CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Advantage

Taking care of your teeth is something you never outgrow. Good dental habits are just as important for preventing gum disease and tooth decay now as they were when you were a kid. Plus, keeping your mouth healthy is especially important if you have a health issue like diabetes or heart disease, or taking medicines that can cause oral health issues.

For more information, visit Oral Health for Older Adults: http://spr.ly/6181uwF8z.

We’re all interested in living our best, healthiest lives. That’s why we publish LiveWell, a newsletter created especially for Medicare Advantage members. It’s packed with information on how you can stay healthy and get the most out of your plan. Look for the latest edition in your mailbox soon!

Your old prescriptions can be a nuisance, cluttering up your medicine chest and making it harder to find the meds you’re looking for. More importantly, they could add to the problem of prescription medication abuse.

Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Gather all your unused or expired prescription medications and deliver them to one of our safe and convenient drop-off location.

To find a drop-off location near you, visit http://spr.ly/6189uXk21.

It’s never too late to get a flu shot. In fact, now would be the perfect time. While the flu is always circulating, the peak of what we call flu season runs from December through February.

Visit your primary care doctor or any nearby, in-network pharmacy to get your flu shot. It’s quick and easy—and it’s free.

When the weather turns cold, we tend to head indoors. But staying active helps both your mental and physical health. So put on an extra layer and get moving.

Want some inspiration? Try a walking meditation with a SilverSneakers® trainer. Learn more about SilverSneakers. Start here: http://spr.ly/6186uwktG

The best way to beat breast cancer is to catch it early. And one of the most effective tools for early detection is a mammogram. Women over 40 should have a mammogram every one to two years. If you have additional risk factors—such as a family history of breast cancer—talk to your doctor about how often you should have one.

Mammograms are part of your plan and are available to you at no cost. Protect your health by scheduling one now.

It’s Bone and Joint Health National Action Week. If you’ve got an achy back or creaky ankle, you’re not alone. Millions of people around the world suffer from a variety of musculoskeletal issues including arthritis and osteoporosis.

As you age, you’re more prone to developing these conditions. So be sure to talk to your doctor about what your risk factors are and what you can do to keep your bones at their healthiest.

As people age, they may experience things that affect their mental health, such as coping with a serious illness or losing a loved one. Many adjust to these changes. But for some, feelings of grief, isolation and loneliness persist and lead to more serious issues like depression and anxiety.

Approximately 15% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from mental illness. If you or someone you know is affected, don’t wait for things to get worse. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional about treatment options as soon as possible.

Knowing the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer can help catch it while it can still be treated successfully. Performing monthly self-exams will help you identify any changes in your breasts.

If you notice anything unusual, be sure to alert your doctor. And remember, your plan includes preventive screenings for breast cancer at no cost to you.

When life gets stressful, complicated or just plain messy, it helps to talk to someone. You can meet with a mental health professional in the privacy of your own home with a telehealth appointment. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today.

Thanks to ongoing research, there are more tools available for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease than ever before. But prevention is still one of the best defenses. Diet, exercise and social interaction can all help you keep your mind sharp as you age.

To learn more about preventing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, visit http://spr.ly/6183PfaY9.

As we age, the dangers of a bad fall become more serious. But there are plenty of things you can do to prevent falls and keep yourself on your feet.

For simple, effective ways to prevent falls, visit http://spr.ly/6189PfaYJ.

There are many delightful things about fall—but the start of flu season isn’t one of them. Why put yourself at risk? This year, get your flu shot early and protect yourself against fall’s worst feature. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or local pharmacy today.

Su***de affects people of all ages. But it’s shockingly common among older adults—particularly in men over 65. But it’s a preventable tragedy. If your or someone you know is thinking of taking their own life, don’t wait—call or text the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline at 988. The service is free, confidential and available to everyone in the U.S. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pain. We all have it. We all deal with it. But there may be more ways to treat your pain than you know. Acupuncture, chiropractic and other non-traditional practices are now more common than ever.

To see what treatments are available to you, visit http://spr.ly/6186PQnn4.

Pain. We all have it. We all deal with it. But there may be more ways to treat your pain than you know. Acupuncture, chiropractic and other non-traditional practices are now more common than ever.

To see what treatments are available to you, visit http://spr.ly/6187PQnnl.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. If you’re over the age of 55, it’s time you took action. What better way to honor Prostate Cancer Awareness Month than by asking your doctor if a prostate cancer screening is right for you?

To learn more about prostate cancer and how to prevent it, go to http://spr.ly/6181PtMZS.

Got a health question that just can’t wait? Call our free 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line with your non-urgent medical questions. An experienced nurse is ready to help you all day, every day at 833-968-1773.

There’s good cholesterol. And there’s bad cholesterol, too. Which is which? And how much is too much?

During Cholesterol Awareness Month, take some of the mystery out of your cholesterol. Get yours tested and ask your doctor what you can do to maintain healthy levels.

For more info, visit https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol.

CVS Caremark Mail Service makes it easy to keep on top of your prescription refills. You can save both time and money by having your regular medications sent directly to your door. To learn more about this service, visit your My Account page and select Drug and Pharmacy Resources from under the Coverage tab. Or call CVS member services at 888-970-0917.

Your yearly checkup can do more for you than just running a few tests. Next time you’re due for an annual wellness exam, talk to your doctor about developing a Personalized Prevention Plan (PPP) and performing a Health Risk Assessment. Don’t wait for trouble to come to you—be prepared!

Annual wellness visits are part of your plan if you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months. You can have one once every 12 months as part of your plan.

Telehealth lets you get your annual checkup, preventive health screenings and mental health appointments from the comfort of home. Schedule a virtual annual wellness checkup with your primary care doctor—it's covered by your plan.

Have you heard from one of our healthcare experts lately? Either by phone or letter, CareFirst nurses and other healthcare professionals are reaching out with information about programs that could improve your health.

Your participation could help you find a primary care physician, manage a chronic condition, get the most out of your medicines and more. We encourage you to take the call or answer the letter. It could do you a world of good.

Live better and save money while doing it. That’s the idea behind Blue365. Get discounts on everything from meal delivery service to fitness equipment and lots more. If you’re a CareFirst MedPlus plan member, see what you can save on by visiting http://spr.ly/6182PcyE8

Live better and save money while doing it. That’s the idea behind Blue365. Get discounts on everything from meal delivery service to fitness equipment and lots more. If you’re a CareFirst Medicare Advantage plan member, see what you can save on by visiting http://spr.ly/6180Pcy1y

Have you had your hearing checked lately? You can take a no-cost digital hearing test from the comfort of your own home through NationsHearing®. You can also meet with a local provider if you prefer. It’s up to you. Either way, it’s part of your plan.

Your bone density decreases as you age. It’s natural. But there are ways to lower your risk of fractures, breaks and other bone issues in later life. For instance, getting a bone density test (DXA) when you turn 65 can help diagnose osteoporosis.

For more tips on living a bone-healthy life into your sixties and beyond, visit http://spr.ly/6186PisLw

Being prepared for “when the time comes” is easier said than done. Common Practice wants to make end-of-life conversations less difficult. Their simulation, “Hello,” can help you develop your approach to talking about living, dying and what matters most. Learn more at commonpractice.com.

Shingles is common. It’s painful. But it’s also avoidable. If you’ve had chickenpox, you’re at risk of getting shingles. It’s a good idea to schedule a checkup and discuss the shingles vaccine—along with others that might be recommended—with your doctor. If you can’t see your doctor, remember: many vaccines are available at your local pharmacy at no extra cost to you.

Vaccines aren’t only for the young. Risks of disease changes as you get older. And childhood vaccines can lose their effectiveness over time. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what vaccines are recommended for you now.

For more information about adult vaccines, visit http://spr.ly/6185PjW7b.