
ISSUE 2 / SUMMER 2025


You Deserve to Know!
Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) is passionate about making sure our members are educated and informed on a variety of health issues and healthy habits to live long and prosper. We understand that it can be overwhelming or confusing to know what the best information is for you and your family. We make sure you are provided with resources based on science-based evidence.
There is a library of several different topics you can learn more about here, ranging from Children’s Health to Making the Most of Doctor Visits to nutrition, and more!
MPC also offers a variety of online tools that are FREE and provide instant feedback that is confidential. You can use the results to get a general understanding of where you are or what you need from your healthcare providers.
These easy-to-use self-management tools can help you with:
- Weight management
- Quitting smoking and tobacco use
- Physical activity
- Healthy eating
- Managing stress
- Avoiding at-risk drinking
- Mental health
- Asthma and Allergies
- Prediabetes
- Screening Tests & Vaccines
- Women’s Health
To access these free online tools, please visit our website at:
https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/members/self-management-tools/, or call MPC’s Member Services Department at 1-800-953-8854. You can even contact the Prevention & Wellness team via email at preventionandwellness@mpcmedicaid.com.
Stay Safe in
the Summer Heat
Summer is a great time to play outside, swim, and have fun. But when the weather gets hot, you need to stay safe and take care of your body. If you don’t, you could get sick from the heat. Here are some easy ways to avoid health problems related to hot weather:
Drink Water Often
Your body needs water to stay cool. When you play outside or sweat, you lose water. If you don’t drink enough, you can get dehydrated.
Signs of severe dehydration include:
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- Extreme thirst
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Not peeing or dark-colored urine
- Not sweating when you should be
Try to drink water every 20 to 30 minutes, especially if you’re exercising or playing sports.
For more information on staying hydrated, check out our Water Intake/Hydration webpage.
Take Breaks in the Shade
When your body loses too much water from sweating, you can get heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately.
To avoid it:
- Take breaks in the shade or go inside to cool down.
- Wear light-colored clothes and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- If you feel dizzy or have blurry vision, rest in a cool place.
- Take a cool bath or shower if you can.
If you don’t feel better in an hour, you might need to see a doctor.
Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Sunburns can really hurt! They can also damage your skin and increase your risk of cancer. Before you go outside, put on sunscreen with at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30. Reapply it every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Summer can be full of fun, but it’s important to be careful. By drinking water, staying cool, and protecting your skin, you can stay safe all season long!
Maryland Medicaid requires you to renew your coverage.
Keep your records up to date
If you have moved or have a new phone number, log into your account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov or call 855-642-8572 to update your contact information so that you will receive your notice when it is time for you to renew.
Do not let your Medicaid Benefits expire. Keep your Maryland Physicians Care coverage.
Keep your coverage with MPC.
Here’s what to do:
- Watch for your Renewal Notice. A renewal notice will be sent to you by Maryland Health Connection. You will receive your notice by mail or online through your Maryland Health Connection account. This notice will tell you to complete your renewal.
- When you receive your notice from Maryland Health Connection, log into your account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Checkin or call 855-642-8572.
- Renew your coverage as soon as you receive your notice.
- If you have moved, log into your account at MarylandHealthConnection.gov/Checkin or call 855-642-8572 to update your contact information so that you will receive your notice when it is time to renew.
If you do not renew, you will lose your health benefits.
- Don’t wait.
- Don’t let your MPC Medicaid coverage expire.
- Complete your renewal when you receive it!

Get help online, in person, or by phone.
- Call Maryland Health Connection at 855-642-8572. Help is available in more than 200 languages. Deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Relay Service at 855-642-8573.
- Call or visit your local Department of Social Services.
- Call or visit your local Health Department.
- Connect with a broker or navigator.
Population Health
Management Overview
Every year, MPC looks at what its members need, then uses that information to create new programs or improve current ones through Population Health Management (PHM).
There are programs to help keep you healthy, like cervical cancer and child lead screenings. If you have asthma or substance abuse problems, we have special programs to help you.
If you go to the hospital, our Transition Care Team might contact you to make sure you get the care you need and to help you avoid going back to the hospital. Members with many health problems can also get help from our Case Managers to manage their health better and avoid frequent trips to the emergency room.
For more information, call and speak with Member Services at
1-800-953-8854.
Ready, Set, Cook!

Avocado Pita Pockets
Creative snack idea to help keep the midday munchies away. And it’s quick to prepare.
(see complete recipe for more information)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 / Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
MyVirtualMPC – A Doctor is Just a Message Away
Chatting with a doctor is FREE with MyVirtualMPC.
Don’t waste time searching the internet for answers to your medical questions. Your FREE access to MyVirtualMPC gives you access to board-certified doctors who can help you address your medical questions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
With MyVirtualMPC, there are no appointments or wait times – simply connect with a doctor in seconds.
Chat with a doctor about any of the following if you or your child:
- are sick, and you are not sure if you need to go to the emergency room
- feel sick, but it’s not an emergency
- have a minor injury
- have general medical questions
- want to refill a prescription (controlled substances, non-therapeutic, and certain other drugs may not be available)
- are not sure where to go to get care
Take advantage of your FREE access to doctors as a valued Maryland Physicians Care member:
Or register at https://app.myvirtualmpc.com/register.
Breakfast
Breakfast is considered the first meal of the day and is important for everyone. After fasting overnight, your body needs to restart for the new day. Having a balanced breakfast provides the energy and fuel necessary as you start your day. Think of breakfast as “breaking the fast.”
When you have breakfast, your body is supplied with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and fiber. These nutrients help keep you healthy, boost your immune system, and support your heart health. Skipping breakfast can negatively impact your mood throughout the day, causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels that may lead to irritability, anxiety, or moodiness.
Eating breakfast is an easy way to take care of yourself. It helps you feel strong and alert. Need breakfast ideas? Keep it simple with eggs or oatmeal. You could also try whole wheat toast with avocado and eggs, or Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruit. There are quick, budget-friendly healthy recipes for ideas on the MPC website here; you can sort through the 70 recipes by selecting “breakfast.” You can also create a free meal plan in the Healthy Eating section of our Self-Management Tools!
Overall, eating breakfast benefits your health in many ways.
Changes Are Coming to My MPC Source!
Coming soon My MPC Source will look a little different—and work even better. These updates will help you find what you need more quickly and easily.
With the new My MPC Source, you can:
- Check if you’re covered and view past coverage
- See your Primary Care Doctor’s info
- Look up your claims
- Ask for a new ID card
- View or print your ID card
- Find a doctor near you
- Send private messages to customer service
- Switch between English and Spanish
- Update your contact info
It’s all in one place—easy to use, anytime! Make sure to register for the new My MPC Source when it becomes available.
Care Management Overview
MPC’s Care Management Program is here to help.
You might have questions about a health problem or illness. Maybe you were recently in the hospital or are expecting a baby. Your child might have been diagnosed with a condition, and you have questions. MPC is here to help with these questions and concerns about your health.
The Care Management Program is FREE for members.
It’s a team effort to help MPC members and their families take care of health problems. The nurses, health teachers, community helpers, and social workers in the program are very well-trained. They are happy to work with you and your family!
- Care Managers can help you understand your health benefits. They can help you find doctors or change your primary care doctor. They also help you manage your illness and medications.
- Our programs teach you about your health conditions. This helps you understand health issues like high blood pressure, COPD, asthma, diabetes, or cancer.
- If needed, the team can help with transportation to and from appointments. They can also help you find resources in your community that might be useful.
If you would like more support with health-related issues, call
1-800-953-8854.
Join Belong, the Membership Rewards Program from Maryland Physicians Care, for:
- A chance to win prizes, such as Fitbits, Blenders, Air Fryers, and Plush Blankets
- Valuable Coupons for Grocery Stores
- Free Gifts at MPC Well on Wheels Community Events
- Healthy Recipes
Pharmacy Benefit Coverage
Maryland Physicians Care ensures that the preferred drug list (PDL) is readily available on our member website here: MPC Approved Medication Benefits. Members are able to search for their drugs using our search tool here: MPC Formulary Search Tool to find out if the drug is available on the formulary drug list. Maryland Physicians Care also provides a full list of the covered Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications and medical supplies here: MPC OTC Covered Medications.
Members can also see if their medication(s) requires prior authorization before their pharmacy can fill the prescription. If the medication is not on the formulary and is needed in an emergency, your doctor or pharmacy can call MPC 24 hours a day at 1-800-953-8854 to obtain a limited supply of the drug.
Doula and
Home Visiting Services
Studies show that Home Visiting Services offer many benefits for pregnant and new moms, such as better health outcomes for the mom and baby, help with child development, and assistance with social needs. Children in Home Visiting programs often show improved language, cognitive, and social skills, preparing them for school readiness.
Home Visiting Services are provided by trained professionals with the goal of improving outcomes by addressing various needs, such as prenatal care, breastfeeding support, and access to resources.
Examples of Home Visiting Services include:
- Providing prenatal care leading to lower maternal health complications, improved infant birth outcomes, and reduced emergency department visits.
- Offering support for breastfeeding.
- Assisting families to improve their financial situations, reduce reliance on food assistance, and increase overall family well-being.
- Providing parents with knowledge and support to create safe home environments and establish secure bonds with their infants.
- Providing guidance on stress management and connecting families with mental health and/or substance use resources, particularly relevant during the perinatal period.
- Referring families to needed resources such as WIC, employment support, housing assistance, and parenting classes.
To find out more information on these services and how to enroll click here:
Pregnancy Related Support Services
Supporting Your Prostate
Did you know one in eight men are diagnosed with prostate cancer? As men get older, they experience issues with their prostate; it can become enlarged, causing issues and concerns. Taking care of your prostate is important for men’s health. Eating the right foods and exercising helps keep your prostate healthy.
Eating healthy with foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is good for your prostate. Foods having vitamins and minerals help the body function properly. These foods are also good for heart health. Here are some food choices that are really good for your prostate:
- Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts: These vegetables have compounds that protect your cells.
- Blueberries, nuts, and seeds: These foods have antioxidants that help your body.
- Fish, such as salmon, tuna, trout, mackerel, and herring: These fish have omega-3, which are good fats your body needs.
Regular exercise will also help maintain a healthy weight and supports prostate health. Walking is a great way to stay active. Moving your body helps improve your blood flow, which benefits your prostate health. A healthy diet and being active can boost your prostate health and overall well-being. Feel free to check out the Healthy Living section of the MPC website where you can learn more for men and for women.
Maryland Physicians Care offers medical coverage and health benefits that are close to home.
This coverage includes access to primary and urgent care visits, pregnancy and new mother benefits, specialists care, pharmacy coverage, primary mental health services, vision and dental care* (including adults), and more. MPC’s participation in the HealthChoice program is available to Maryland Children’s Health Program or MCHP-qualified recipients. Members can work within MPC’s network of doctors to find the care that is right for them.
*Dental care is provided by Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program (MHSDP).
Quality Management Program
MPC’s Quality Management Program monitors members’ quality of care and services. Goals are set, data is collected, and with input from members, providers, staff, and others, MPC takes action to make the program better. We measure all parts of the Quality Program, including clinical and service activities such as:
- Promoting healthcare safety with member and provider education.
- Establishing preventive health and clinical practice guidelines. These help members understand what kind of services they need and how often they are needed.
- Making sure members have access to qualified healthcare professionals.
- Ensuring members receive appropriate preventive care. Examples of preventive care are:
- Annual flu shots
- Child immunizations (shots)
- Eye tests
- Cholesterol tests
- Breast cancer screenings
- Care for women before and after the baby is born
- Evaluating members’ quality of care concerns and taking action when needed.
- Conducting surveys to see if members are satisfied with the services they receive from their doctors.
- Promoting health equity across all programs so that all members have a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
For more information about our Quality Management Program, annual goals and results, or the member satisfaction survey results, please visit Quality Improvement or contact Customer Service at 1-800-953-8854.
Managing Stress
Stress is a part of everyday life. It is how your body responds to the way situations occur. This can happen when you are having issues at home, work, daily responsibilities, or other things you are managing. Over time, stress can affect your physical and mental health.
Ongoing or chronic stress can lead to:
- High blood pressure
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss or gain
- Stomach issues
- Headaches or muscle tension
- Anxiety or depression
Try to learn to identify the things causing stress. Then learn to manage it in ways that support you, such as:
- Taking a break and going for a walk
- Reading a book
- Writing down your thoughts in a journal
- Talking with a friend or family member
- Staying connected with others
- Being kind to yourself and giving yourself credit for managing everything
Stress is unavoidable. Pay attention to the signs your body and mind are giving you. Seek support when needed. Contact your primary care provider to discuss options if stress is impacting your health.
Go to Self-Management Tools for ways to manage stress or to take a free stress test.

You Can Make a Difference in the Services We Provide
Apply for a position on our Consumer Advisory Board (CAB) if you are an MPC Member, can attend every two months (bi-monthly) meetings, and are at least age 21.
We are looking for young moms, a member with a chronic illness, and members with multiple health concerns. Meetings are conducted virtually.

HELP PREVENT
FRAUD AND ABUSE
PLEASE REPORT FRAUD AND ABUSE by calling MPC’s Compliance Hotline at 1-866-781-6403 or online by clicking below:

Visit Our Website
You will find helpful information on:
- Quality Improvement Program
- Care Management Program
- Population Health Programs
- Health & Wellness
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Utilization Management, including decision-making criteria, affirmative statement, and staff availability
- Pharmacy and Prescription Drug Management
- Benefits and Coverage
- Member Rights and Responsibilities
- Protected Health Information Use and Disclosure
- Member Handbook
- Provider Directory
If you do not have internet service, you can reach us by phone (numbers listed in “Who to Call” – below) for more information.

WHO TO CALL
