Chronic conditions: Take control of your health

Managing chronic conditions: How to take control of your health

Daily medications. Glucose monitors. Inhalers. Blood pressure cuffs. Frequent labs, tests and check-ins with doctors and nurses. If you live with a chronic condition, these are likely parts of daily life for you or someone you love, along with planning meals that don’t trigger symptoms or making sure to get enough rest so you can live your healthiest life. You're not alone.

More than half of all adults in Maine manage at least one chronic condition—something that can often be controlled, but not necessarily cured--like diabetes, heart disease or asthma. And about one in six Mainers had three or more chronic conditions in 2021. In a 2025 report on community health needs in Maine, more than three out of four Mainers said chronic health conditions negatively affected them, whether through their own health, a loved one’s condition, or the impact on their community.

Prevent chronic conditions

Even if you do “everything right,” you can’t always prevent chronic conditions. Family history, the environment, and other factors beyond your control all play a role. But you can try to lower the risk of developing a chronic condition by:

• Eating well: Enjoy fruits, veggies, high-fiber whole grains, protein and healthy fats. Choosing nourishing food, while limiting processed foods and added sugars, can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Moving and building strength: Physical activity can help to lower blood pressure, improve blood sugar levels and lung function, lower inflammation and boost your mood. That all helps to lower the risks that cause chronic conditions.
• Managing stress and getting enough sleep: Breathing exercises, stretching, enjoying a favorite hobby or spending time outdoors are just a few things that can lower stress and support better sleep. Do what you love. 
• Keeping up with wellness visits: Preventive care is available at $0 cost to you through your health plan. Routine visits and screenings may help you stay healthy or identify potential issues early--often before you notice any symptoms. Learn more about preventive care here. 

Manage your condition

• Lean on your care team: Your primary care doctor will coordinate your care with specialists and resources like a nutritionist or behavioral health coach to help you work toward the best possible health outcome.
• Know your numbers: Track your blook pressure or glucose at home, know your cholesterol numbers, and pay attention to things that trigger symptoms. This information is especially important to help you feel your best when you're dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
• Connect with others: Consider joining peer support groups or online forums, and getting support from community organizations or nonprofits focused on your condition. The American Diabetes Association and American Heart Association are two examples that offer great resources. 

Make the most of your health plan benefits

Community Health Options Members with diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, COPD and coronary artery disease save on routine care at in-network-providers through the company's unique Chronic Illness Support Program (we call it CISP).

Additionally, Members on most non-HSA plans pay nothing for many generic maintenance drugs and 50% of required copays for many other maintenance medications through Express Scripts mail order. Savings also apply to supplies like glucose meters and test strips, and inhalers, along with in-network specialist visits, medical tests and services like nutritional counseling. Check your schedule of benefits to find out what your specific plan covers. (If you work at a large company with more than 50 employees, you may have an HSA Plus plan that offers CISP with slightly different benefits.)

Don't go it alone

At Community Health Options, Maine-based care teams work with your primary care provider and specialists to help coordinate your care, lower your pharmacy costs and navigate the health care system, The teams can also connect you to local support programs and help you understand your benefits. 

Call our team at (855) 624-6463 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Specific plan benefits vary, so please check your plan’s schedule of benefits for details. Have a question about Community Health Options or your benefits? Call our Maine-based Member Services team at (855) 624-6463, Monday through Friday.

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