Mass General Brigham Health Plan sponsors the 2025 Seaport Sweat series
Mass General Brigham Health Plan is proud to sponsor “Seaport Sweat,” Boston’s biggest free workout series, running from May through September. This annual series offers access to a variety of new fitness classes and instructors on Seaport Common.
“It’s well known that exercise can promote physical health and mental well-being, but it can be challenging to access opportunities to stay active," said Stanley Hochberg, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Mass General Brigham Health Plan. "That’s why Mass General Brigham Health Plan is excited to partner with the Seaport to bring free fitness options directly to our communities as the premier sponsor of this year’s Seaport Sweat series. This is a wonderful tradition that supports overall health and wellness."
As part of our support for Seaport Sweat, Mass General Brigham Health Plan is also offering a hydration station featuring a water fountain, bottle refill spot, and even a dog bowl for thirsty pups.
The classes are free, open to the public, and welcome all levels of fitness. Visit the Seaport Sweat website for additional details on how to participate.
In this issue:
Virtual primary care visits increase access and convenience for patients
Virtual care continues to grow in popularity for patients and providers. Almost nine in 10 healthcare leaders are seeing the positive impact of virtual care in addressing staff shortages in their organization. Plus, 32% of healthcare leaders say virtual care enables them to expand specialist care to underserved communities.
Our members can access alternative options for primary care through virtual practices. These virtual practices allow members to get the same high-quality primary care they’d receive in an office delivered online. Virtual and hybrid practices—ones that offer virtual and in-person care—are great options for individuals looking to start a primary care relationship quickly or prefer to receive care online from the comfort and convenience of their own home.
A wide range of care is available via video, phone, or chat for a faster, sometimes more convenient experience. Providers can coordinate in-person care for X-rays, bloodwork, and minor procedures. They can also provide referrals to in-network specialists.
What virtual care options exist for members?
Mass General Brigham Health Plan members can access virtual and hybrid care. This gives new patients more access to primary care. Let’s dig into each option:
Firefly Health: Described as “primary care that fits your life,” Firefly Health is a virtual primary care practice that offers care where and when you need it. It has the ability to handle most primary care needs virtually. This includes everything from wellness and preventive care to chronic condition management. That’s why Firefly is an affordable care option for many.
Carbon Health: This hybrid practice prides itself on “a friendlier healthcare experience, without the membership fees.” It makes it a good option for those seeking more affordable care. They offer same-day appointment availability. Plus, they can send prescriptions straight to your pharmacy or doorstep. Carbon Health offers individualized care anytime, anywhere. Their brick-and-mortar locations are in Brighton, West Roxbury, Boston, Framingham, Swampscott, and Beverly.
One Medical: Like Carbon Health, Amazon’s One Medical is a hybrid practice that promises a seamless healthcare experience. They cover physicals, chronic care, and mental health. They have national offices and several across Boston, Newton, and Cambridge. One Medical is a great option for anyone living in the city. This practice has an annual membership fee that is not typically covered by medical insurance. Read more
Discover our women's health offerings
Women's Health Month offers valuable opportunities to empower women with knowledge about preventive measures, early detection, and treatment options for a range of health conditions. Take a look at our evolving women's health portfolio and the support we offer members:
Menopause guidance
Elektra Health is a virtual platform built to help members navigate their menopause journey. It includes tailored, evidence-based education, a private community, and 1:1 guided support. This subscription is available to our members who are on a commercial individual or fully-insured employer-sponsored plan.
Pregnancy, postpartum, and loss support
The Poppy Seed Health app provides on-demand emotional and mental health support for pregnancy, postpartum, and loss. This subscription comes with 24/7 live chat with advocates that include certified and licensed doulas, midwives, and nurses. Members also get online community support and evidence-based education tailored to their reproductive health journey. This subscription is available to our members who are on a commercial individual or fully-insured employer-sponsored plan.
Pelvic health services
Bloom addresses pelvic health disorders by combining a Pelvic Health Specialist, digitally enabled sensor, a tailored pelvic-exercise program, and insightful resources to improve pelvic floor health and function. Bloom provides clinical-grade care for pelvic health addressing bowel dysfunction, bladder disorders, pain from sex, bloating, discomfort, and pelvic pain. This digital program is available to our members who are on a commercial individual or fully insured employer-sponsored plan.
Pregnancy and child healthcare resources and education
Members have the opportunity to connect with a Care Manager who will collaborate with their healthcare provider to offer valuable tools and resources during pregnancy, postpartum, and at every phase of their child's development. Care Managers can assist with explaining the benefits of childbirth and breastfeeding classes, conducting a postpartum evaluation, ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home, and more. All Mass General Brigham Health Plan members have access to support from our care management team. To connect with a Care Manager, members can call the customer service number listed on the back of their member ID card.
New eBook: Pregnancy support in the workplace
We're thrilled to share that our newest eBook is now available for download. Investing in pregnancy support fosters a healthier, happier, and more engaged workforce. This means going beyond basic accommodations to recognize that all workers deserve resources that meet their unique healthcare needs. Get your copy of Pregnancy in the workplace: Strategies for employers that support a healthier, happier workforce.
Specialized benefits employers can offer individuals seeking to expand their families include:
- Childbirth education classes or reimbursements
- Breastfeeding classes or reimbursements
- Wellness platforms
- Fertility and adoption benefits that support family planning
- Nutritional support
- Mental health support
- Loss and miscarriage support
- Condition management
Download the eBook to learn strategies on how to build a better workplace for employees who are navigating a pregnancy journey.
Accessing resources to support mental health and wellness
When you need mental health support, the last thing you want are obstacles getting in the way. Mental health needs have significantly increased over recent years, but the stigma surrounding mental health issues can still make it hard for those struggling to seek help.
Fear of judgment, financial obstacles, and lack of access to care can leave many people feeling isolated, but help is out there. Whether you’re seeking professional support or self-care strategies, knowing where to find resources is crucial to meeting your mental health needs. To help, we’ve rounded up a few to help make that support more accessible. Read more.
Tips for sharing these articles and resources
- Include in an email blast to your employees
- Post on your company intranet
Resources for your employees
- Blog: Understanding the difference between preventive and diagnostic care
Suggested text to share with employees: "When it comes to healthcare or health insurance, you may have heard the terms preventive care and diagnostic care. While both types of care are important for health and wellness, they address different conditions. The good news: understanding the difference can help you access better care that fits your needs. Read more."
- Blog: From sun to soundcheck: Summer concert safety tips
Suggested text to share with employees: "Whether you’re attending an outdoor music festival like Boston Calling or a huge arena tour, concerts are an exciting way to enjoy your favorite artists, hang out with friends, and bask in the glory of summer. However, concertgoers must stay mindful of their health and safety with the high energy, large crowds, and summer heat. Check out these seven tips to ensure your summer concert experience is fun, safe, and memorable. Read more."
