• 
• 
• 

Congestive heart failure

Congestive heart failure is a part of life for many Medicare beneficiaries. In fact, it is the leading cause of hospitalization for people age 65 and older.

If you have congestive heart failure, this program can provide you with education, supplies and resources to help you manage your health, including:

Preventive reminders
We'll send you reminders for regular health screenings, including:

• Annual flu shot
• Cholesterol tests

Educational materials
As a program participant, you'll receive a variety of educational materials designed to teach you more about living with congestive heart failure, such as:

• Information packets
  These packets include information on managing symptoms, diet and exercise, medications and testing. All materials should be used as supplements to the care you receive from your physician.

40% Discount on Self-Monitoring Devices
You can receive a 40% discount on selected supplies through Edgepark Surgical, Inc. Prices include shipping. Talk to your doctor about whether you could benefit from any of these items. To order, simply call 1-800-321-0591.

• Blood Pressure Monitors
• Heart Rate Monitors
• Scales

Support from a registered nurse
The Telephone Learning Center^TM toll-free line gives you access to comprehensive medical information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can choose to speak with a registered nurse or listen to recorded information on a wide array of health topics. For more information, visit our TLC page.

Online resources

• American Heart Association (AHA)
  The AHA's mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
  Provides leadership for a national program in diseases of the heart, blood vessels, lung, and blood; blood resources; and sleep disorders.
• National Institute on Aging
  The NIA's mission is to improve the health and well-being of older Americans through research.
• National Library of Medicine
  A series of information resources and interactive online education tutorials
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  The steward of medical and behavioral research for the nation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  Provides public health leadership to improve cardiovascular health for all, reduce the burden, and eliminate disparities associated with heart disease and stroke.

Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1, 2011. Please contact Blue Medicare HMO, Blue Medicare PPO or Blue Medicare Rx (PDP) for details.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract to provide HMO and PPO plans. BCBSNC does not discriminate based on color, gender, religion, national origin, age, race, disability, handicap, sexual orientation, genetic information, source of payment or health status as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). All qualified Medicare beneficiaries may apply. You must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B and must reside in the CMS-approved service area. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium, if not otherwise paid for under Medicaid or another third party. BCBSNC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The information on this page is current as of 10/01/2009.