Stay informed with the Spring 2026 Medicare Newsletter, featuring seasonal health tips, preventive care guidance, plan updates, and helpful resources to support your health and well-being.
ADVANTAGE your
SPRING 2026 IN THIS ISSUE • Make the Most of Your Checkup • Know Your Medications • Spring Into a Healthier You
Do You Have a Monthly Premium?
If you do, log in to the Member Portal at members.fideliscare.org to set up AutoPay and ensure your payments are always made on time. You can also sign up for paperless billing.
Our New Medicare Member Portal Is Here! We are excited to announce your new and improved Member Portal. You’ll notice it is a cleaner, updated design that allows you to: • Find what you’re looking for easier, including what services are covered by your plan. • Use secure messaging to get your questions answered. And Live Chat will be coming soon! • Access multiple services, like telemedicine, the Nurse Advice Line, and your Wellcare Rewards and Spendables. • View and print ID cards. • Check your medical and pharmacy claims. • Find a pharmacy and get estimates on drug costs. • Review your benefits 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get started by going to the same page you always have: members.fideliscare.org. Make sure to use the new link for Wellcare By Fidelis Care members . Look for the blue box to sign in. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Call us at 1-800-247-1447 (TTY: 711) .
Questions? We Are Here to Help!
Call us today at: 1-800-247-1447 (TTY: 711) From October 1 to March 31, you can call us 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 to September 30, you can call us Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A messaging system is used after hours, weekends and on federal holidays.
Have You Received a Survey? Your Opinion Matters
You may have received an important survey called the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) or the Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) in the mail. These surveys help us improve your healthcare experience. If selected: • You’ll get a survey from our survey partner • Share your feedback on what we’re doing well and how we can improve • Complete and return it by the deadline We’re listening! We’ve used your past feedback to make the following changes: • New and improved Member Portal • Fewer phone calls and texts • Ways to save on prescriptions • Dedicated Member Advocates to help you
Cyber-Seniors Live Help
Get help with tech basics through our free Cyber- Seniors classes. Learn how to use the Member Portal, understand your Wellcare Spendables® card, and more. Get started at
fideliscare.org/ cyber-seniors .
Make the Most of Your Yearly Checkup Your yearly checkup is one of the best ways to take care of yourself. This visit gives you and your healthcare provider the chance to: • Review your overall health • Discuss your family history • Talk about any screenings or vaccines that may be important for you • Ask questions and get advice on everyday choices like diet and exercise Here are some ways to make sure you get the most from your checkup:
Schedule your yearly checkup today
Schedule your visit with your provider or visit our Find a Doctor tool to find a provider near you. Visit: fideliscare.org/find-a-doctor
• Check with your provider’s office to see if you need any tests or labs done before your visit. If you do, put reminders in your calendar (paper or electronic) to get to those appointments. Those results help your provider know about your health. If you recently received test or lab results, please be sure to mention them to your provider. • Get ready by writing down questions for your provider. If you have questions for your provider, put notes on your smartphone or on a small pad, so you have them for your visit. • Bring a list of your medications and any vitamins or supplements you may be taking. This is especially important if you have started taking something new. • Set reminders so you don’t miss your visit. Your provider will likely send you reminders. Have a plan to get there and back. Depending on your plan, you may have access to transportation services. Check your plan materials for eligibility. Source: www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/prevention/preventive-care.html
Achy and Stiff? Ask About Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful disease that causes weakness, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. If left untreated, RA can also cause problems in the heart, lungs, or eyes. Symptoms of RA include: • Swollen joints • Tiredness • Fever • Joint stiffness These symptoms may get worse at times. At other times, they may not be present at all. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) if you often have discomfort and swelling in your joints. Starting treatment early can help prevent damage.
Manage Your COPD Flare-Ups If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, there may be times when your symptoms suddenly get worse. This is called a flare-up or exacerbation. When this happens, you may: 1. Find it more difficult to breathe 2. Produce more mucus 3. Have a cough 4. Feel unusually tired Your provider may prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms. Certain medications help prevent symptoms, and other kinds are for when you have a flare-up. Both types are designed to make it easier to breathe.
Corticosteroids: Reduce swelling Example: Prednisone This type of medication helps by reducing swelling and mucus.
Bronchodilators: Open airways Example: Albuterol This type of medication helps relax the muscles around your airways.
Take your COPD medications as directed to help prevent future flare-ups. Avoid triggers like smoking, air pollution, dust, fumes and cold weather. If you have questions, talk to your provider or pharmacist. Source: www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/livingwith/copd/Managing/Medications/3,88803 www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd/symptoms www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/copd/living-with
Taking More Than One Medication? What You Should Know
Do you take more than one medication? Make sure you know each medication you take and the risks when they are taken together. Sometimes opioids and benzodiazepines are prescribed together. If you take both, watch for serious side effects like slow breathing, drowsiness, and confusion.
Opioids are for pain. Examples include:
Benzodiazepines are for anxiety. Examples include:
• Hydrocodone (Vicodin) • Morphine • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
• Alprazolam (Xanax) • Clonazepam (Koonin) • Diazepam (Valium)
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell them if you: • Have been prescribed these types of medications • Have side effects • Are thinking about taking any new medications, whether it’s a prescription or over the counter
Source: https://nida.nih. gov/research-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids; https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/opioids
Osteoporosis Risk Increases As We Age Osteoporosis is a medical condition where bones become weak and are more likely to break. The bones that are most affected are the hips, the spine, and the wrists. Anyone over the age of 50 is at increased risk of osteoporosis. Women are at higher risk than men. Risk factors include: • Not getting enough exercise • Not getting enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet • People with a family history of osteoporosis • Regularly drinking alcohol • Smoking or using tobacco products • Certain health conditions and medications • Weight-loss surgery • Certain types of cancer treatments
A bone density test helps screen for osteoporosis. The test is recommended for women who are 65 years or older, or earlier if certain risk factors are present. Ask your provider about when you should start getting tested.
Spring Into a Healthier You Springtime is a great time to focus on your health, and that can start with what’s on your plate. Nutritious meals can help prevent and manage illness. Eating well supports your heart, brain, energy levels, and overall well-being. Here are some simple tips to get started:
1. Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits each meal. Look for fresh or frozen produce, or canned varieties low in added sugar and salt.
2. Choose whole grains like brown rice and whole wheat bread. Read nutrition labels to check the saturated fat and sugar content. “Low-fat” doesn’t always mean it’s healthier - packaged foods with this label are often high in sugar. 3. Limit salt and added sugars. Cooking at home can help you better control your ingredients. 4. Don’t forget fiber. Fiber from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can help support digestion and lower cholesterol. Here’s to a healthier, happier you – one bite at a time! Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating-nutrition-and-diet/healthy-eating-you-age-know-your-food-groups
ATTENTION: Language assistance services and other aids, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-800-247-1447 (TTY/TDD: 711).
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