Welcome to the fifth edition of TriCom’s monthly newsletter! Every month, we’ll highlight a type of supplemental insurance or benefit that we provide for both our internal staff and all our consultants. To participate in National Men’s Health Month, we’re putting the spotlight on our accident insurance.

National Men’s Health Month

Every June, the U.S. observes National Men’s Health Month. Men are far less likely to go to the doctor and receive preventative care for their physical and mental well-being, which makes advocating for men’s health all the more important. By staying on top of their wellness checks, men can lead much longer and happier lives.

That’s why medical professionals recommend the following treatments. We’ve designated each category according to age group:

• Physical check-up (all ages): This includes testicular exams, blood pressure readings, and metabolic screenings.

• Vaccinations and STD screenings (all ages): Check with your primary care provider about immunizations for COVID-19, influenza, MMR, and Tdap, plus ask about screenings for STDs such as Hepatitis B/C, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and chlamydia.

• Behavioral health (all ages): Just as men are less likely to visit their doctor for physical health, they are also less likely to seek counsel for mental health. Speaking with your doctor about any symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation is highly encouraged.

• Cardiovascular and cancer screenings (40+, depending on family history): Receiving these screenings will vary based on risk level and symptoms. These could come in the form of stress testing, prostate and lung exams, colonoscopies, and more.

• Eye and skin exams (40+, depending on family history): Your primary care physician can refer you to a dermatologist and ophthalmologist for any potential issues.

• Osteoporosis screening (65+, depending on family history): As people age, they are more susceptible to falls and low-impact fractures. A risk assessment is highly recommended at this age.

What to Know about TriCom’s Accident Coverage

As we mentioned earlier, men don’t go to the doctor as often as they should. But if you do wellness visits once per calendar year, you could be reimbursed $50. This is an incentive for men to schedule regular check-ins with their primary care physician and receive annual care.

To get reimbursed for your wellness checks, you will need to take two key steps:

1. Procure accident insurance with Mutual of Omaha. Talk to your HR representative about enrolling.

2. Fill out Mutual of Omaha’s Group Critical Illness/Hospital Indemnity/Accident Health Screening Benefit and Preventative Care Claim Form, linked here.

It should also be noted that all employees who have accident coverage are eligible for this wellness benefit, not just men.

The Importance of Men’s Mental Health

Almost one in 10 men experiences depression or anxiety, but less than half actually get the treatment they need. Suicide rates for men are even more glaring. They account for roughly 80% of suicide deaths, and 60% of those men had no reported mental illnesses.

This means that men die by suicide at four times the rate that women do, despite the fact that women report more suicide attempts and and receive more depression diagnoses.

This points toward cultural conventions — such as stigma, gender roles, and emotional norms — as the driving factors that discourage men from seeking help when they need it. That’s why getting treatment and staying on top of annual check-ups is so imperative.

When you notice symptoms such as increased substance use; constant fatigue; and a loss of interest in hobbies or relationships, speaking with a doctor or mental health professional can go a long way.

If you or a loved one is in crisis, then call or text 988 for immediate assistance.