Issue 3 | Winter 2021

What's New

A letter from Ken Petronis, Chief Operating Officer at Ascension Complete

Dear Member,

Happy New Year! If you are new to Ascension Complete, welcome to Complete Community – a quarterly newsletter filled with news, resources and important reminders. If this is your second year with us, thank you for confidence in us to serve you again.

Ascension Complete is a Medicare Advantage plan made by the doctors you trust. In order to ensure you have optimal coverage, we’ve expanded our plan coverage to include Alabama, Tennessee, Indiana, and Michigan, in addition to our previous coverage areas Florida, Illinois and Kansas. This means you can now receive out-of-state care by visiting any in-network Ascension Complete doctor in areas where our plan is offered. For example, if you live in Chicago but are visiting our Jacksonville or Pensacola service areas, you can visit a doctor in our Florida network at no additional cost.

To ensure you’re staying healthy this winter season and beyond, we encourage you to schedule your free annual wellness visit today – whether it’s through in-person or virtual care. And by taking this simple step, you may be eligible to earn $100 through the My Health Pays® Rewards program.

Also new for 2021, we’ve redesigned and updated your member ID card, which you should have received in the mail.

And there’s more! Read on to learn more about new updates for 2021 and beyond. If there’s content you would like to see in future newsletters, let us know at CompleteCommunity@AscensionComplete.com.

On behalf of all of us at Ascension Complete, thank you for entrusting your healthcare with us.

Sincerely,
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Ken Petronis
Chief Operating Officer, Ascension Complete

COVID-19 vaccine: state distribution and FAQ’s

Receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is not only a way to protect yourself from infection, it’s also a way to care for your family and community. For the best protection from COVID-19, Ascension Complete recommends you get vaccinated and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations to reduce your risk and stop the spread of the virus.

Risk for severe illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at highest risk. Because Medicare beneficiaries are typically at a higher risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19, vaccinations may be offered to you sooner than other groups.

To help you understand and prepare for the vaccine, you can find more information about state’s vaccination plan and sites currently administering vaccines here. We’ve also answered some frequently asked questions below.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, talking to your doctor about the effectiveness, benefits, and risks associated with the COVID-19 vaccine may help you make the best decision for your individual needs. If you don’t already have a primary care doctor or you’re looking to switch doctors, use our Find-a-Doctor tool.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q: How do COVID-19 vaccines work?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 vaccines help your body produce antibodies to develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccine causes the body to produce “memory” lymphocytes that will remember how to fight the virus in the future.

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce antibodies and immunity after vaccination. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. It is important to continue to social distance, wear a mask in public, and continue handwashing in order to keep you and others from getting sick.

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of producing antibodies and building immunity can cause mild symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. If you have any concerns or experience symptoms you’re concerned about, please talk to your doctor.

Q: How many doses of the vaccine will I need, and do my two doses of the vaccine need to be from the same manufacturer?
As of February 2021, there are two vaccines currently submitted for Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA – made by Pfizer and Moderna.

According to the CDC, both COVID-19 vaccines require two shots to be effective. The first shot starts building protection, and the second shot administered a few weeks later is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer.

For vaccines that require two doses, both doses should be from the same manufacturer. When you receive your first dose, you will receive patient fact sheets that will note which vaccine you received. Keep that document and bring it with you for your second dose (if needed). We encourage you to communicate with your doctor about the vaccine you received both when you schedule and when you receive your second dose.

The Pfizer BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine requires 2 doses, 21 days apart. For more information on the Pfizer vaccine, click here.

The Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine requires 2 doses, 28 days apart. For more information on the Moderna vaccine, click here.

Q: How do I know the COVID-19 vaccine is safe?
We understand that you may be concerned about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. While COVID-19 vaccines are being developed quickly, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use.

Talk to your doctor today about the effectiveness, benefits, and risk for your individual healthcare needs. If you have any preexisting conditions, like diabetes, notify your doctor and/or the administrator of your vaccine before getting vaccinated.

Ascension Complete’s new virtual visits offering

As we continue to manage the profound impact that COVID-19 has had on our lives, we know that access to safe, convenient, at-home care is critical. As a physician with Ascension St. Vincent’s – Jacksonville, I know that telehealth or telemedicine is top of mind for many of you.

That’s why Ascension Complete is proud to partner with Ascension Online Care to offer a brand-new tool so you can easily schedule and join a virtual visit with an in-network doctor for non-emergency care. This tool is free to use with your Ascension Complete Medicare Advantage coverage.

You can use this tool by following these simple steps:

Visit www.AscensionOnlineCare.org on your smartphone, computer or tablet to get started. Note that you can also download a mobile app to access care easily via your smartphone – just search for “Ascension Online Care” in your app store.
Sign up for Ascension Online Care by filling out the information on the right-hand side of the screen, or by logging in if you already have an account set up.
Once logged in, you can schedule a non-emergent virtual visit with your in-network doctor.
Need help scheduling an appointment? Call Member Services at 1-833-623-0771 (TTY: 711) or look on the back of your ID card for contact information.

We hope that you’ll take advantage of this new tool. And don’t forget to schedule your annual wellness visit – one of the most important steps you can take to maintain your health and prevent future illness.

On behalf of all Ascension physicians and staff, we look forward to helping you live your best, healthiest life, whether through in-person or virtual care.

Be well,

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Wesley C. Mills, M.D.
Ascension St. Vincent’s – Jacksonville

Compassionate spiritual care is available online in 2021

Ascension Complete is committed to compassionate, personalized care for the whole person, including spiritual and emotional needs*. Our professionally trained chaplains deliver spiritual care that addresses the needs of the human spirit by helping empower you to heal and find meaning despite the many challenges we face today.

Ascension Complete is ready to provide compassionate support through our spiritual care provider, Ascension Online Care. Our chaplains start by listening to understand you as an individual.

Members can be referred to spiritual care through the Care Management team or can reach a chaplain directly 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the Ascension Online Care portal.

If you have any questions, please call Member Services at 1-833-623-0771 (TTY: 711).

*Certain medical conditions apply to the eligibility of the benefit.

Reminders

Personalize your healthcare by completing your Health Risk Assessment (HRA)

Your Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is an important step in personalizing your healthcare. Your HRA helps us understand any potential health risks you may have so you can receive the personalized care and services you need.

Your HRA is also a great way to keep your health information up to date, and make sure you have access to the right doctors and medications you need.

You can complete your HRA online, by mail or by calling an Ascension Complete Care Manager at 1-844-331-0444 (TTY: 711). We are here to assist you seven days a week, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (automated phone service is used some weekends and holidays).

To complete by mail, fill out the HRA form that came with your Ascension Complete Welcome Kit and mail it back with its prepaid envelope.

Managing Your Care

Schedule your free annual wellness visit today

Kick off the new year by completing your free annual wellness visit in-person or virtually. Your visit helps you and your primary doctor develop or update your personalized prevention plan to help you maintain good health.

Your annual wellness visit is different from a routine physical. The visit is less extensive and there is no physical examination or blood drawn. What to expect:

Routine measurements, such as blood pressure, height and weight
A review of your medical and family history
A personal risk assessment
Our commitment to your health and wellbeing

In an effort to minimize risk of exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re offering virtual visits, or telemedicine options, for Ascension Complete members. Check with your doctor to see if a virtual visit is available to you and what equipment you would need in your home to complete it.

By completing your annual wellness visit, you can earn $100 through the My Health Pays® Rewards program. To learn more about this and other rewards you can earn for completing health actions, click here, or call Member Services at the phone number on the back of your member ID card.

Schedule your in-person or virtual annual wellness visit with your doctor today. If you don’t already have a doctor or you’re looking to switch, use our Find-a-Doctor tool.

Comprehensive diabetes care

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it’s critical to take preventive measures to manage your condition. By talking to your doctor during your next visit and making sure you’re completing the following steps, you can stay one step ahead of your diabetes.

HbA1c test: This test, also called a glycated hemoglobin screening, shows your average level of blood sugar. It should be completed at least one per year. This will help your doctor make sure your levels are staying within range, and whether your diabetes medication needs to be adjusted.
Dilated retinal eye exam: This should happen at least once every two years. Your doctor can help you find an optometrist or you can look for one using the Find-a-Doctor search tool.
Nephropathy screening test: Make sure your doctor knows you need to get a nephropathy, or kidney disease, screening test. The test typically happens through a urine check. Kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes, so it’s important to screen for this at least once a year.
Blood pressure tests: Keeping healthy blood pressure levels is critical to diabetes care. This should be done on an ongoing basis or at every visit.

Have questions or need help managing your diabetes? Call 1-844-699-3128 (TTY: 711) if you would like to join our Enhanced Disease Management Program.

Member Stories

Recent member testimonials

As we kick-off our second year of Ascension Complete, we’re excited to share a few positive testimonials we received from our recent member survey. Here’s what they had to say about why they enjoy being an Ascension Complete member:

"I am happy with the health care I am provided. When I went on Medicare, I chose Ascension Complete because I already was a part of the Via Christi system and was happy I didn't have to change anything other than the plastic card I was carrying in my wallet." – Katherine from Kansas
"Plan has been pretty good so far. Surprisingly good." – John from Illinois
"I am happy and satisfied with my health insurance, the level of care I receive and the attitude of the health care professionals. Even in these times when we have to wear masks, get our temperature taken and fill our questionnaires, I am satisfied with the level of care. If I was not then I would seek an alternative." – Eva from Florida

We look forward to hearing more from you on our next survey, and as always, continuing to provide the right kind of care for you.

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Ascension Complete is contracted with Medicare for an HMO plan, and with some state Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Ascension Complete depends on contract renewal.

This information is not a complete description of beneﬁts. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Beneﬁts, premiums, and/or copayment/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.

You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. However, for full-dual beneficiaries, the State will cover your Part B premium as long as you retain your Medicaid eligibility.

Ascension Complete complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

ATTENTION: If you speak Spanish, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call Member Services.

ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame a Servicios para Aﬁliados.

Premiums, copays, coinsurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details.

The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.