From COPD to Diabetes: How Troy Medicare's Care Managers Help Members Stay on Top of Chronic Conditions

CHARLOTTE, NC — Managing a chronic condition is a full-time job — and for many North Carolina seniors juggling multiple diagnoses, it can feel overwhelming. Troy Medicare's Care Management team is working to change that, offering personalized, one-on-one support to help members navigate everything from COPD and diabetes to medication management and preventive screenings.

November is National COPD Awareness Month, and Troy Medicare is using the occasion to highlight its broader chronic disease management programs. COPD — Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease — affects millions of Americans, and it can be managed effectively with healthy lifestyle changes, pulmonary rehabilitation, and the right medications. But management requires coordination, and that's where Troy Medicare's Care Managers step in.

What Care Managers Provide

Every Troy Medicare member has access to a dedicated Care Manager who provides medication reviews in coordination with community pharmacists, personalized health risk assessments to identify conditions early, referrals to specialists and rehabilitation programs, coaching on lifestyle changes including nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation, and ongoing check-ins to ensure care plans stay on track. Members can find a provider in their area to support their care plan.

The Pharmacy-First Advantage

Troy Medicare's pharmacy-first model gives Care Managers a unique advantage. Because pharmacists see members more frequently than any other healthcare provider, they often catch early warning signs — a refill that's overdue, a new side effect, a question about a dosage change. That pharmacy intelligence feeds directly into the care management process, enabling earlier intervention and more personalized support.

Managing Diabetes

For members living with diabetes, Care Managers focus on helping them understand their medications, maintain consistent glucose monitoring, and make dietary adjustments that support blood sugar control. Diabetes management is particularly complex for seniors, who may be taking multiple medications for co-existing conditions. Troy Medicare's integrated approach ensures that all of a member's medications and treatment plans are reviewed together, reducing the risk of harmful drug interactions and improving overall adherence. Members can review their prescription drug benefits for details on diabetes medication coverage.

Addressing COPD in Rural Communities

The challenges of managing COPD in rural North Carolina are significant. Many members live in areas with limited access to pulmonologists and respiratory therapists, making it harder to receive specialized care. Troy Medicare addresses this gap by connecting members with telehealth resources and coordinating with local primary care providers to ensure that COPD management plans are being followed consistently. Care Managers also educate members on recognizing COPD exacerbation symptoms early, helping to prevent emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Sustained Engagement

The Care Management team is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members can call 910-878-2380 to speak with a Care Manager directly, or complete a health risk assessment to get started on a personalized care plan. Additional resources, including plan materials and benefit summaries, are available in the Documents & Forms section.

Troy Medicare's chronic disease programs are designed to be ongoing, not episodic. Rather than a single intervention followed by silence, Care Managers maintain regular contact with members — checking in on medication adherence, reviewing recent lab results, and adjusting care plans as conditions evolve. This sustained engagement model has proven effective at keeping members healthier and more confident in managing their conditions independently.

For members managing COPD specifically, Troy Medicare recommends visiting the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at nhlbi.nih.gov/COPDMonth for additional resources and information. To learn more about Troy Medicare, visit the About Us page or contact us directly.

About Troy Medicare
Troy Medicare is a pharmacy-powered Medicare Advantage plan serving North Carolina. Founded by pharmacists, physicians, and technologists, Troy Medicare combines data-driven care management with deep community relationships to deliver better outcomes for seniors.