ is an interactive, online brain training program that allows you to exercise your cognitive abilities including memory,...
Posted July 09, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
If you take medication regularly, it’s important to store it safely—especially when traveling. Medicines can lose their strength if they are exposed to too much heat, cold, moisture or light. Improper storage can make them less effective, or even unsafe to use.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your medication safe while you're away from home:
1. Keep Medicines Away from Heat
High temperatures can change the way medicine works. If you leave medicine in a...
Posted July 03, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Let’s face it. Health insurance pricing can be confusing. At first glance, it looks straightforward with a monthly fee for coverage on the health services you need. But throw in terms like deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket maximums, and it can be difficult to determine what you’re expected to pay each year.
Yet, health insurance is a vital expense to help you pay for your healthcare costs. Just like car and home insurance, it provides crucial financial...
Posted June 21, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
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SummaCare’s member portal covers the details, so you don’t have to. From prescriptions to snail mail payments to referrals or prior authorizations, any healthcare plan can leave you with an overwhelming amount of paperwork that can be hard to keep track of. Plan Central, SummaCare’s online member portal, helps you keep it all straight, serving as the personal assistant you never knew you needed—but will likely be very glad you have.
Members can...
Posted June 19, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
We all know the saying: “April showers bring May flowers.” Spring is the season for planting — and perhaps planting seeds for better health.
The benefits of gardening go well beyond flowers in the summer and a harvest in the fall. A regular dose of gardening can do wonders for your mind, body and overall well-being by relieving stress, moving your body, stimulating brain activity, promoting a healthy diet and much more. In fact, gardening is one of the...
Posted June 05, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
A stroke can change your life in an instant. It can affect movement, speech, emotional health and more, and in some cases, can cause long-term disability or death. It’s critical to recognize the signs and ACT FAST if you or someone else experiences one.
Also known as “brain attacks,” strokes occur when blood flow is cut off to an area of the brain either by a blockage or a burst artery. Without blood flow—and the oxygen and nutrients that blood...
Posted May 22, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Spring is a season of fresh starts and, of course, catching up on some much-needed spring cleaning. The warmer temperatures and sunshine spring brings are a breath of fresh air after a long winter.
However, spring cleaning shouldn’t be reserved only for your home; your health and health insurance can benefit, too. Organizing your health insurance to maximize coverage ensures your plan is working to help keep you in tip-top shape.
From choosing in-network providers...
Posted May 08, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
You’ve probably heard about “in-network” vs. “out-of-network” providers, but what exactly do these terms mean and why do they matter?
Consider this situation: You recently changed jobs and now have a new health insurance plan. However, after a recent visit to your primary care provider (PCP), you discover that your provider is now considered “out-of-network.” This means you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket to continue...
Posted April 24, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Water is essential for healthy bodies. The human body is made up mostly of water — nearly 60 percent — and every part of the body needs it to function correctly.
Getting enough water enables our bodies to regulate body temperature, improve digestion, keep joints lubricated, prevent infection, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organ systems working properly.
But surprisingly, dehydration is common — especially as we age, when thirst levels naturally...
Posted April 16, 2025 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention
As a small business owner in today's competitive landscape, you know that attracting and retaining top talent hinges on more than just salary. Your employees come from all walks of life – diverse in age, background and health situations – each with unique needs. That’s why a one-size-fits-all group health insurance plan simply won't cut it.
SummaCare's Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) plans are specifically designed for small businesses, offering...
Posted April 10, 2025 by Matt Baker, Director of Sales
Your mid-20s are a time of significant growth and independence as a young adult, establishing your career and exploring life’s options. Unfortunately, it’s also the time you age out of your parents’ health insurance.
The Affordable Care Act requires that health insurers allow young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plan until they turn 26 years old. But then what?
Fortunately, you have several options and some time to consider them....
Posted April 03, 2025 by Matt Baker - Director of Sales
Posted March 27, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Many of us take our vision for granted. We use our eyes to see loved ones, read a great book, watch a movie, play games with kids or grandkids and just about every activity in between.
The tough truth of the matter, though, is that vision loss is highly prevalent, affecting millions of people around the globe. It is also increasingly common as we age.
Left untreated, eye conditions like cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration can...
Posted March 13, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Sure, the weather outside might still be frightful, but sunnier, warmer days are closer than it might seem.
And there’s no better time than now to spring into action and start preparing your home for the new season ahead — when you’re still spending more time indoors. While spring cleaning may be on your mind, it’s important to include a few home maintenance and safety tasks to prepare for springtime.
Now is also a great time to take stock of...
Posted February 20, 2025 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Exercise doesn’t have to be boring. If you’re looking for a fun way to boost your health in the new year—try adding dance to your fitness routine!
From ballet and tap to ballroom, hip-hop or disco, dancing is not only enjoyable but also a great form of exercise to help keep your health in rhythm.
Some styles of dance offer a more intense workout than others, but moving your body, in general (with a few caveats), can be beneficial for both your physical...
Posted February 06, 2025 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Whether you’re trying to stick to more regular exercise, adopting new healthy habits, upping how much money you save or making time for more travel as part of your resolutions for the new year—SummaCare can help you stay on track. We have benefits to support you every step of the way—helping you to maintain momentum and achieve the goals you’ve set all year long.
We offer health and wellness benefits—at no additional cost to members—...
Posted February 04, 2025 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
In today’s competitive business environment, attracting and retaining top-tier talent is critical to the success of your small business. A strong bottom line starts with a healthy workforce. That's why offering a comprehensive benefits package and including quality health insurance isn't just a perk—it's a necessity.
Providing health benefits shows employees that you value their physical and mental well-being, leading to a happier, more productive workforce....
Posted January 16, 2025 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Dorothy said it right in The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home!” It comes as no surprise that most aging adults want to stay in their homes and maintain independence for as long as possible.
Unfortunately, maintaining a home and remaining safe in it becomes more and more challenging as we age due to declining vision or hearing, reduced muscle mass and physical endurance, problems with balance or other increasing health concerns.
Depending...
Posted January 02, 2025 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Getting sick is no fun. In the midst of cold and flu season—you might be curious if there are ways to strengthen your immune function. The answer is “Yes.” There are ways to keep your body’s natural defenses against illness and disease at their best—and doing so doesn’t even involve a “magic” supplement.
A healthy immune system works to protect you from illness, disease and also helps heal injuries.
Your skin...