UPDATES FROM FALLON HEALTH
Message from President & CEO Richard Burke
As we heard from Gov. Charlie Baker last week, Massachusetts is now slowly and thoughtfully beginning a four-phase re-opening process. Fallon Health is reviewing the components of the process and identifying those applicable to us as an employer, an insurer and a provider of care.

As an essential business, Fallon has been operating at full capacity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so. We worked quickly at the start of the crisis to safeguard our workforce by shifting more than 90% of our employees to work from home, where they immediately showed their dedication to serving Fallon members and working toward the organization’s success. While we expect to continue our work from home arrangements for the foreseeable future, we will also ensure that we maintain all safety measures necessary for those employees who cannot work remotely. As we begin on the path to a “new normal,” Fallon will continue to provide our members with comprehensive coverage, to meet and exceed the expectations of our regulators and to help our communities care for people suffering from food insecurity and social isolation.

Health care has been at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to being a health plan, Fallon also provides direct medical care and social supports to medically fragile older adults through our Summit ElderCare program —a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work that our health care staff at the front lines accomplish every day. I want to thank them—and all of our network providers—for the work that they have done, are doing and will continue to do to help keep our communities healthy.

While this is a time for us to remain vigilant, I’m glad to see a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel. At Fallon, we are ready to work with our members, providers, employers, brokers and communities on this next phase. Moving forward. Together.

Regards,
Richard Burke
President & CEO
Help older adults stay safe at home
When you have an older adult in your life who wants to live independently at home but needs some support to do so safely, please check out the options available from Fallon Health.

Our Summit ElderCare PACE program provides medical care, health insurance, social support and adult day health for those 55 and older who qualify for nursing home care but prefer to live at home. The program may be a good fit for those who:

  • Need assistance at home

  • Have difficulty managing medications

  • Want to avoid living in a nursing home

  • Have frequent falls (or are at risk for falls)

  • Could live safely in the community with more services

For those 65 and older, our NaviCare program provides all the services and benefits covered through MassHealth Standard and Medicare—plus many more to supplement and enhance what the member receives. Many older adults don’t realize that they qualify for MassHealth. Our team provides assistance with the MassHealth determination process.

Please pass this information along to colleagues, employees or friends who have loved ones who may benefit.
Health and wellness
How mindfulness can help to calm the mind
and lead to better health
Uncertain times often cause worry, fear and stress. One way to avoid—or cope with—feelings of being overwhelmed is to practice mindfulness.* Mindfulness helps you to stay in the present moment with a greater sense of calmness and concentration, and it can also increase resilience.

Bringing mindfulness to everyday life
Here are some tips for adding mindfulness to your daily life. Please share them with your colleagues, employees and friends.

  • Stay in the present moment by focusing on what you’re doing and relaxing with mindful breathing. Take several deep breaths in and out. Each time you exhale, let go of tension in your body.

  • Practice compassion for yourself and others. Express kindness and gratitude for things, events and people that bring happiness to you or someone you care about.

  • Begin a meditation practice to reduce anxiety, boost your immune system and improve emotional health.


Fallon’s website offers additional health and wellness information , including a library of wellness flyers .

* Consult your primary care provider if feelings of uncertainty or stress become difficult to manage on your own.  
In case you missed it …
Visit our website for previous COVID-19-related messages for employers. We’ve posted PDF versions of the messages for you there.