When it comes to healthcare, it is all about the individual, not their condition. Healthcare organizations endeavor to help patients achieve better health, and this goes beyond reducing symptoms and healing injuries.

Behavioral economics—a science that was founded on the idea that “humans are irrational beings, but in highly predictable ways”—is empowering individuals to live healthier lives through programs that guide better decision making and create long-term healthy habits with the following three key principles:

Principle One: Understanding the human element of healthcare with the intent-behavior gap

Have you ever set your alarm to get up early, and then pressed the snooze button… multiple times… missing your morning workout?

If so, you know that achieving better health is easier said than done.

The disconnect between the healthy choices we want to make, and the instantly-gratifying choices we actually make, is called the intent-behavior gap, and it’s one of the key principles driving the science of behavioral economics.

Recognizing that we do not always follow through with our intentions, behavioral economics works to effect change through healthy habit formation. As the right choices become routine habits, it gets easier to match intentions with behaviors for better long-term health.

Principle Two: Overcoming present bias through financial incentives

Behavioral economics explains that we are all subject to present bias, the instant, tangible gratification that often drives basic human motivation. This bias leads us to prioritize immediate desires over things that will be best for us in the long run. As such, present bias is what causes us to order that dessert when we eat out with friends or lures us to stay seated on the couch, binge-watching a sub-standard reality television show when we told ourselves we were going to read.

Because what we want now often overshadows our ultimate goals, offering immediate rewards for making long-term healthy choices can motivate individuals in overcoming present bias and do what is required to be healthy, whether that’s checking glucometer readings regularly, exercising, or taking medication as prescribed.

Principle Three: Leveraging loss aversion to maximize results

If you have ever owned stocks or investments, chances are you are familiar with loss aversion, even if the term sounds unfamiliar. Imagine, your investment portfolio shows significant 15-20% growth across investments over the past year, but one of your investments dropped 10%. Are you focused on all the money you made, or walking away wondering when you could have sold that last stock to avoid a loss?

Loss aversion describes the human tendency to prefer avoiding loss, rather than gaining an equivalent amount. In other words—losing $100 feels worse than gaining $100 feels good. This means that, while traditionally structured incentives programs can be effective in changing patient behavior, they leave significant room for improvement.

Combining these three key principles of behavioral economics, with expert clinical pharmacy solutions, we can support and empower patients to better health, resulting in positive, lasting impacts and outcomes.

Taking your medications exactly as prescribed (improving medication adherence) is one of the most important things you can do to enhance your health and prevent medical complications.

For many Americans, medication adherence can be difficult to maintain. There are a number of barriers that we face every day, from social determinants of health (like medication cost, the ability to get your medication, etc.) to simply remembering when and how often to take your prescription.

As part of your pharmacy care team, we are dedicated to helping you manage your medications so you can live a healthy life. Here are 5 tips for improving medication adherence:

1. Set a reminder: Forgetfulness is the leading cause of non-adherence. Set an alarm on your phone or use a weekly pill organizer to remember when to take your medication, and include a note on how to take your medication (on an empty stomach, with water, with food, etc.)
2. Understand your medication: Understand how your medication works and why it is important to take it as prescribed. Ask your physician or pharmacist follow-up questions about anything you don’t understand. The more you know, the more likely you are to stay on track.
3. Know what happens if you miss a dose: What happens when you don’t take your medication as prescribed? Sometimes it sets back your treatment or can cause adverse effects or symptoms. If you do miss a dose, reach out to your pharmacist! Follow up with them as soon as you remember to minimize negative effects and get back on track.
4. Know your options: We understand that medication can be expensive, but there are things you can do to help reduce the cost to you. Call your health plan to make sure you are using a preferred pharmacy or to find out what medication alternatives are covered and available. If applicable, talk to your pharmacist about filling a 90-day supply, sometimes this can cost less than a monthly refill.
5. Plan ahead for refills:Get into the habit of checking your bottle for the number of remaining refills. Most pharmacies will call your doctor for you when refills run out, but it’s always a good idea for you to know when your prescription is coming to an end.

With the hope of a vaccine on the horizon, it is important to keep in mind that the global pandemic is still prevalent. It will take time for these vaccines to reach the general population, and the first recipients will be front-line medical workers and at-risk populations. Although the introduction of a vaccine is great news, we must stay vigilant in our efforts to end COVID-19 and that’s where social responsibility comes in. Social responsibility is the obligation of everyone in a community to make decisions that benefit society at large. It is important to remember that your actions can protect you, the ones you love and the community.

Here are five key ways to be socially responsible while we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Stay home, if possible – remaining at home to keep yourself and others safe is important, but can also cause severe loneliness. Remember that physical distance does not have to mean complete isolation. Keep in touch with loved ones through phone or video calls, spend time searching for meaningful gifts or messages you can send them, or even get together and enjoy a physically distanced outdoor meal.
2. Practice good hygiene – remember to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to keep germs at bay. Make sure to do this before you eat, after using the restroom, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing. If you cannot wash with soap and water, hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Avoid touching your face, and regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas.
3. Wear a mask — masks help slow the spread of coronavirus and protect both the person wearing the mask and those around you. Find a comfortable, fun mask that suits you!
4. Perform acts of kindness – support those who are most vulnerable in your community. There are many acts of kindness you can do during this time – run errands for an elderly neighbor, send handwritten cards to a nursing home, donate food to your local food bank. Helping others will put a smile on your face, too!
5. Show gratitude – many front-line workers have been working diligently since the pandemic began. Be grateful for those who serve our community, such as healthcare workers, childcare professionals, teachers, and other essential workers. You can even make a difference by offering to help provide childcare for essential workers, or making homemade masks or meals to give out.

We have come a long way in this pandemic and need to work together to bring it to an end. Do your part to stay healthy and be socially responsible.

Normal holiday stressors can be compounded when we miss someone we have lost or are impacted by other hardships. This year, the sense of loss – of a loved one, financial security and a sense of “normal” – has touched many of us due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we’re making plans to celebrate the holidays in unprecedented times, let’s take a break with Magellan’s Dr. Shareh Ghani as he discusses ways to address feelings of loss, practice self-care and make the most of this holiday season.

Magellan: Dr. Ghani, thank you so much for being here with us to share your many years of expertise in helping patients with behavioral health needs. Our first question: Is it possible to enjoy the holidays when we are experiencing the pain of losing a loved one to COVID-19 or something else?

Dr. Ghani: Thank you for having me. The pandemic has taken a toll on our community as we have lost loved ones prematurely, and we continue to experience sustained emotional pressure as COVID continues to spread. It is vitally important that we celebrate the holidays, exchange gifts and cards, gather virtually, and celebrate life. Spreading love and joy in these trying times will bring much-needed respite to the brain and body and boost our immune systems.

Magellan: How can we overcome feelings of worry and anxiety due to a job loss or other financial insecurity during this holiday season?

Dr. Ghani: Losing a job obviously leads to worry, anxiety and even questioning one’s own competence. The pandemic has helped many people shift focus to the “must haves” and not worry about the “nice-to-have” luxuries in life. Some are paying more attention to their health and fitness, minimizing spend, and planning for the future. Having a good strategy will help reduce the anxiety of uncertainty. If need be, talk to a therapist.

Magellan: Do you have any tips for people experiencing distress over not being able to celebrate the holidays in the way they may have in the past?

Dr. Ghani: One needs to evaluate the reason why we are changing our lifestyle. Social distancing helps stop the spread of the virus. Those who take this threat to our lives lightly may experience distress. Understanding the gravity of the situation alleviates it. We are celebrating in smaller groups so we can defeat the virus and return to our old ways of celebrating holidays safely. Think of it as a form of delaying gratification for better outcomes.

Magellan: What is your general advice for anyone who is experiencing loss to feel better and be able to experience joy this holiday season?

Dr. Ghani: Losing loved ones is a part of our life cycle. Human beings are resilient beings. Remember – those that we have lost would have wanted us to be happy. We should think about the happy moments we shared with those that are not here today and celebrate life.

Magellan: Why is it important to practice self-care and be an advocate for one’s own mental health?

Dr. Ghani: Good eating habits and physical exercise are key to physical and emotional wellness. Sleeping at least eight hours a day, hydrating well and experiencing joy and happiness are also important. All these things help with mental health. Relationships, family, helping others and being grateful add to a joyous life experience.

We all need to be cautious as COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States. However, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes need to be extra careful. According to the CDC, the risk of catching the virus isn’t greater for those with diabetes, but the symptoms could be worse. That’s especially true if diabetes is not well managed or controlled. Here are some ways to reduce your chance of contracting COVID-19 if you have diabetes.

• Keep your distance
  The best way to avoid getting sick is to stay home. However, we know that is not always possible. If you do go out, stay 6 feet away from other people and wear a face mask.
• Use good hygiene
  It’s important to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of infection. Be vigilant about washing your hands before you give yourself a finger stick or insulin shot. Also, remember to clean each area first with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
• Keep your blood sugar under control
  When you have diabetes, your blood sugar levels may be consistently high. Many parts of your body can be affected or damaged by too much sugar including your immune system, which puts you at greater risk of infection.
• Keep moving
  Your lifestyle may have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. You may be working remote, going out less, or avoiding the gym. However, moderate activity is still very important to your overall health and management of diabetes. Yard work, brisk walking, cycling, or in-home workouts are all safe ways to get exercise.
• Supportive family and friends
  To protect you, your friends and family should take extra precautions. Some of these may include washing their hands more often, not sharing personal items, and wearing a face mask if you’re in the same room.
• Stay positive
  Staying positive and focusing on those circumstances you can control is always a good foundation for health. Mindfulness activities and gratitude will go a long way to maintaining wellness.

If you do start feeling sick and have COVID-19 symptoms such as a dry cough, fever, or shortness of breath, call your doctor.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

Mental health is an important part of our overall health and well-being. While mental illness is incredibly common, two-thirds of Americans do not actively seek help or receive the proper treatment¹.

Plenty of treatment options are available to help patients with mental illnesses, but navigating care can be difficult. It is also important to consider the social and physical factors rather than focus only on mental health symptoms because mental health and physical health are directly related. This is why a behavioral health care manager’s role is essential. They provide care for the whole patient and ensure that treatment plans focus on health, wellness, and preventive care.

Here are five key ways care managers are helping guide patients to better mental health:

Coordinating Care
Care managers are typically nurses, clinical social workers, or licensed counselors who take a holistic approach to mental health. They work collaboratively and alongside physicians, nurses, providers, and other medical staff to ensure more continuity of care for patients. “Getting people to the right place is really our number one goal,” says Michael Adamson, LCSW, manager of clinical care services at Magellan Rx.

Preventing Escalation
If not treated properly, mental illnesses can lead to emergency room visits, hospitalization, or suicide. Care managers can help mitigate this risk by helping patients maximize their existing benefits for mental health and medical care. “If we can intervene before they think of suicide or before they need the hospital, that benefits everybody,” states Jordan Johnson, LMFT, senior care manager for Magellan Rx.

Checking In and Following Up
After a doctor visit or being discharged from a hospital, a patient may be feeling overwhelmed. Care managers check in on patients, make sure they understand their treatment plan, and eliminate gaps in care. “If I have a member who is discharged without a care plan, the member says, ‘I’m so glad you called, what do I do now?’” discloses Silvia Pantoja, senior care manager.

Supporting Parents and Caregivers
Depression and mental illness have increased over time in children and teens. Care managers not only help individual patients, but they can also support and provide resources for parents or their caregivers.

Education and Resources
Care managers help patients learn about all the resources and educational materials available to them. Especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, members need to rely on resources they are not normally used to. Care managers help find virtual care, online support groups, mail-order pharmacies, online resources, and more.

¹ National Network of Depression Centers. Get the Facts. Retrieved July 21, 2020 from https://nndc.org/facts/

As if 2020 wasn’t already difficult enough with the stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and protests over social justice issues, the upcoming election adds another level of anxiety for many people. A study published by the American Psychological Association in 2019 found that 56% of Americans, regardless of party affiliation, felt stressed about the upcoming presidential election.[1]  If you are feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate, you are not alone.

These feelings can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical health. Symptoms such as low energy, insomnia, loss of appetite, mood swings and tension are signs that you should not ignore. It is important to recognize what you can and cannot control as the election approaches.

You cannot control other people’s opinions, beliefs, reactions or how they express themselves. Nor can you control others’ votes. There are, however, many things you can control during and after the election:

• The amount of time you spend on election news and discussions. While the 24-hour political news cycle on television, radio and the internet is almost impossible to escape, you can limit the amount of time you spend on media each day.
• The coverage, feeds and groups you follow. When you are watching or reading election coverage, avoid negative-leaning discussions, especially if you feel constantly frustrated or upset by them.
• How you interact on social media. Avoid giving angry or emotional responses to posts that do not align with your views. You are unlikely to change other people’s opinions; you are more likely to get unwanted and hostile feedback.
• The time you spend with people. Prioritize your relationships with positive family and friends. Strong social connections can reduce stress and help you feel happier and more energetic. If you and a friend or family member have differing political views, try not to discuss them.
• How much you talk about politics at work. A February 2020 Gartner survey found that 78 percent of employees talk about politics at work; a third of those employees find the conversations stressful or frustrating.[2] Limit or avoid political discussions at work. When you do engage, treat colleagues with kindness and respect, and be aware that political discussions can hamper teamwork and productivity.
• How you deal with stress. Whether it’s meditation, going out in nature, reading a book or working on a hobby, take time every day to do something that makes you feel good. Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope.
• How you use your time and talents. Give your time and skills to a cause you believe in. If you have a strong interest in a political cause or candidate, offer to help with a campaign or other event.

Remember that professional help is available through your EAP if stress and anxiety about the election start negatively impacting your quality of life.

[1] https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/11/americans-significant-stress

[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/18/47percent-of-workers-say-the-2020-election-has-impacted-their-work.html

It’s hard to comprehend how much the world has changed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has turned our lives upside down in many ways, from school and business closures to quarantines and social isolation. With no clear end in sight, it is not surprising that many people are having difficulty getting used to the “new normal” that is far from what normal life once was.

Families face the challenges of online and home schooling, and the coming school year brings more uncertainty.  In addition, many people are experiencing financial strain from reduced working hours or job losses. Workers may have to work from home and adapt to an entirely new way of working, with little social interaction.  For some workers, juggling parental and domestic duties with the demands of work has been very stressful. Over time, chronic stress can lead to burnout.

Symptoms of burnout include feeling physically depleted, emotionally exhausted and negative about work.[1]

The signs of burnout are similar to those of depression. If left untreated, burnout can lead to physical illness and mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Here are some practical tips to manage burnout:

• Set boundaries between work and private life. If you work from home, set clearly defined working hours and a specific work area.
• Take breaks during the day and build transitions in your life between the start of work and the end of the working day. For example, making a transition to work can be as easy as getting a cup of coffee each day and logging into your computer at the same time. To end the day, practice a daily routine such as checking your emails, reviewing priority tasks for the next day and logging off your computer.
• Take your well-earned time off. Even if the pandemic kept you from going somewhere for vacation, a planned “staycation” will allow you to enjoy the well-deserved rest and relaxation. It is important to recharge; you will feel refreshed when you return to work.
• Don’t forget to socialize. When your colleagues start working from home, you may miss the casual social interactions had throughout the day. Like any skill, use it or lose it. Socialization in a time of pandemic takes effort to maintain.
• Make self-care a part of your daily routine. A healthy diet, getting enough sleep and maintaining an exercise schedule can help you cope with and reduce stress.
• Maintain consistent family routines. A regular routine can help all family members feel more focused and productive. If your child is at home learning online either full or part-time or you’re home-schooling, set consistent times for meals, schoolwork, other activities and bedtime.

Help is available. Your program is completely confidential and here to help you and your household members 24/7/365. No situation is too big or too small. Give us a call or visit your program website to get started.

[1] https://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/burn-out/en/