Helpful Websites for Members

There are many resources available on the internet that can help you navigate the complicated world of healthcare.  Below are just a few of the websites that will give you further information about many topics that concern our members.  Please note, you will be leaving the Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred website when you click on the other website resource links.  Clicking on the link will open a new window on top of this one.  To go back to the Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred website, close the other website's window by clicking on the "X" in the upper right corner of the window.

I. Medicare

www.medicare.gov

The official Medicare Website is the ideal source for exploring the many aspects of Medicare.  On www.medicare.gov, you can:

1. Log into a secure online portal to view your Medicare details
2. Find out what Medicare parts A, B, C, and D entail, and how they work
3. Compare the health plans available to you by clicking on "Compare Drug and Health Plans" in the "Health and Drug Plans" tab

II. Prescription Drug Programs & Other Senior Services

www.needymeds.org

Needymeds is an invaluable resource for members who have high-priced prescription medications.  On www.needymeds.org, you can:

1. Search assistance programs for brand name and generic medications
2. Search clinics in your area for lower-cost medical services
3. Find information about many chronic illnesses and their treatment

www.fda.gov/Drugs/default.htm

The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) website offers food and drug safety articles.  On www.fda.gov/Drugs/default.htm, you can find information that includes:

1. Emergency preparedness
2. Drug safety and availability
3. And the development and approval process for drugs

www.massresources.org

The website gives detailed information regarding resources for people in Massachusetts that are in need of different assistance programs.  On www.massresources.org, you can find information on:

1. Prescription drug assistance through the Prescription Advantage program
2. Home care
3. Elder service plans
4. And other senior care options

www.mass.gov/elders

The state of Massachusetts' website has an Elder Affairs section that offers a wealth of information regarding the state-run programs available to seniors. On www.mass.gov/elders, you can find information about:

1. State-run programs such as SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders), Prescription Advantage, and MassHealth
2. Home health services
3. Caregiver support
4. And even assistance in finding employment

III. Preventative Care

www.minuteclinic.com/MA/Boston/Clinics.aspx

Now that Minute Clinics are part of our member benefits, this link can help you find a Minute Clinic that is close to you.  Minute Clinics are a great resource when you can't get to your doctor and need a flu shot or other preventive services.  Also, Minute Clinics will bill Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred directly for flu shots and other preventive services (please note: we highly recommend that you visit your Primary Care Physician (PCP) whenever possible).  On www.minuteclinic.com/MA/Boston/Clinics.aspx, you can:

1. Find a Minute Clinic location that is convenient to you
2. See the hours of operation of your closest Minute Clinic

www.flu.gov

The flu is a serious illness that can affect anyone at any age.  One of the best ways to avoid contracting this potentially deadly sickness is by getting a flu shot.  On www.flu.gov, you can:

1. Search by zip code to find flu clinics in your area
2. Read articles regarding flu outbreaks and important precautions that you can take to stay healthy

IV. Healthy Aging

www.cdc.gov/aging

The CDC's (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) page on aging allows you to view various topics on healthy aging.  On www.cdc.gov/aging, you can find information that includes:

1. Chronic disease management and advance care planning
2. Caregiving
3. Mental health and aging

www.nia.nih.gov

The official website for the National Institute on Aging is a valuable resource for articles.  In addition, the site provides outcomes for research on aging-related topics.  On www.nia.nih.gov, you will find information on topics such as:

1. Alzheimer's disease
2. Exercise and physical activity
3. Women's health
4. Medications/ Supplements

www.choosehealthy.com

As a member of Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred, you can take advantage of the services offered through ChooseHealthy.  When seeing a ChooseHealthy contracted provider, members can receive specific discounts.  On www.choosehealthy.com, you can get information about discounts on:

1. Massage therapy
2. Acupunture
3. Over 2,400 dietary supplements, homeopathic remedies, diet & sports nutrition
4. Yoga & fitness activities, personal body care, books, audio videos, DVDs and more

www.healthwise.net

Healthwise's page on making better health decisions includes valuable information that will enable you to make informed decisions regarding your health and well-being.  On www.healthwise.net, you can find information including:

1. The signs and symptoms of many illnesses and disorders
2. Which medications are used to treat certain ailments
3. The illnesses your symptoms may indicate

The products and services described in this brochure are neither offered nor guaranteed under our contract with the Medicare program.  In addition, they are not subject to the Medicare appeals process.  Any disputes regarding these products and services may be subject to the Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO grievance process.