ISSUE 3 / FALL 2025
Choose the Right Place for Care at the Right Time!
When you can’t see your doctor, you may think your only option for help is a hospital emergency department. If you are having a true medical emergency, the hospital is the best place to go but for less serious situations, you have other choices. For example, you can use your MyVirtualMPC app or go to an urgent care center. Choosing the right place for care at the right time is important. Here are some helpful tips to help you decide the right place to go to seek medical care at the right time:
- Emergent Care: If you require immediate medical attention to avoid serious impairment to your health, call 9-1-1 or go to the closest hospital emergency department. You can self-refer to any emergency department, and pre-authorization is not required.
- Urgent Care: If you have an illness or injury that could become an emergency within 48 hours if not treated, go to an in-network urgent care center. Pre-authorization is not required, but the center must participate with Maryland Physicians Care, or you may be billed.
- MyVirtualMPC: If you need non-emergency care and cannot see your PCP, you can use the free MyVirtualMPC mobile app for a quick video visit with a local doctor 24/7. Visit www.myvirtualmpc.com for information and to register or download the app from your smartphone’s app store.
Advancing Health Equity through Care Management
MPC’s Care Management Programs are an important tool for advancing health equity by addressing members’ social needs, providing personalized care, and connecting members with necessary resources. Examples of Care Management in action are:
- A care manager may support a member with limited financial resources and diabetes by connecting them to a local food bank to address food insecurity, connecting them to transportation resources for healthcare appointments, and helping them navigate the healthcare system.
- A care manager may assist a member that does not speak English as their first language by coordinating translation services and ensuring culturally appropriate communication throughout their wellness journey.
- A care manager may also work with a member that has mobility challenges to access in-home care services and get assistive devices to maintain safety and independence.
At MPC, we know that managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and more can be overwhelming, especially when you are doing it alone. That is why we offer Care Management Programs to support you every step of the way. These programs connect members and caregivers with personalized help to understand their health conditions, stay on track with treatment, and feel more confident managing day-to-day care.
MPC’s Care Management Programs include:
- One-on-one support from nurses, health educators, social workers, and care coordinators
- Help with understanding your medications and follow-up care
- Personalized care plans that set realistic goals and track your progress
- Connections to community resources like food, housing, and transportation
Call us today at 800-953-8854 to learn more about how MPC’s Care Management Programs can support your path to better health.
Children’s Health
Now that school is back in session, it is the perfect time to schedule a well-child visit. These visits are important to your child’s overall health and development. They support and track your child’s growth and milestones.
During these appointments, the provider will make sure their immunizations are up to date. The age-appropriate vaccines will help keep your child safe from serious illness. The doctors are available to help parents understand how vaccines work and why they are important. If you have questions during the appointment, use this time to talk with the doctor. Your voice matters and your child’s doctor wants to work with you. Together, you can make the best decision for your child’s health.
Regular appointments help build trust between your child, you, and your doctor. This consistency helps important conversations to become easier as your child grows. You may also visit the MPC Website on Children’s Health for more information.
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.
- Connect with a broker or navigator.
Member Satisfaction with Spanish Translation
Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) strives to provide valuable and reliable written benefits and wellness information translated into Spanish for our members including on social media, in newsletters, on the MPC website, at community events, and more. We would like feedback from our Spanish-speaking members to see if these materials meet your needs.
Please take a moment to complete the member satisfaction survey specifically for Spanish-speaking members who have received or viewed online any of the MPC Spanish documents and wellness tip sheets. The survey is completely confidential and will help us improve our written communications. This short survey should only take a few minutes and can be found here.
Ready, Set, Cook!
Spaghetti and Spinach Pesto
This pesto spaghetti dish is made with spinach for a unique spin on a classic. Top with feta and serve with a side salad for a colorful meal.
(see complete recipe for more information)
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
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.
Match Your SNAP or WIC CVB Benefits up to $20 with the Maryland Market Money Program!
Local farmers’ markets and farm stands are a great place to get fresh fruits and vegetables. With the Maryland Market Money (MMM) program, you can also get more food for your money. Here’s how it works:
- Find a farmers’ market or farm stand near you that accepts Maryland Market Money. See the list of farmers’ markets and farm stands here.
- Bring your SNAP, WIC CVB or FMNP card with you to the market.
- Head to the welcome tent to find out which vendors accept benefits.
- Use your benefits to buy food from vendors. Get a receipt for your purchase.
- Take the receipt to the welcome tent. Exchange it for MMM tokens of the same dollar amount up to $20.
- Spend your MMM tokens with the same market vendors.
The foods you can buy vary with the benefit program you use. However, you can purchase fresh fruits and vegetables under all the benefit programs. See the list of eligible foods below.
Have SNAP? Get Free Fruits and Veggies with B’More Fresh!
Do you have SNAP and live in Baltimore City? If so, you can get an extra $30 each month for fruit and vegetables! The B’More Fresh program works at Amazon Access and Safeway. Here’s how it works:
- Order online for in-store pickup or delivery in Baltimore City
- Spend $5 on any SNAP-eligible items
- After spending $5, you will get a $30 produce voucher in your online account
The program also covers delivery fees. Amazon shoppers can earn a $20 delivery fee coupon towards eligible items. Safeway shoppers get one free delivery each month. Learn more about the B’More Fresh program here.
Prenatal Care is Important for a Healthy Pregnancy and a Healthy Baby!
Studies show that prenatal care during the first 3 months of your pregnancy can help keep you and your baby healthy. Mothers who do not receive prenatal care are 3 times more likely to have babies with low birth weight. Mothers who do not receive prenatal care are 5 times more likely to have babies die than those born to mothers who do get care. Also, women who do not receive prenatal care are 3 to 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than those who do receive care.
Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Doctors also can talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their unborn babies a healthy start to life.
MPC and the Maryland Department of Health provide several programs and services to support healthy pregnancies and babies. These programs can include:
- Home Visiting Services
Home visits provide support and teach parents parenting skills before and after birth. The type of home visit and trained professional who comes to your home is based on your family’s specific needs. - Doula Support
You can access a Doula, a trained professional who makes prenatal visits (often in your home). A Doula will:- discuss birth procedures and breastfeeding
- attend your labor and delivery
- make postpartum visits
- MOM Case Management
For pregnant people who have opioid use disorder or a history of using opioids, this program offers case management. Case management connects you to health, treatment, and recovery care services. - Dental Coverage: Maryland Healthy Smiles
Dental care is an important part of your care when you are pregnant. Poor oral health during pregnancy can lead to health problems for you and your baby. Visiting a dentist when you are pregnant is a safe and good choice. Dental coverage is available through Maryland Healthy Smiles by calling 855-934-9812.
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
MPC Ensures Members Get Timely Care
MPC ensures members receive timely care by offering a large network of primary care doctors, specialists, labs, radiology centers, urgent care centers, hospitals, and other medical services. MPC also offers members the ability to connect with local doctors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through your phone or computer on the MyVirtualMPC app.
Doctors are required to offer appointments within the following timeframes.
If you have problems getting the care you need within these timeframes, please contact Customer Service at 1-800-953-8854. MPC has Customer Service Representatives, Case Managers, Special Needs Coordinators, and Outreach Staff available to help you.
Sleep Support with Season Change
Days are getting shorter, and sleep is important. The seasons are changing, and the air is crisp! It is the perfect time to reset sleeping habits. A good night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental well-being. It impacts your mood, metabolism, ability to focus, immunity, and more.
Some may find their sleep patterns shift during the change in seasons due to less daylight, schedules, or changes in routine. However, there are simple changes you can make that will make a difference.
- Have a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. This helps your body wind down for the day.
- Create a cozy sleep space. Make sure your bedroom is relaxing, cool, and dark because it helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
- Have quiet time an hour before bed. Turn off or silence your phone and turn off your TV at least an hour before bed. Artificial light may signal your brain to stay awake.
- Avoid stress when you can.
- Avoid caffeine, large meals, and alcohol in the evening.
If you notice you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or other sleep-related issues, contact your provider. You can also take a FREE, confidential online stress test assessment on the MPC website. Results are immediate; you do not need to provide your email or any personal information.
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 CAN HELP PREVENT
FRAUD AND ABUSE
Maryland Physicians Care (MPC) needs your help to prevent fraud and abuse! Fraud and abuse are against the law. We ask that you report anything suspicious. You can report to MPC without the fear of retaliation. All suspected incidences of fraud and/or abuse are reported to the Maryland Department of Health, Office of Inspector General for further investigation, which may result in criminal penalties.
Examples of fraud and abuse include:
- Someone using an ID card that does not belong to them
- Doctors billing for services or supplies that were not given to you
- Doctors giving too many tests and services or unneeded tests and services
- Selling prescription medications or making changes to a written prescription
- Falsely reporting household income
- Not living in Maryland, but receiving Maryland Medicaid
You do not need to give us your name or contact information to report fraud and abuse, but we will keep it private if you do. It is important that you give us as much information as you can because it helps us do a complete and correct investigation.
You can report fraud and abuse in the following ways:
- CALL MPC’s Compliance Hotline at 1-866-781-6403 and leave a detailed message.
- GO ONLINE at https://www.marylandphysicianscare.com/fraud-abuse/ and complete the Fraud and Abuse Form.
- WRITE to the Compliance Officer at MPC at1201 Winterson Road, 4th Floor, Linthicum Heights, MD 21090.
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.