More doctors are writing prescriptions that encourage patients to eat healthier or exercise more. The Dot Rx program actually helps patients follow through.
Many employers offer wellness programs to address employees’ physical health. A growing number see an opportunity to address much more with a well-being program.
Watch how this Excellus BlueCross BlueShield employee leaves no stone unturned to find Medicaid members who may be struggling with major obstacles to good health and brings them back into the fold.
Large hospital systems often have more resources to provide an extra level of care for patients but small community hospitals may sometimes have to do more with less. BCBS Massachusetts is working with South Shore Hospital to help the hospital provide quality, affordable care for the entire community.
The CDC estimates that nearly 34,000 cancer deaths were attributable to HPV each year during 2011-2015. Of these, 31,200 might have been prevented by the HPV vaccine. New efforts to spread the prevention message are coming from health insurers.
Traditional Medicare plans cover traditional medical benefits. But what if having transportation to a doctor visit or increased access to healthy food is what’s really needed to get well?
City on a Hill clinic is seeing more millennial patients than ever. But for many, a visit for a sore throat is turning into a conversation about more serious health problems.
Some Medicare Advantage members need more than a doctor’s visit or a prescription to manage chronic diseases and stay healthy. They might need transportation, wellness activities or home care. A new model in Rhode Island aims to provide just that.
Women with dense breast tissue face a higher risk of breast cancer. But detecting that cancer may require additional screening. Can state laws requiring doctors recommend that additional screening make a difference?
Harvard Medical School published a new study using Blue Cross and Blue Shield Axis, the industry’s largest resource for healthcare claims, provider and cost data. The study found the monthly rate of first-time opioid prescriptions declined by 54%.
A strong relationship exists between a patient and their primary care physician, but one of the challenges that exist in this relationship is these doctors are unaware of treatments their patients may be getting outside of their office. But BCBS Alabama is working to solve this problem.
Intensive care unit nurse Mercedes Munoz endured three years of breast cancer treatment. After, she decided to leave a stressful work environment in the hospital to join a special concierge team for members with serious illness. Now, her experience helps her advocate for and empathize with cancer patients in a way few others can.
When you call an ambulance, emergency medical crews must transport you to the hospital, unless you refuse. But what if they could treat your symptoms—like an asthma attack or high blood pressure – right in your home? It’s a simple idea, but a break with tradition in Pennsylvania.
Prescription drug costs are on the rise and patients are often shocked by the cost of their prescriptions. To help members shop for the most-effective and affordable medications, Regence BCBS offers members a new, easy-to-use service called MedSavvy.
While traveling in Brazil, a car accident shattered her pelvis, broke her femur and left her near death. Local hospitals provided great care, but this Blue Shield of California member needed to get home. A health plan team didn’t rest until her flight landed.
Thousands have downloaded a new app from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska that helps members find the most cost-effective doctors and procedures, with a twist: personalization.
It wasn’t the life changing accident, but the cost of a medical device that almost left Caleb Wilson dependent on 24-hour care. So BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee connected him with a customer service representative who cut through the complexities to get Caleb what he needed.
Following President Trump’s announcement of a plan to eliminate the transmission of HIV in the United States by 2030, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association studied claims data from 88 million commercially insured members to understand the spread and impact of HIV across the country.
Despite the promise of compromise following 35 days of the longest shutdown in government history, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies continue to provide financial aid to federal employees and their families who were hardest hit by the government shutdown.
Interoperability is patient information flowing freely and securely between patients, doctors, hospitals and health insurers. BCBS companies are working to build such a healthcare system for their members.
Many people new to our country are in need of becoming better health advocates for themselves and their families. Find out how Florida Blue is taking a grassroots approach toward enhancing health literacy.
In Michigan, overdose deaths from opioids hit a record high last year, moving a surgeon-led team at Michigan OPEN to convene hospitals, health insurers and surgeons to develop new guidelines to reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing and curb overdose deaths.
BCBS Mississippi trains hospital staff to catch complications before they turn deadly. Plus, primary care doctors and OBGYNs work together to head off problems earlier.
Blue Distinction® Specialty Care is a national designation program recognizing healthcare facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality specialty care — safely, effectively and cost efficiently.
A majority of North Carolina’s largest health care systems have committed to sharing in cost savings – and losses if they fall short – for improving patient health in a broad new value-based care plan. BCBS North Carolina’s bold new strategy to take value-based care statewide.
Many rural communities in Alabama are seeing independent doctors leave for urban markets. Anticipating what this might mean for rural members, BCBS Alabama asked an important question and found an answer.
The USDA estimates 40 million Americans are food insecure and Arkansas ranks second in the country for the number of people facing food insecurity. As part of its 70th anniversary celebration, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield committed to making food insecurity its number one priority.
More than 100 million U.S. adults currently live with diabetes or prediabetes and one of the most common complications of diabetes is blindness. Learn how BCBS companies are removing barriers ensuring diabetic patients receive necessary eye exams.
While staying true to its small town charm and rich history South Dakota's oldest city, Fort Pierre, has a strong desire to be a city continuously making subtle environmental changes ensuring residents and visitors have resources to stay active and healthy.
Through innovative partnerships, BCBS companies are leveraging the latest in healthcare technology to reverse diabetes trends and to help people gain control over their diabetes and take back their lives.
Rising prescription drug costs are a heavy burden on members. In an effort to address, Blue Cross Blue Shield companies—including Premera Blue Cross and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield—are testing innovations, backed by data, to help ease this burden.
Communities across the nation are exploring ways to help residents get the care they need before calling an ambulance. Here’s how one community is addressing social determinants of health to help vulnerable patients get healthier.
Domestic violence is a cyclical behavior affecting women, men and children across the country. To better understand this cycle of violence, Blue Shield of California Foundation commissioned a survey to help uncover the root causes and found an opportunity for greater impact.
Richard Snyder, M.D., chief medical officer for Independence Blue Cross, says there’s no doubt insurers can play an integral role in addiction prevention and recovery.
When you’re feeling sick or are injured, there are several key places you can go for medical care: a doctor’s office, an urgent care center, a retail health clinic or the emergency room. Here’s a quick guide to help you know where to go, based on the urgency of your ailment and your budget.
