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Agent Insights

Medicare Updates January 2026


Medicare Updates

Important Update: 2026 Pharmacy BIN Number Change

Select Health Medicare has updated its pharmacy processing BIN number across all states.

What’s Changing

  • New BIN (Effective 1/1/2026): 028645
  • Previous BIN: 015938

This updated BIN applies to all service areas and is already reflected on new member ID cards—both physical and digital versions are available to members through their Select Health account.

What You Can Do

Help prevent prescription delays or reprocessing issues by sharing these tips with your clients:

  • Remind members to use their new ID cards when filling prescriptions in 2026.
  • If a pharmacy experiences a processing issue, members must show their updated ID card so that the pharmacy can update the RX processing information in their system.
  • Reassure members that this is a standard update and no action is needed beyond presenting the new card.

Need Help?

If you or your clients have questions or encounter pharmacy processing issues related to this change, contact your Sales Account Executive or call our Medicare Advantage Agent Support (MAAS) line at 801-442-7320.

Enrollment Reminder

We’ve seen an increase in incorrect or “dummy” Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) on enrollment submissions. Please verify that all MBIs you provide are accurate and complete before submitting enrollments.

You can confirm the MBI by checking your client’s Medicare card (Red, White and Blue card) or by calling our Medicare Advantage Agent Support (MAAS) team at 801-442-7320, who can look it up in MARx.

Helping Members Navigate the New Silver&Fit Benefit

For 2026, many Select Health Medicare plans have transitioned from Wellness Your Way to the Silver&Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program. Silver&Fit offers a flexible fitness benefit designed to help members stay active and healthy.

What’s Included

Members can choose from:

  • A membership at participating fitness centers or select YMCAs
  • Access to on-demand workout videos and virtual classes
  • Personalized workout plans
  • One Home Fitness Kit per year (options include beginner strength, yoga, walking, or fitness trackers)

             *Disclaimer – may not be available on all plans

How the Transition Works

Silver&Fit will contact eligible members directly with an invitation and instructions to get started.

How Members Get Started

Once they receive their invitation, members can:

  • Visit the Silver&Fit website to check eligibility, create an account, and select their fitness option.
  • Use their Silver&Fit card at their chosen fitness location.
  • Call Silver&Fit Customer Service at 1-877-427-4788 (TTY 711) for assistance.

Preparing for Member Questions at the Beginning of the Year

As the new year begins, many members are receiving onboarding materials and reminders to help them understand and use their Select Health Medicare benefits. These early touchpoints often generate questions and create great opportunities for agent outreach.

What Members Are Receiving

  • Member Guide: A simple guide to help members understand their supplemental benefits and how to use them.
  • Evidence of Coverage (EOC): The official plan document outlining covered services, costs, and member rights and responsibilities.
  • Member ID Cards: Members may receive multiple cards, including medical, dental, vision, and the Benefits Mastercard® prepaid card (Flex Card).
  • Flex Card (Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card): New members receive a Flex card; renewing members will not receive a new card each year.

Reminders Members Are Receiving Now

During the first few months of coverage, members will receive reminders to:

  • Create and log in to their Select Health account to access plan information
  • Activate and use their Flex Card
  • Select a Primary Care Doctor and schedule their Annual Preventive Visit
  • Learn about their additional benefits and how to use them

These reminders help members understand their benefits and how to use them. Checking in with your clients during the first quarter will foster trust and loyalty.

Need Help?

If you have any questions, please contact your Sales Account Executive or the Medicare Advantage Support team (MAAS) at 801-442-7320.

Health Living: A Simple OEP Client Touchpoint

The Healthy Living Rewards program is an easy way to start meaningful conversations with your Select Health Medicare clients during the first quarter.

What You Should Know

Healthy Living rewards members for completing recommended wellness activities—such as their annual preventive visit and screenings.

When eligible activities are completed, rewards are added to the member’s Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card (Flex Card), which can be used for fitness items, wellness services, home essentials, dining, and more.

Rewards earned during the plan year remain available through March 31 of the following year.

How to Use This as a Touchpoint

A quick reminder from you can make a big difference. Encourage your clients to:

  • Schedule their annual preventive visit
  • Complete preventive care early in the year

When they complete these activities, Healthy Living rewards should automatically apply—no extra steps required.

A simple check-in can help members get more value from their plan and reinforces your role as a trusted resource.

Learn more on our website.

Understanding the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is an important time for beneficiaries to review and adjust their coverage to ensure it meets their needs. It’s also a key period for agents, who must navigate compliance requirements carefully while supporting members. During OEP, you can assist members only if they request help, and all activities must comply with CMS regulations.

What Is the OEP?

The OEP occurs annually from January 1 to March 31 and provides a one-time opportunity for beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to make specific changes. During this period:

  • Individuals currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare (with or without Part D coverage).
  • New Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in an MA plan during their Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) may also make one change.
  • Individuals enrolled in an MA plan may add or drop Part D coverage during OEP.

Ineligible:

Beneficiaries with Original Medicare who want to join an MA plan or change their Part D plan.

Effective Date:

Changes take effect on the first of the month following receipt of the enrollment request.

Compliance and Marketing During OEP

Staying compliant is critical. Here’s what is not allowed:

  • Unsolicited marketing: Do not send materials promoting plan changes or referencing OEP.
  • Targeting OEP beneficiaries: Avoid using mailing lists or digital tools to identify and contact recent plan changers.
  • Direct contact: Do not reach out to former enrollees who switched plans during AEP.
  • Promoting OEP: Do not use OEP as a selling point in marketing activities.

Permitted Activities:

  • Marketing to individuals approaching Medicare eligibility (age-ins).
  • Responding to beneficiary inquiries and scheduling meetings upon request.
  • Providing general information about enrollment periods on your website.
  • Marketing to individuals who recently moved to the area.

Marketing Tips

  • Focus on other opportunities: Highlight ICEP or other SEPs.
  • Leverage inbound inquiries: Address needs when beneficiaries contact you proactively.
  • Educate, don’t promote: Share plan benefits and options without emphasizing OEP-specific opportunities.

Need Help?

For questions or clarification about compliant activities during OEP, contact your Sales Account Executive or call the Medicare Advantage Agent Support (MAAS) line at 801-442-7320.

Helpful Tips for Flex Card Transactions

The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card (Flex Card) is a valuable benefit for Select Health Medicare members, offering convenience and flexibility when purchasing eligible items or paying for approved wellness activities.

However, transaction issues may occasionally occur. Here are some troubleshooting tips to assist members when a transaction declines, along with a reminder about reimbursement options:

Troubleshooting a Declined Transaction

If a member’s Flex Card transaction is declined, follow these steps to identify the issue:

  • Item eligibility: Make sure the member’s plan includes OTC, Wellness Your Way, and/or Food and Produce benefits. Confirm the item or service is covered and not on the excluded list.
  • Store eligibility: The purchase must be made at a NationsBenefit-approved retailer.
  • Available balance: The member may not have enough funds. They can check their balance online at the NationsBenefit website or by calling 833-878-0232 (TTY: 711).
  • Payment method: At checkout, the member should select credit even though the card says “debit.” No PIN is required.
  • Special pricing: Items labeled “Manager’s Special” or promotional discounts can cause issues. Suggest trying a different eligible item.

Reimbursement Options

If a member cannot use their Flex Card at the time of purchase, they may be eligible for reimbursement for:

  • Covered items purchased with personal funds
  • Approved Wellness Your Way activities (e.g., fitness classes or other qualifying expenses)

To request reimbursement, members should:

  • Keep their itemized receipt
  • Submit the required reimbursement form via:
    • BenefitsPro Portal
    • Or by calling NationsBenefits

Follow the instructions to ensure timely processing.

Need Assistance?