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Member Newsletter

Senior Care Options

Member Services is here for you

Here at WellSense, we stand ready to help you with your healthcare coverage needs, including:

  • Finding a provider or pharmacy
  • Questions about your benefits or coverage
  • Replacing a lost WellSense ID card
  • Learning how to use your over-the-counter (OTC) card and transportation benefits

Preparing for your annual wellness visit

Annual exams are one of the most important things you can do to manage your health. These once-a-year checkups give you and your healthcare provider a snapshot of your overall wellness. When you know where your health stands, it is much easier to keep track of any changes. 

As a WellSense member, your annual visits are covered at no cost to you. Here are some tips to make your annual wellness visit as effective as possible:

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  • Schedule your visit with your primary care provider (PCP) early, as many providers may not be available for several weeks. If you do not know who your PCP is or want to choose a new one, call Member Services at 855-833-8125 (TTY: 711).
  • Bring a list of all the prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you take, including supplements and vitamins.
  • Bring a second list of all the other healthcare providers you see, including specialists. You’ll need their names and contact information.
  • Finally, write down any questions might have for your PCP. This is your chance to talk about any and all health concerns.

 

We hope these tips will help you get the most out of your next wellness visit. For more help managing your health, visit our Your Health page.

Don’t lose it, renew it

Senior Care Options members must renew their MassHealth Standard coverage each year to keep their health insurance. It’s important to remain covered at all times so that you can receive the medical care and prescriptions you need. If MassHealth has enough information about you, they will renew your coverage automatically. If not, they will send a renewal form in a blue envelope to the mailing address they have on file. Once you receive the blue envelope from MassHealth follow any instructions included with it.

  • If you still qualify, your coverage will continue.
  • No longer eligible for Medicaid? If you no longer qualify, there may be other health insurance options available to you. You can contact MassHealth at 800-841-2900 (TDD/TTY: 711) to learn more about Medicaid options. You can also learn more about Medicare options by contacting the SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) Program at 800-243-4636 (TTY/ ASCll 800-439-2370).
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Medication management is important for your health

Taking your medications as directed by your healthcare
provider is very important for your health. Some
medications used to treat long-term health conditions,
like diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma, are
called maintenance medications, and they have to be
taken every day to work properly. You won’t always feel
the effect of a medication, but that doesn’t mean it’s
not working. You should still take these medications as
directed.

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Medication tips

  • Preventive services
  • Fluoride treatments for members of all ages
  •  Dental sealants for members younger than 21
  • Pain relief and treatment of infections 
  • Fillings and crowns
  • Root canal treatment
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Try to take your medications at the same time each day as part of another routine like eating breakfast or brushing your teeth before bed.
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Use a daily, weekly or monthly pill box organizer to sort your medications.
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Ask your pharmacy to fill your maintenance medications with 90-day supplies to avoid running out and to save trips to the pharmacy. Get 90-day supplies through the mail by contacting Cornerstone Health Solutions at 844-319-7588.
Tips on side effects
  • Make sure you are taking your medications as instructed (e.g., at the correct time or with or without food, if specified) to minimize side effects.
  • Some side effects are normal, but some go away over time as your body gets used to the medicine (e.g., stomach discomfort may go away within a week or two of starting a medication).
  • Talk to your provider about side effects that bother you. They may be able to help you with them or change your medication.
  • Never stop taking a medication as directed without talking to your provider first.

We're always looking out for you

Here at WellSense Senior Care Options, our top priority will always be making sure that you are getting the right healthcare at the right time. That’s why we want to make sure you’re getting treatments your medical providers say they’ve given you. To do that, we may send you a letter asking you to confirm that you really did receive the treatments we list in the letter.

This helps us make sure no one is using your name to get paid for services they never provided. Since we only send the letter to a few members each month, it’s important that you respond if you are sent one.

  • You simply need to fill out your responses using the form provided.
  • Return the letter by using the enclosed envelope with pre-paid postage and dropping it in the mailbox.

Thanks in advance for your participation.

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Last month, we shared a simple and delicious chili and cornbread recipe from Boston Medical Center’s Teaching Kitchen class. 

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