Minority Health Month
How Will You Be Empowered to Reclaim Your Health?
Just about every health condition imaginable is represented during a health awareness month, day or week. Conversation starters, they raise awareness about health, and prompt us to take action for better health.
• Do you have to manage diabetes? What are your struggles? Have you found something that helps? Are there others who are going through what you are? What are they doing about it?
• Are you taking heart medication? How do you feel when you take it? Is it working for you? Do you think the medication is doing enough to help you manage your condition, or do you need to introduce something new? What does your doctor think?
• Do you have a child who has asthma? Is the condition under control, or has something changed? Have there been changes that make you think it is time for something different? Is it time to check in with a professional for an expert opinion about what is normal?
• Is a digestive condition acting up? Do you know what is aggravating this condition, and are you aware of little changes that make you feel better? Would it hurt to ask a doctor or nurse about it?
• Did you know that if you are a Medicaid beneficiary, and an Amerigroup New Jersey member, you don’t have to wonder about health conditions because Amerigroup makes it easy and free to ask questions and get expert advice?
Health awareness holidays also serve as opportunities to remind people that it is important to learn more about health disparities and take steps to achieve better health outcomes.
• In New Jersey, the chance of children suffering from lead poisoning is four times more likely than the national average. A University of Michigan study found that Black, people including babies, are five times more likely to be poisoned by lead. Amerigroup, not only covers the cost of screening for lead levels, but offers reward payments to members who get required screenings?
• Researchers found that if Black women started getting mammograms by age 40, it could reduce cancer deaths by 57 percent. Amerigroup covers the cost of breast screening for women 40 and older, and helps members find how and where to get exams.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Black people have the highest incidence of tooth decay and higher levels of vision loss. Did you know that Amerigroup Medicaid members, can take advantage of certain dental and vision care services at no cost?
• If you are an Amerigroup Medicaid member in New Jersey and having trouble keeping up with screenings, doctors’ appointments and covered benefits, you can get help by calling the Amerigroup Customer Service number on the back of your ID card, checking out Amerigroup’s member website, or even downloading Amerigroup’s mobile app.
• More adults who are Black report that they cannot see a doctor because of cost, even though most preventative services are free without cost-sharing for adults, women and children who have Medicaid and most other forms of health insurance coverage.
April is Minority Health Month and an opportunity to empower yourself and learn about health disparities, conditions and opportunities that can directly impact your life.
Empowerment starts with awareness, so take time to learn more about your health. Read up about certain health conditions, and talk to a professional about what is expected and what can be better. Don’t wait to take action, especially if you are at higher risk. Start reclaiming your health today! For more information visit: https://www.myamerigroup.com/nj/home.html
