The following vaccines are recommended for healthy adults over 65 years of age:

• COVID-19 vaccine and booster: Health New England covers the COVID-19 vaccine and booster for $0 copay.
• Flu (influenza) vaccine: Health New England covers the flu vaccine once every year for $0 copay. You can get it at your in-network doctor’s office or at a participating retail pharmacy. Learn more about flu at cdc.gov/flu and get your flu shot this fall before the flu season begins.
• Pneumonia vaccine: Protects against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream. (Health New England covers the pneumonia vaccine for $0 copay.)
• Shingles vaccine: Protects against shingles and the complications from the disease. Your risk increases as you age (copay may apply—not covered under No Rx plans).
• Td vaccine: Get a booster shot every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria (copay may apply—not covered under No Rx plans).
• Tdap vaccine: Recommended if you did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough) (copay may apply—not covered under No Rx plans).

Learn more about the importance of immunizations at cdc.gov/vaccines, and be sure to talk with your PCP about what immunizations are recommended for you.

Please reference your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for vaccine coverage information. Find EOCs at healthnewengland.org/medicare/EOC.

If your primary care provider isn’t available for urgent visits, or if you’re considering the ER or urgent care center for a non-emergency issue, you can get quality care without leaving your home. With Teladoc, you can request a phone, mobile app or online video consultation with a U.S. board-certified physician to treat non-emergency, non-chronic medical issues, such as:

• Cold & flu symptoms
• Sore throat & respiratory infections
• Allergies & sinus problems
• Skin problems & more

Getting Started: Register or set up a consultation with Teladoc at teladoc.com/HNE, or call 1-800-Teladoc
(1-800-835-2362).

Remember, Teladoc does not replace your PCP. If you need immediate medical attention,
call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

*You must use Teladoc® service to receive this benefit.

Tips to Stay Safe in Hot Weather
The National Institute on Aging recommends the following to help lower the risk of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of liquids; avoiding alcohol and caffeine. However, if you’ve been told by your doctor to limit fluids, be sure to check with them about what to do when it is very hot.
• Keep your living space cool. If possible, use air conditioning or fans, and keep shades closed during the day.
• Refrain from outdoor activities during the day. Find an air-conditioned space to spend the day, like a library or senior center.
• Wear lightweight or loose-fitting clothing; and, protect your skin from the sun.
• Take a break. Lie down and cool off with a wet towel to avoid overheating.

Headache, confusion, dizziness, and nausea can be signs of a heat-related illness. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience serious heat-related symptoms or illness.

Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/hot-weather-safety-older-adults

Winning grantees must focus on at least one social determinant of health—the social and economic factors that influence people’s ability to live healthy lives, such as:

• Built environment (includes transportation, access to healthy foods)
• Education
• Employment
• Housing
• Social environment (social isolation, institutional racism)

Eligible organizations can find more information and apply for a Health Equity Mini-Grant at healthnewengland.org/community/charitable-giving.

Health New England’s Health Equity Mini-Grants exemplify the company’s commitment to improve the health and lives of the people in its communities. Health New England recognizes that health goes well beyond doctors’ visits and test results, and societal barriers can make it harder to be healthy. As a regional not-for-profit health plan, Health New England takes seriously its duty to support and collaborate with the organizations working to improve the cities, towns and neighborhoods it serves.

“We believe that achieving health equity requires collaboration and investment to address the unique needs of our communities,” said Katie Bruno, MPH, Manager of Quality Improvement Programs at Health New England. “By supporting organizations that are addressing health disparities, we hope to help more people gain the resources and support they need to reach their full health potential.”

Important Details

• The deadline to apply is 11:59 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025.
• Applications must be submitted online and be fully completed to be considered.
• Each non-profit may receive only one Health New England Mini-Grant per calendar year.

Questions? Email: communitygiving@hne.com

What is Prediabetes?
It’s when sugar (or glucose) levels are higher than normal, but not as high as with Type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes happens when your body’s cells become less sensitive to insulin, the blood-sugar processing hormone made by your pancreas. Insulin resistance may be caused by being overweight, not exercising enough, or having a family history of the disease.

7 Facts to Know

1. About 1 in 3 U.S. adults has prediabetes.
2. Prediabetes usually has no symptoms. You’ll need a blood test to know for sure.
3. Being diagnosed with prediabetes doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely develop Type 2 diabetes, particularly if you change your lifestyle.
4. Prediabetes can be reversed by eating healthy foods, getting moderate exercise on a regular basis, and taking your medication properly.
5. A healthy meal plan for people with prediabetes and diabetes includes plenty of non-starchy vegetables, limited added sugars, whole-grain foods instead of refined grains, and whole foods instead of highly processed foods.
6. Cut back on sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks, which have been linked to Type 2 diabetes.
7. Exercise lowers blood sugar levels and helps to reverse prediabetes. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (or per your doctor’s recommendations).

Talk to Your Doctor about Your Diabetes Risk: If you have concerns about your risk factors, talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP can advise you on next steps and changes you can make today to prevent or reverse this disease.

Sources: American Diabetes Association; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Try Virta Health for Weight Loss and Diabetes Reversal
As a Health New England Medicare Advantage member, you may be eligible to get help from Virta Health to improve your health. Virta is available if you have Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or a BMI of 25 or greater. Virta is a guided nutrition program for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes reversal, and for safe and sustainable weight loss.
For members who qualify, Virta will contact you on behalf of Health New England with full program details. Participation is optional. Learn more at virtahealth.com/join/healthnewengland.

What is an Annual Well-Care Visit?*
It’s your opportunity to talk with your PCP about your overall health goals and concerns, and develop a prevention plan based on your current health and risk factors.

During your visit, you will:

• Discuss your health history and any medications you take
• Talk about your current health care from other providers
• Have your height, weight, blood pressure, and other measurements taken
• Discuss your mental health, including any concerns about memory, anxiety or depression
• Review your activity level and ability to move around safely
• Plan for needed screenings and preventive services
• Talk about urinary incontinence, smoking cessation, weight loss, or other health issues
• Get advice and referrals for health education or counseling, if needed
• Discuss advance care planning
• Take an optional social determinants of health (SDOH) risk assessment

What is an Annual Physical Exam?*
This is a head-to-toe exam that checks your overall physical health, including chronic conditions that may need follow-up, screenings and tests. Your PCP will check your blood pressure, weight, height and body mass index, and will do a mini-cognition test and depression screening.

Get Rewarded**
Health New England offers Medicare Advantage plan members a $20 incentive for completing an annual preventive care visit.** To receive your $20 reward after you’ve had your annual well-care visit or physical in 2025, log into our secure Member Portal at my.healthnewengland.org to fill out the Preventive Care Visit Submission Form.

If you can’t access the form, please call Member Services toll-free at (877) 443-3314 (TTY: 711), 8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m., Monday—Friday (Oct. 1—Mar. 31: 8:00 a.m.—8:00 p.m., seven days a week).

*The focus of an Annual Preventive Care Visit is on prevention and screening, not detection and diagnosis. If your PCP addresses other medical concerns during your visit, that service will be subject to a PCP copay.
**Your PCP must bill this visit as an annual physical or well-care visit. Health and wellness assessments conducted in your home by our in-home health vendor do not qualify for the $20 reward. The 2025 program is limited to one reward per year and must be claimed by 12/31/2025. Information submitted is subject to claims verification.

Health New England’s Wellness Reimbursement Program* is here to support your healthy lifestyle choices by giving you money back when you or a covered family member engage in sports and fitness activities. You also can get money back for healthy habits like nutrition, wellness, and mental health.

Since January 1, 2025, for most plan members, Health New England has increased your maximum Wellness Reimbursement amounts to $300 per individual and $600 per family per calendar year for a wide array of activities that support your overall well-being.*

Wellness reimbursements can be used toward services such as:

• Aerobics classes
• Bike shares
• Community supported agriculture (CSA) or farm shares
• Fitness equipment and devices (i.e., treadmill, workout videos, fitbit, smartwatch)
• Qualifying fitness clubs
• Weight Watchers®
• School and town sports

See more in our Wellness Reimbursement Program flyer>>

It’s easier than ever to Submit a Reimbursement Request!

*The amounts above apply to Fully Funded/Connector plans for services on or after 1/1/2025. Exclusions and eligible activities may vary for some employer groups. Please check your membership materials for details. Please contact Member Services at (800) 310-2835 (TTY: 711) if you need more information.

Please note: Reimbursement requests must be received by Health New England no later than March 31 of the following year.

Springfield, MA (June 9, 2025) – As part of its continued commitment to making health care more affordable and accessible, Health New England is shifting its coverage of Humira—a biologic medication used to treat inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis—to FDA-approved biosimilar medications for members of its commercial health plans.

Biologic medications are made from natural and living organisms. Biosimilars are designed to have the same efficacy and safety as the biologics on which they are based at a fraction of the cost. Using biosimilar medication is akin to using generic medication in place of a name brand medication. This shift is part of Health New England’s commitment as a not-for-profit health plan to manage health care costs for all.

This move aligns with industry-wide efforts to drive down medication costs while maintaining high-quality care and positive patient outcomes. Health New England commercial members taking Humira will be asked to switch to FDA-approved alternative biosimilars, either Amjevita by Nuvaila or Hadlima, effective July 1.

“Biologic medications like Humira are complex treatments that carry significant cost. Its biosimilars provide a meaningful opportunity to enhance affordability for the health care ecosystem while members continue to get the full benefits of the medication,” said Gary Tereso, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services at Health New England. “As part of our ongoing commitment to our members and employer groups, we are focused on ensuring access to high-quality, cost-effective therapies for all Health New England members.”

Health New England is communicating directly with affected members, providers, and pharmacies to ensure a smooth transition. We will continue to monitor the evolving biosimilar market to support member needs and manage health care costs.

Health New England’s Wellness Reimbursement Program* is here to support your healthy lifestyle choices by giving you money back when you or a covered family member engage in sports and fitness activities. You also can get money back for healthy habits like nutrition, wellness, and mental health.

For GIC plan members, Health New England offers a Wellness Reimbursement of $150 per family per calendar year for a wide array of activities that help improve your overall well-being.*

Wellness reimbursements can be used toward services such as:

• Aerobics/wellness classes
• Athletic event registration fees
• Bike shares
• Fitness equipment and devices (i.e., treadmill, workout videos, fitbit)
• Mindfulness classes and apps
• Nutritional classes and apps
• Personal trainer fees
• Physical activity apps
• Qualifying fitness clubs
• School and town sports
• Weight Watchers®

Summer is a great time to take advantage of your wellness reimbursement and get fit and healthy!
Learn more about all your benefits at healthnewengland.org/gic.

*The amount above applies to GIC plan members. Exclusions may apply. Not all employer groups offer this reimbursement amount. Please check your membership materials for details or contact Member Services at (800) 310-2835 (TTY: 711) if you need more information.

Please note: Reimbursement requests must be received by Health New England no later than March 31 of the following year.

Health New England’s Wellness Reimbursement Program* is here to support your healthy lifestyle choices by giving you money back when you or a covered family member engage in sports and fitness activities. You also can get money back for healthy habits like nutrition, wellness, and mental health.

Wellness reimbursements can be used toward services such as:

• Aerobics/wellness classes
• Athletic event registration fees
• Bike shares
• Fitness equipment and devices (i.e., treadmill, workout videos, fitbit)
• Mindfulness classes and apps
• Nutritional classes and apps
• Personal trainer fees
• Physical activity apps
• Qualifying fitness clubs
• School and town sports
• Weight Watchers®

Summer is a great time to take advantage of your wellness reimbursement and get fit and healthy!

*Exclusions may apply. Not all self-funded employer groups offer the same reimbursement benefits or amount or cover the same services. Please check with your employer or see your membership materials for details. Please contact Member Services at (800) 791-7944 (TTY: 711) if you need more information.

Please note: Reimbursement requests must be received by Health New England no later than March 31 of the following year.