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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.

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 of each year. Please contact BCBSNC 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 is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. BCBSNC does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, mental or physical disability, health status, claims experience, medical history, genetic information, evidence of insurability or geographic location within the service area. All BCBSNC items and services are available to all eligible beneficiaries in the service area.

Limitations, copayments, and restrictions 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 you would like Medicare Advantage or Part D documents in a different language or format, or your coverage has ended and you need proof of coverage or a Certification of Health Insurance Coverage, you can call us 7 days a week, 8a.m. to 8 p.m.

The information on this page is current as of 10/01/2012.

Y0079_5875 CMS Approved 10012012