Can I Change My PCP?

You may change your Primary Care Provider (PCP) in certain cases. Examples of when you may change your PCP are:

• You or your PCP move out of area
• It is hard for you to understand your PCP
• You are unhappy with the care your PCP provides to you
• Your PCP is no longer seeing UPHP members
• Your PCP is listed wrong on your card

There is a limit of no more that 3 PCP changes. If you choose to change your PCP more that three times, you must get special approval. When you choose to change your PCP, you must call by the 15th of the month in order to see your new PCP the next month. Remember that you must see the PCP listed on your Membership ID card. If you try to see a different doctor, you may have to reschedule your visit. Call UPHP if you have any questions.

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Safety Seats Can Save Lives

Car crashes are still the number one cause of death for kids ages 5 through 15. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says you can do the following to keep your kids safe.

• Kids should ride in the back seat if your car has a passenger side airbag.
• Babies under 1 year old and less than 20 pounds should ride in rear facing safety seats. These seats should be placed in the back seat.
• Babies over 1 year old and more than 20 pounds may ride in safety seats that face the front.
• Kids should use a safety seat until they weigh at least 40 pounds.
• Kids weighing 40 to 80 pounds should use a booster seat with lap and shoulder belts.

Read and follow the directions when you use a safety or booster seat.

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Winter is here, so be sure you and your child are dressed warmly!

• Thermal Underwear
• Turtleneck
• Sweater/Sweatshirt
• Pants
• Coat & Ski pants/Snowsuit
• Hat & Scarf
• Mittens
• Wool Socks
• Waterproof Boots

Be sure to cover all exposed areas

Frostbite can set in quickly if you don’t!

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New Member ID Cards!

All UPHP members will be getting new Member ID cards at the beginning of January. These cards will replace any UPHP ID cards you may already have and will look different than the old ones. They now include your Primary Care Provider (PCP) phone number, as well as the name. Another difference is that you will receive a separate pharmacy card. It should arrive within a few days after you get your ID card. Please throw away any old cards you may have, as soon as you get your new ones.

You will need to take your new cards to your medical visits, along with your Medical card from the state. If you don’t take all three cards, you may have to reschedule. Please call UPHP if you have any questions.

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Toy Safety

Christmas is just around the corner. That means parents need to be on the look out for toys that are not safe for their children. To keep them safe, follow these steps from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Read and follow all age and safety labels.
• Keep uninflated balloons and their broken pieces away from children.
• Keep small round and oval objects like balls and marbles away from children. They may fit easily into a child’s mouth and may be hard to remove from the throat.
• Remove all crib toys, which are strung across crib or playpen areas when babies begin to push up on their hands and knees or when they are 5 months of age.
• Keep toys intended for older children away from younger children.
• Check all toys regularly for breakage and hazards. Repair damaged and dangerous toys or throw them away.
• Store toys safely to prevent tripping. Check toy boxes and shelves regularly for safety.

For more information, write to the: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207

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Upper Peninsula Health Plan
1-800-835-2556

Choice & quality care from a local homegrown health care network.

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