Molina Health Care - Your extended Family

Recently, Ohio released the new state budget, which allocates nearly $140 million to reducing infant mortality, defined as the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. This commitment is especially encouraging because Ohio’s sleep-related infant deaths have dropped since 2015—a reduction that corresponds with intensive state and local initiatives promoting safe sleep practices. In other words, we’ve seen that using our resources to educate parents about infant mortality is an effective way to address the issue.

Now the state is putting methods in place to help reduce rates of other measures that have an impact on infant mortality including preterm birth, too-short intervals between births, smoking during pregnancy and birth defects—as well as expanding safe sleep promotion.

The following measures are proving successful here in Ohio, and may help you save the lives of more babies in your state, as well.

Preventing premature birth

• Progesterone is a hormone medication that can reduce the likelihood of pre-term delivery in at-risk women. In Ohio, we are working with a group or professionals comprised of perinatal clinicians, hospital personnel and government representatives to provide progesterone in high-risk communities. Specifically, managed care plan efforts, in partnership with Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative (OPQC) provider partner sites, resulted in an estimated average of 94 fewer births per year of infants born before 32 weeks of gestation in Ohio. Through this program, Molina also saw an average pregnancy gain of 4.5 weeks compared to patient’s most recent preterm delivery.

• Longer birth intervals of at least 18 months between deliveries allow a women’s body to fully recover, and reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. To promote longer birth intervals, we’re working to provide greater access to family planning and long-acting reversible contraceptives.

• Discouraging smoking—Because smoking increases the risk of preterm birth and low weight, the state is expanding publically-funded promotion of an evidence-based smoking cessation model, and awareness campaigns including “Baby and Me—Tobacco Free.”

• Prenatal Care—Ohio is leveraging federal grants to expand local voluntary, evidence-based home visiting services in areas with the highest infant mortality rates, to educate pregnant women about maternity care and parents about baby care.

• Recommending against medically unnecessary initiation of labor —the Ohio Perinatal Quality Collaborative works to ensure that initiation of labor and caesarian section are pursued only when medically indicated.

Safe Sleep Practices

• Safe Sleep Screening—Ohio law requires birthing centers and maternity units to assess whether newborns will have a safe sleep environment before they are discharged to go home.

• Cribs for Kids®—For families unable to afford a safe crib, the state funds a network of local partners that provide a Graco® Pack ‘N Play for their newborn.

ABC’s of safe sleep—The state is relaunching a public awareness campaign that reminds parents to place babies Alone, on their Back, in a Crib, because babies who sleep on couches, in bed with others, or on their stomachs are more likely to die from an unexpected sudden cause.

• OB/GYN Toolkit—To insure patients get as much information as possible about keeping newborns safe, our Safe Sleep Subcommittee is putting together a toolkit for OBs, gynecologists, nurse midwives and lactation consultants to address safe sleep and educate their patients.

Community Partnerships

As part of the SFY 2016-17 biennial budget process, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) –in partnership with Managed Care plans – invested $26.8 million over two years to support community-driven proposals to combat infant mortality at the local level and enhance coordination among various agencies that provide care for women and infants at risk. Funding was awarded to community organizations located in areas of the state with the highest infant mortality rates. Initiatives included focused efforts on home-visiting, faith-based community support, fatherhood initiatives, centering, mental health and addiction, cultural competency training, and community health workers.

The same level of funding for these community efforts were also provided as part of the SFY 2018-19 biennial budget process.

Molina Healthcare is very invested in lowering the infant mortality rate and we are grateful for Ohio’s leadership in taking on this issue, and that these measures will make a difference. Here’s hoping every baby boy and girl gets a chance to celebrate their first birthday! ​​

It’s a familiar feeling: you want to be in better shape and have more energy. But depriving yourself of your favorite foods is no fun. And getting yourself to exercise when you’re tired—it’s tough every day. So why is it that some people can keep off the extra weight, and squeeze in those regular workouts? What’s their secret?

It could be the way they LOOK at eating right and staying active. Think of it this way: eating healthy is a gift you give to yourself. Exercising is self-care. You deserve to be taken care of, and you’re the perfect person for the job. Anytime you have trouble staying on track, remind yourself that this simple shift in perception can help you reach your goals of living, looking and feeling your best.

Below, we’ve got more tips to help you give yourself the gift of a healthier you.

• Focus on the deliciousness of healthy foods: If you’re having trouble staying on your healthy-eating diet, shift your mindset. Instead of letting yourself feel deprived, put it in your head that you’re indulging in delicious treats! A study that offered vegetables on a menu that described them with adjectives usually used for unhealthy foods (like “slow roasted,” “rich,” and “carmelized”) increased the consumption of vegetables by 41% over those described by the standard health-oriented adjectives.¹


• Think yourself healthier, literally: Just believing you are physically active, as opposed to thinking you are lazy and don’t exercise enough—this can improve your health. In fact, a recent study showed that people who thought of themselves as less active than others had a mortality risk up to 72% higher 21 years later than people who perceived themselves as more active, controlling for actual levels of physical activity. ². So to magnify the benefits of exercise, be sure to think of yourself as an active, healthy person.


• Drink lots of water: Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.” It’s something simple you can do that really works. Why? Because drinking water can boost your metabolism, which helps your body burn calories faster. Try drinking water right before a meal and you may also eat less.


• Keep track of what you eat: The more you can count calories and pay attention to every snack and meal, the less likely you are to overeat. There are many ways to do this: keep a food diary, get a diet buddy and check in with them over what you eat, take pictures of everything, or use one of many smartphone apps—whatever works for you. Keeping a food journal not only helps a person lose weight but also helps them keep it off! Seeing the caloric content of your diet can influence your food choices and keep you on the right track.


• Reward yourself for doing the right thing: Choose the right kind of reward, in an amount that makes sense. If you’ve lost a lot of weight, you might want to give yourself a non-food-related prize, like a massage, new workout clothes, or a trip to the movies. Also, to keep yourself from feeling deprived, you can give yourself a LITTLE treat to eat. Just don’t go overboard. Try cheating on your diet once a week, as opposed to all weekend long. And don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. Everyone makes mistakes. Just remind yourself of everything you’ve done well and encourage yourself to get back on track.

1. Association Between Indulgent Descriptions and Vegetable Consumption: Twisted Carrots and Dynamite Beets. Bradley P. Turnwald, MS, Danielle Z. Boles, BA, Alia J. Crum, PhD

2. Health Psychology, Perceived Physical Activity and Mortality: Evidence From Three Nationally Representative U.S. Samples. Octavia H. Zahrt and Alia J. Crum. Online First Publication, July 20, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/hea0000531

Shopping for health insurance is a daunting task, and with the Affordable Care Act in place, consumers have more options to choose from than ever before. Did you know that in some markets there are as many as 50 choices?

Finding the right health plan for your needs doesn’t have to be confusing. Start by answering these five questions to help guide your search for the perfect plan!

1. Are you looking for health insurance for the first time or do you have a health plan you could renew?

If you are looking for health insurance for the first time, you need to decide what is most important to you. Is it low monthly costs, generous coverage with low co-pays, or the ability to see specialists without a referral? Set your priorities before you shop to help make your search more streamlined.

If you were part of a plan in 2017, you’ll need to decide whether to keep your plan or elect a new one, based whether the plan details have changed and whether your old plan still suits your needs.

2. How much coverage do you need?

The answer here is based on your general health, and that of those who depend on you. How often did you or your family members visit the doctor last year? The answer to that question is a good indicator of what to expect in the next year unless something has changed. No one can predict the future, but if you have been generally healthy, there’s no reason to expect that will change suddenly, and you can probably choose a plan with low premiums and less coverage.

3. What kind of plan do you want?

Consumers have several choices when shopping for health insurance, but there are three major types of plans. HMOs are also called “managed care” – this option will usually offer a small group of doctors to choose from, and your primary care doctor will act as your first point of entry for all health services, referring you to other doctors as needed. A PPO, on the other hand—preferred provider organization—usually offers a network of providers who you may see without a referral from your primary care provider. The PPO option generally carries higher premiums and is more expensive overall.

4. How will your plan handle emergency care?

This is a key question for anyone electing new insurance. Though no one can plan for an emergency, you want to be sure you’re covered if you or someone in your family needs immediate care. Before you choose a health plan, check to make sure your choice includes emergency visits, ambulance rides, hospital stays and procedures such as X-rays and MRIs.

5. Do you have, or are you planning to have, children this year?

Young children tend to get sick more often than healthy adults, simply because their immune systems aren’t fully developed and they are exposed to lots of germs at school. Make sure your plan covers both sick and well-child visits and the cost of needed vaccinations.

If you are considering expanding your family, you will want to consider a few other things when shopping for your health plan. Check to make sure that pre and post-natal care are offered and included in your coverage, and ensure that once your new family member arrives, your plan will cover his or her needs as well. Even healthy babies spend a lot of time visiting the doctor during their first years!

Shopping for health insurance can be a daunting task, whether you’re looking at the marketplace or selecting from employer offerings. Keeping these five questions in mind when you shop will keep you on the right path toward finding the perfect plan for you and your family! ​

Year after year, we hear about the dangers of flu season. Why? Is the flu really such a big deal?

In a word: yes.

Thousands of people die from the flu each year, and tens of thousands more are killed by flu-related illnesses. Articles about it keep popping up because it’s crucial to stay safe.

Luckily, there are easy ways to reduce your chances of catching the flu—and we’re making them even easier. Because we’ve put everything you should know about staying safe right here in one place. To quickly learn all you need to avoid getting sick, read on.

What is the flu? How do I know if I have it?

The flu—short for influenza—is a contagious respiratory virus. The most common flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially in children

How does the flu spread?

Most experts believe when a sick person coughs, sneezes or talks, they spray droplets onto the mouths or noses of others, or onto surfaces people put their hands on before touching their own mouths, noses or eyes. You can pass the flu along before you know you have it, as well as while you’re sick. Symptoms start one to four days after exposure, usually by day two.

Who can catch it?

Everyone can get the flu. But some people especially susceptible: children age five or younger, older adults, pregnant women and those with other medical conditions.

What can I do to prevent it?

By far, the most effective method of flu prevention is a flu vaccination, also known as a flu shot. It’s recommended that everyone over six months old get one. You may have heard that a flu shot can make you sick—this is absolutely false, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In fact, flu shots are your greatest defense against illness.

How effective is the flu vaccine?

The effectiveness varies each year. In 2016, the flu shot was about 50% effective. But even if you catch the flu after getting a shot, it can reduce how severity of your illness.

When should I take action?

Flu season is from October to May, peaking between December and February. The flu shot will be the same all season, so it’s good to get one as soon as you can.

Are there other ways to avoid the flu?

Of course! It also helps to wash your hands often. Avoid being near people who are infected, and stay home when you’re sick, so you won’t infect others. Break the habit of touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Clean and disinfect everything that may be contaminated with flu germs. And use a tissue every time you sneeze or cough, then throw it way.

Anything else I should know?

Yes! According to NBC News/KING TV, experts are predicting an especially severe flu season this time around—partly because many people skipped the flu shot last year! Don’t contribute to the problem. Protect yourself and others. Get a flu shot!

NBC News/KING TV Story:

Flu forecast predicts big flu season ahead ​

People battling mental illness and substance misuse disorder have also had to deal with the misperception that seeking help is weak or abnormal. Thankfully, there is more acceptance all the time, and unfair stereotypes like these are changing—but we still have a ways to go. By clearing up myths and stigmas about mental illness and addiction, we hope to improve understanding and foster a healing environment for those who need assistance.

Myth 1: Mental health issues and addictions aren’t normal or common.
Quite the opposite: these conditions are normal and so common, you probably know someone who’s facing them—or deal with them yourself. According to the World Health Organization, 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide. In the U.S., the National Institute of Mental Health has indicated that 40 million adults experience anxiety.
Substance misuse is so common, the U.S. Surgeon General reports that one in seven Americans face addiction.

Myth 2: Addiction and mental illness are just in your head.
On the contrary, mental illness is recognized as the result of changes in brain chemistry. It is a medical condition—which is why psychiatrists go to medical school to train for four more years after earning an MD, to learn all about the science of mental illness.
As for alcoholism and addiction, in 2016, the Surgeon General’s report declared addiction a disease centered in the brain, “a chronic illness that must be treated with skill, urgency and compassion.”

Myth 3: It’s not worth the embarrassment to treat these problems.
The shame associated with mental health concerns contributes to more than half of those in need not getting treatment. Only 10% of people with substance misuse disorders get help. But if untreated, the situation is likely to deteriorate further—rapidly. For example, someone with just a few symptoms of depression may soon experience a full range of problems that require more intensive treatment, and then face a harder road to recovery. A person experiencing a drug/alcohol problem who tries to stop on his or her own may not succeed then get caught in a downward spiral of self-loathing and worsening drug abuse. But no one has to suffer alone. There is help, relief, rehabilitation—and hope.

Here are some mental health resources to help. If you or someone you know is unable to stop drinking or using drugs, contact aa.org for Alcoholics Anonymous or na.org for Narcotics Anonymous, talk to your primary care provider or call your health insurance company.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health concern, there are many kinds of treatments available. An excellent place to start is http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/finding-help-when-get-it-and-where-go

Sources: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0011000016671411
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/nurturing-self-compassion/201705/the-catastrophic-effects-mental-health-stigma
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/issues/mental-health-america-prevalence-data
https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/releases/stigma-as-a-barrier-to-mental-health-care.html
http://www.psychologicalscience.org/publications/mental-illness-stigma.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/18/us/substance-abuse-surgeon-general-report.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/when-your-adult-child-breaks-your-heart/201512/untreated-mental-illness
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/myths-facts/ ​​​​​​​​