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On April 22, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release, providing an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. Given the size of the data impacted, the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is expected to take several months. UnitedHealth Group believes this situation will impact “a substantial proportion of people in America” and is offering immediate credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. Visit Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or reach out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 regarding any questions.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Guide

 

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a condition that affects the way the brain works and controls the body. It’s caused by a shortage of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which help the brain send and receive messages. When the brain doesn’t have enough neurotransmitters, messages have trouble traveling between nerves. That can make it hard for a person to pay attention or control their body, thoughts and feelings

 

Watch for symptoms

  • Lack of focus, inconsistent performance at school, distraction, trouble shifting between tasks or settings, messiness and forgetfulness are symptoms of the attention deficit part of ADHD.
  • Being easy to anger, having trouble controlling impulses (talking too much, interrupting), moving constantly and refusal to learn from mistakes are symptoms of the hyperactivity part of ADHD.

Think about treatments

  • Therapy: A therapist can help your child learn healthy ways to cope with ADHD. They can offer support and give them tips to better manage their time. They can also share what habits make ADHD worse and teach your child how to cut down on them.
  • Medication: Some kids with ADHD take stimulants to help with focus. Others take antidepressants or other medicines. They can’t cure ADHD but can help with symptoms. Talk to your child’s doctor about what may be right for them. It may take some time to find what works best.

Use tips and tricks

  • Make a schedule for each day and help your child stick to it.
  • Use a day planner and to-do lists that you can follow together.
  • Set alerts or alarms and write reminder notes.
  • Find activities that let your child be creative instead of those that are focused on details.
  • Limit distractions during homework and other tasks.
  • Let your child take breaks from activity when they need it.
  • Reward your child when they finish a task.

 

Benefits

CMS Health Plan can connect you and your child to services and supports for people with ADHD. Here are some examples of benefits your child may qualify for:

  • Behavioral Health Assessment Services – People with ADHD are more likely to also have depression and other mental health disorders. Get up to 150 minutes of behavioral health services per year, as medically necessary.
  • Family Therapy Services – Up to 26 hours of family therapy sessions per year. Covered as medically necessary.
  • Group Therapy Services – Up to 39 hours of group therapy per year. Covered as medically necessary.
  • Individual Therapy Services – Up to 26 hours of one-on-one therapy per year. Covered as medically necessary.
  • Specialized Therapeutic Services – Services provided to children up to 20 years old who are diagnosed with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Covered as medically necessary. Prior authorization required.
  • Medication Management Services – Services to help you make the best choices for taking medication. Covered as medically necessary.
  • Mental Health Targeted Case Management – Services to get medical and behavioral healthcare for people with mental illness.
  • Swimming Lessons – Up to $200 a year for swimming lessons.
  • Equine Therapy* – Therapy that involves activities with horses.
  • Pet Therapy* -- Therapy that involves activities with trained animals.
  • Art Therapy* – Therapy that involves art activities with a behavioral health clinician with an art therapy certification.

Learn more about your child’s CMS Health Plan benefits.

Contact Member Services or your Care Manager to learn about support programs, including:

  • Steps2Success: Free reading scholarships for qualified members who are in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and want to improve their reading skills. Members 16 and older without a high school diploma can take the General Educational Development (GED) Exam for free. Space is limited. Fill out a scholarship application (PDF) to get started.
  • Tutoring Services: Up to 12 two-hour tutoring sessions per year to help with schoolwork. Contact your child’s Care Manager for details.
  • Hazel Health: School-based telehealth program to improve access to both behavioral and medical care in schools**

 

*Through EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment).

**Only available in some counties. Ask your child’s Care Manager for details.

 

Visit the Krames Health Library to access thousands of health sheets on medications, conditions and more. Visit the Community Resource Database to get connected with programs and supports in your area that can help with food, shelter, education, jobs and more.

 

Call Member Services at 1-866-799-5321 (TTY 1-800-955-8770) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.