ISSUE 2 / SUMMER 2026
A “Toolbox” for Fixing and Managing Your Health!
Improving your physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being can begin right at home with simple tools designed for YOU!
Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) provides its members with FREE quizzes, assessments, and calculators that provide instant feedback on different health topics. They are available to help you see where you stand in your health and wellness journey. The results are completely confidential and do not require your name, email, or phone number. You can use these general results to begin a conversation with your primary care provider (PCP).
The list of easy-to-use self-management tools includes:
- Healthy Weight Management
- Quitting Smoking and Tobacco Use
- Physical Activity
- Healthy Eating/Nutrition
- Managing Stress
- Avoiding At-Risk Drinking
- Mental Health/Identifying Depressive Symptoms
- Asthma and Allergies
- Prediabetes
- Screening Tests & Vaccines
- Women’s Health
Understanding Your Blood Glucose Levels:
A1C and eAG is a new tool that can help you:
- learn the new terms being used in diabetes management, and
- use the glucose calculator to help you better understand your numbers!
MPC is committed to making sure you also have several resources from science-based evidence. We have a library of several different topics you can learn more about here, ranging from cholesterol and men’s health to pregnancy, water intake, and more!
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 or fill out a Health Education Request Form.
Food Supply Running Low?
MPC Can Help.
If you are having trouble getting enough food, MPC can help. We can connect you to food resources in your area like:
- Food pantries
- Produce giveaways
- Farmers’ markets
- Free meal programs
We also can help you apply for SNAP benefits. For members with urgent food needs, MPC can supply emergency food boxes. Eligible members also may qualify for our food delivery program.
This program delivers food to your home in the following counties:
- Garrett
- Allegany
- Washington
- Baltimore City
- Baltimore County
- Prince George’s County
- Montgomery County
- Wicomico County
To get help with food needs, please fill out our online form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.
Everyone Needs Sun Protection
Learning to stay safe in the sun is important, especially during the summer months when most people spend more time outside. The sun gives off a different type of light, including ultraviolet (UV) rays. We are unable to see or feel the UV rays because they are invisible. We may not notice, yet they can have an effect on our skin and health.
Too much UV exposure can cause harm to us. UV rays come from the sun, but we can still be exposed to them on cloudy days. UV rays can pass through the clouds and reflect off water, pavement, or other surfaces. If possible, stay indoors between 10am and 4pm. This is when the sun is strongest and UV rays are highest.
UV rays can affect everyone, not just those with fair skin, sunburns, weak immune systems, or those who take certain medication. They can also affect people of color. While darker skin has more natural pigment that offers some natural protection, it does not fully protect against sun damage.
Here are some simple ways everyone can protect themselves from the UV rays:
- Wear sunscreen and reapply every two hours
- Stay in the shade when the sun is the strongest
- Wear light, long-sleeved clothing when possible
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
UV rays can damage your skin, so it is important to check your skin at least once a month. You need to look for any new spots or moles, or changes in size, shape, or color. You should watch for spots that itch, do not heal, or bleed. If you noticed anything different, call your doctor.
No matter what your skin tone, everyone needs to be protected in the sun. Learning about UV safety helps keep your skin healthy. Small habits can be effective over time and keep everyone safe.
Cancer Survivor Awareness
June is Cancer Survivor Awareness Month. This month celebrates people who have had cancer and are still living. They may still be in treatment, have finished with treatment, or are in remission. For many, finishing treatment is a new chapter to their life.
The American Cancer Society reports about 18.6 million people in the United States have had cancer as of January 2025. Each cancer survivor has their own story. They have gone through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, with many meaningful moments along the way.
Surviving cancer is not only about the body. When treatment ends, survivors can face more challenges. They may feel emotional stress, worry if the cancer may come back, have trouble with insurance, or need time to adjust to daily life again.
It is important for survivors to see their healthcare providers when treatment ends. These visits give them a chance to talk about both their physical and emotional health. Support from their community also matters. When connected with friends, family, and other survivors, they have added support, comfort, and encouragement.
When it comes to cancer, finding out early can make all the difference. To learn more about cancer screenings, click here.
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.
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 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.
- Find help: marylandhealthconnection.gov
Ready, Set, Cook!
High Protein Banana Split
This is a protein-packed breakfast or snack recipe, where bananas are topped with Greek yogurt, cereal, fruit, and honey!
Nutrition Facts
For complete nutritional information, an ingredients list and more, view the full recipe.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2
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.
Smoking & Pregnancy
Smoking during your pregnancy affects both you and your baby’s health. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals in cigarettes can travel through your bloodstream and reach your baby. Having one cigarette is not safe, and the more you smoke, the higher the risk.
Smoking during pregnancy can:
- Lower the amount of oxygen for you and your baby
- Make your baby’s heartbeat faster
- Raise the risk of birth defects
- Increase the chance of early birth or low birth weight
The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke is also unsafe. This is smoke from another person’s cigarette, especially the smoke that burns from the tip. It has many harmful chemicals and breathing it in while pregnant can hurt you and the baby.
The best choice is to quit smoking before pregnancy. However, quitting at any time can help your baby have a healthier start in life. Reach out to friends or family for support. If someone close to you is a smoker, ask them to smoke outside and away from doors and windows. This helps create a safer home. It is okay to ask others to help keep your home smoke-free. Even a short chat with family or friends can be effective. Many people are happy to help when they know it keeps you and your baby safe.
Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking. You can also visit Quit Smoking Support for Pregnant Women, a program to help pregnant women quit smoking and find help.
MPC also offers members free Self-Management Tools on Smoking and Tobacco Cessation.
Doula and Home Visiting Services
Studies show that the benefits of Doula Services during pregnancy are lower rates of cesarean sections (C-sections), premature deliveries, and length of labor. Additionally, the emotional support provided by Doulas reduces anxiety and stress. Doula support has also shown to improve breastfeeding success and result in longer periods breastfeeding after childbirth. Doulas can be a great resource for birthing mothers, and consideration should be given to using them more, as they may have a positive impact on the well-being of the mother and child.
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 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: https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/members/pregnancy-related-support-services/
Quality Management Program
MPC’s Quality Management Program monitors the quality of care and services members receive. 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 https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/quality-improvement/ or contact Customer Service at 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
Your Voice Matters in Your Healthcare
Everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and understood when getting care.
Your voice plays an important role in making sure your care team understands what matters most to you.
Being involved in your care can help lead to better communication, more personalized treatment, and improved health outcomes.
Here are a few ways to take an active role in your care:
Ask questions if something is unclear. It’s okay to ask your provider to explain things in a different way.
Share what matters to you, including your beliefs, preferences, or concerns about your care.
Request language help if English is not your preferred language. Interpreter services are available at no cost to you.
Bring a support person to your appointments if it helps you feel more comfortable.
Make sure you understand your next steps, including medications, follow-up visits, or referrals.
You have the right to receive care that meets your needs. Your care team is there to support you, and your input helps them do that better.
When you speak up, you help create better care, not just for yourself, but for your community too.
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.
Health Programs for Our Member Population
Each year, MPC looks into what our members need most. This information is used to improve programs and create new ones through our Population Health Management (PHM) Services.
These programs are created to keep you healthy, with reminders for cervical cancer screenings and testing children for lead. If you have asthma or need help with substance use, MPC has programs designed to give you the support you need.
After a hospital visit, the Transitional Care Team may call you to make sure you get the follow-up care you need. This support can help prevent future hospital visits. If you have health needs that require additional support, Care Managers can work with you to manage your health and help reduce trips to the emergency room.
We are here to support you! Call and speak to Member Services at 1-800-953-8854.
Care Managers
are Available for YOU!
When you have questions regarding your health, MPC is here to support you. You might have questions about a health problem, new illness, or a recent hospital stay. You may be expecting a baby or caring for a child with a health condition. MPC is here to help you get the answers and care you need.
Taking care of your health is a team effort. Our nurses, health educators, community helpers, and social workers are well-trained and happy to help. Care Managers can:
- Help you understand your health benefits. Also, they can help you find a doctor, change your primary care doctor, or manage your health needs.
- Offer programs to help you learn about your condition. We will help you understand illnesses like high blood pressure, asthma, COPD, diabetes, or cancer.
- Help with transportation to appointments, if needed. We can also help connect you to resources within your community.
For extra support with your health needs,
call 1-800-953-8854.
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).
You Have Rights and Responsibilities
As an MPC member you have certain rights and responsibilities about your health care.
RIGHTS are things you can expect from your health plan. They include:
- Getting information about the services we provide.
- Being treated with respect, dignity, and privacy.
- Privacy of your medical information.
- Getting a copy of your medical records.
- Being included in decisions about your care. This includes the right to refuse treatment.
RESPONSIBILITIES are things your health plan expects from you. They include:
- Asking questions if you do not understand your rights.
- Keeping your scheduled appointments.
- Having your member ID card with you at all appointments.
- Telling your doctor if you had care in an emergency room.
You can find more rights and responsibilities in your member handbook. Read it on our website at
https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/rights-and-responsibilities/
Call 1-800-953-8854 to ask for a paper copy.
Please Report Fraud and Abuse
You can report in the following ways:
- CALL MPC’s Compliance Hotline at 1-866-781-6403.
- GO ONLINE at https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/fraud-abuse/.
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.
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
MEMBER SERVICES
Benefits, ID cards, appeals, PCP changes, access interpreter services, etc.
800-953-8854
MARYLAND HEALTHY SMILES DENTAL PROGRAM
855-934-9812
PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
800-888-1965
SUPERIOR VISION
800-428-8789
UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT
800-953-8854
CARE MANAGEMENT
800-953-8854
HEALTH EDUCATION REQUESTS
800-953-8854
Published on: June 19, 2026