Member newsletter - October 2023

hennepin health member newseltter

 

October 2023

In this issue:


The difference between member renewals and annual health plan selection

You’ve been hearing about member eligibility renewals for the past months. Now it’s time for the annual health plan selection. These are two separate things.

Member eligibility renewals

This is a process where you renew your health insurance eligibility. When it’s your time to renew, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) will mail you a notice and a packet with instructions. Look for the envelope with a blue circle marked “Important information enclosed.” Make sure to reply on time.

You must take action or you will lose your health insurance.

Annual health plan selection (AHPS)

This event is an opportunity for you to change your health plan if you want. DHS will mail you a notice in the coming weeks.

To keep Hennepin Health as your health plan, you do not have to do anything. The AHPS period ends Friday, December 1 for non-integrated SNBC members and Thursday, December 7 for PMAP, MinnesotaCare and non-dual SNBC members.

If you have questions about your health plan benefits, call us at 612-596-1036, TTY 711 or visit Annual health plan selection / Annual Health Plan Selection - Department of Human Services (mn.gov).

Get your flu shot

Flu season is here. Now is the time to get a flu shot for you and your family. Flu shots are safe and covered by us with no cost to you.

You can get a flu shot at many places, including your clinic, local pharmacy and some retail locations. Check this list of pharmacies for a location near you.

Protect your health and the people around you.

Free Covid tests

The federal government is once again distributing free COVID-19 tests. Americans can order four more kits at no cost. Ordering opened on September 25. The U.S. Postal Service started shipping the free tests in early October.

Order up to four tests per household using the government website COVIDTests.gov.

flu shot kid

New webpages for pregnancy and baby’s first year

We’ve put together helpful information for your pregnancy and your baby’s first year. The new webpages are:

Pregnant members get extra medical benefits. Call Member Services or your county worker as soon as you learn you are pregnant.

Pregnant member can earn gift cards for prenatal and postpartum care visits. You can also earn gift cards when you bring your baby in for regular health care visits and immunizations. Visit the Rewards program page for more information.

pregnant couple

Have you had a dental visit this year?

Keep your teeth healthy by practicing basic dental care:

  • Brush and floss regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings

Developing good dental health habits is the best way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you haven’t had a dental visit recently, make an appointment today to keep your teeth healthy.

To find a dentist or make an appointment for yourself or your child, call our vendor Delta Dental at 651-348-3233 (866-298-5549), Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

woman smile

Enrollee Advisory Council update

The Enrollee Advisory Council (EAC), who are Hennepin Health members, met on August 17. Members met Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian, our new chief medical officer and discussed:

  • The differences between Hennepin Health and Hennepin Healthcare
  • Ways to find Hennepin Health providers
  • What is health insurance to you?
  • The 24/7 HealthConnection nurse line

When it comes to the difference between Hennepin Health and Hennepin Healthcare, EAC members commented that we need to make clear that we are the health insurance plan while Hennepin Healthcare is the clinic and hospital. Although we work together, we each give specific services to members.

EAC members shared that health insurance means:

  • “If something happens to me, I’ll be ok.”
  • “Without insurance medical and dental bills would be bigger.”
  • “It’s having a whole team there to support you in your health and wellness.”

EAC members said there are challenges, especially finding a provider who can see you. EAC members would like to see more ways to access care.

The EAC gives feedback on overall health care issues, new programs and changes in procedures. Group feedback indicates the priorities and interests of members. If you have questions about the EAC, contact us at 612-596-1036 (TTY 711).

Holiday season health info with Healthwise® Knowledgebase

HealthWise

With the holiday season approaching, wellness for you and your family may be on your mind. The Hennepin Health Healthwise Knowledgebase online health tool has lots of information to help you learn about health conditions and how to treat them.

  • Mental health – While the holidays bring joy and togetherness, they can also increase stress and affect your mental health. Use Healthwise Knowledgebase to find out more about:
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Panic attacks
  • Healthy eating – It’s common to eat more than usual and extra sweets during the holidays. Use Healthwise Knowledgebase for tips on:
    • Healthy eating
    • Healthy eating for children
    • Weight management

Learn more in English or Spanish at www.healthwise.net/hennepin.

Wellness: October is…

breast cancer

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

A woman in the U.S. has a 1 in 8 chance she will develop breast cancer. In rare instances, breast cancer can also affect men. However, screening and treatment improves survival rates.

Read more about breast cancer and what you can do.

SIDS/Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

According to the CDC, more than 1 out of 3 unexpected infant deaths in the U.S. each year are from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Research shows that soft or loose blankets in baby’s sleep area can be a leading cause of infant death.

Read more about SIDS and safe sleep for babies.

Wellness: November is…

American Diabetes Month and Diabetic Eye Disease Month.

Diabetes can impact nearly every daily decision—from what you eat, wear and do, to how you take care of yourself.

Read more about diabetes and diabetic eye disease. 

Lung Cancer Awareness Month Lung cancer accounts for about 27% of all cancer deaths. Knowing the warning signs of lung cancer can help you receive treatment as soon as possible.

Read more about lung cancer. 

National COPD Awareness Month

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. COPD can often be prevented.

Read more about COPD.

COPD

Follow us on Facebook

For the latest news, stories and updates about keeping you healthy, go to facebook.com/hennepinhealth.

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DHS approved 10/24/2023 ID# MC-1522-MC

Language and civil rights notices

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612-596-1036

Email

hennepinhealth.org

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