True Health New Mexico | true to your health | Fall 2018

As a True Health member, you can receive your annual flu shot at no charge. Search for an in-network pharmacy at truehealthnewmexico.com/Formulary.aspx or call your primary care provider’s office. Make sure the pharmacy has the vaccine available before you go, and take your ID card with you. { G E T Y O U R F L U S H O T — F R E E ! } Don’t stand so close. Try to avoid close contact with sick people and their flu germs. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. It’s a simple trick to avoid transferring any germs you might have gotten from door handles or other sur- faces to your eyes, nose or mouth. Boost your immunity. Help your immune system fight off the flu with plenty of rest, exercise and healthy foods. C atching the flu can result in misery, missed work and, in the worst cases, even a hospital stay. Good news: Foiling the flu, and its potential conse- quences, is doable. While there’s no guarantee, here are five strategies to try: True Health earns NCQA Interim Accreditation status { FALL 2018 | FOR MEMBERS OF TRUE HEALTH NEW MEXICO } Get a flu shot every year. Public health officials urge almost everyone 6 months and older to get vacci- nated, ideally in the fall. Why? It’s the best way to lower your risk of the flu. Wash your hands often. Clean hands are especially important during flu sea- son. Use soap and water or, in a pinch, an alcohol- based hand rub. 1 5 3 2 We are pleased to tell you that we have received Interim Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). NCQA is an independent, not-for-profit organization that assesses and reports on the quality of managed care plans and other health-related programs. Not all health plans are required to seek NCQA accreditation, but True Health New Mexico chose to do so. This achievement is an important part of our growth and an opportunity to create benchmarks for our high standards of quality. We are particularly proud that we received this status after being in business for only eight months. Recognition from NCQA is a reliable indicator of quality and value that consumers, employers and agents look for. True Health New Mexico will keep its Interim Accreditation status for 18 months. After that time, we will be eligible to take our first NCQA accreditation survey. We believe all New Mexicans deserve health coverage that helps them receive the care they need more easily. Through our ongoing commitment to quality, we help you reach your best state of health. 4 Take this next step If you do get the flu, taking a prescription antiviral drug (ideally within two days of feeling sick) may make your illness milder and shorter. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral if your age or other health problems put you at risk for serious com- plications from the flu. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ways to foil the f lu 5