Burnout, exhaustion, anxiety and depression are more prevalent among American workers than ever before. In the U.S., 76 percent of workers report at least one symptom of a mental health condition...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/05/02/seven-steps-to-support-your-employees-mental-health/
Puede ser difícil encontrar el tiempo para descansar y relajarse con diversas listas de pendientes y varias responsabilidades. No obstante, intente que incorporar algún tiempo de esparcimiento ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/04/25/como-encontrar-el-tiempo-para-descansar-y-relajarse/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas se asocia con Lucet para garantizar que nuestros asegurados y empleados tengan acceso a los recursos de salud conductual que necesitan. La manera en la que al...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/04/25/trastorno-de-estres-postraumatico-pasos-para-sanar/
Si nota que usted o alguien que le importa parece “apagado”, podría estar pasando algo. Conocer los signos de problemas de salud mental y la detección temprana son clave para obtener la ayu...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/04/25/blog-de-invitado-conozca-los-signos-de-una-enfermedad-mental/
Probablemente haya visto o escuchado en las noticias acerca del aumento en las tasas de suicidio. Es atemorizante, ¿verdad? Justo ahora, estamos observando que las tasas de suicidio entre los j�...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/04/25/blog-de-invitado-los-jovenes-y-el-suicidio/
Whether it’s a rumble, a burn or an ache, nearly everyone has tummy troubles at some point. Some stomach problems are linked to digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or ulcer...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/04/08/sick-to-your-stomach-heres-help/
In November 1949, Mrs. Funston Eckdall and Mrs. W.A. Larkin went door-to-door in Emporia encouraging residents to enroll in the Kansas medical plans, Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Their hope was to...
Walking is one of the simplest ways people can start down a path toward better health. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. But the benefits fr...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/03/22/get-stepping-get-healthy/
Every year, peak international travel season begins in May and continues through October. This marks a time when the weather is warm, and academic calendars free up time, making travel more conve...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/03/12/traveling-abroad-yes-you-need-travel-insurance/
by Jennifer Herman, RN, BSN, CCP As we honor and recognize the rich heritage of the Black community, it’s important to look at what inequities still exist and what work still needs to be done. ...
While many generic medicines cost less than brand name drugs, some high-cost generics are more expensive than they need to be due to lack of competition in the market. With generic medicines acco...
If you’ve ever carried a package down a hallway, you know the feeling. At first, the load might seem relatively light. But haul it for too long, and it may eventually feel too heavy. There’s ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/02/12/carrying-more-weight-longer-increases-colorectal-cancer-risk/
Disease management programs can be life-altering It’s likely you or a person you know is living with a chronic health condition, like heart disease or diabetes. In fact, six in 10 Americans liv...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/02/12/one-on-one-support-for-chronic-health-conditions/
Do you ever wonder if you are getting the lowest price for your prescription drugs, but you don’t want to spend time looking at various discount card options? With MedsYourWay – Retail, the B...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/02/01/medsyourway-retail-expands-to-more-drugs/
A preliminary look at the impact of GLP-1 therapies The demand for type 2 diabetes medications with weight loss side effects like Ozempic have soared over the last few years. Developed to help pa...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/02/01/how-will-weight-loss-drugs-affect-health-care-costs/
Did you know you have access to a text-based health coaching program with your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas health plan? Strive Text delivers a blend of evidence based clinical guidelines...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/02/01/science-based-approach-helps-members-improve-health-outcomes/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Lucet to make sure our members and employees have access to the behavioral health resources they need. Prepared Through Planning Being successfu...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/01/29/goal-setting-for-success/
As a 5th generation Kansan from small town Augusta, Kansas, I was raised knowing that being of service – to your community and to others — is a value Kansans share. It’s the Kansas way. At ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/01/29/celebrating-our-kansas-roots-2/
Resilience doesn’t remove pain and suffering from your life. But it can boost your ability to handle challenges that come your way — and research shows that resilient people tend to be health...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2024/01/03/building-resilience-may-lead-to-better-health/
Tiffany Liesmann, chief pharmacist at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas recently presented about the current state of the pharmacy landscape, how we got here and what Blue Cross is doing to cr...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/12/29/pharmacy-solutions-at-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-kansas/
If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety or depression, you’ll want to watch this webinar. When you watch, you’ll learn about: The post Depression, Let’s Talk first appeared on Yo...
Mental health conditions can affect a person’s productivity, work absences, confidence and identity at work. When you watch this webinar, you’ll learn about: The post Improving Health Throu...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/11/15/improving-health-through-change/
If your company has employees traveling outside the state or workers living in other parts of the country, you don’t need to look far for seamless healthcare coverage. “Nationwide access, loc...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/11/02/nationwide-access-local-support/
What is COBRA? Who is eligible? These questions, and more, are answered in this video about continuing coverage options when group health coverage would otherwise be lost due to certain events. ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/10/18/answering-your-common-questions-about-continuing-coverage/
Questions about enrolling in a group health insurance plan? This video covers: The post Answering your common questions about enrollement first appeared on You + Blue . The post Answering yo...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/10/18/answering-your-common-questions-about-enrollement/
We’re committed to the health of your business. And are here to help provide information when administering your company’s health plan. This video is about eligibility – conditions that mus...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/08/15/answering-your-common-questions-about-eligibility/
Questions about administering your company’s health insurance plan? This short video helps answer commonly asked questions about billing, payments and making billing changes/adjustments. The ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/08/15/answering-your-common-questions-about-billing/
There is nothing more important than your health and wellness as well as that of your family. But it can be difficult to navigate complicated medical conditions or wellness goals on your own. Tha...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/08/09/one-on-one-support-from-blue-cross-nurses/
While most Americans agree it’s important to have life insurance, they don’t tend to seek out coverage on their own. It’s a puzzling contradiction; one that smart employers understand and r...
More than ever, Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. This means they are financially unprepared when life throws a curve ball, like an unexpected illness or an accident that results in an i...
The benefits your company offers speaks volumes to your employees. What do employees look for when it comes to benefits? What are modern workforce trends you should be aware of? During this recor...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/07/25/modern-workforce-benefits/
What drives cost trends? How do these trends impact premiums? Watch Matt Burns, chief actuary at Blue Cross, discuss the affordability problem with a comprehensive look at risk, rating and actuar...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/07/18/healthcare-trends-and-how-they-impact-cost/
When you or someone you love is sick or injured, where do you go for care? Your doctor’s office? The urgent care clinic? Or the emergency room? Sometimes, it’s hard to know what’s best. Her...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/07/11/know-where-to-go-when-you-need-care/
Over the past few years, expenses have been adding up for the American consumer. Inflation adds yet another level of stress. In 2023, 60% of workers report they are living paycheck to paycheck. �...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/07/11/five-simple-ways-to-lower-your-healthcare-costs/
More than 80 years ago, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) was created by and for the people of Kansas. We are committed to improving the well-being of Kansas communities through affor...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/06/14/improving-community-health-in-saline-county/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Lucet to make sure our members and employees have access to the behavioral health resources they need. How someone reacts to trauma depends on a...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/06/07/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-steps-toward-healing/
Medicare supplement plans, also known as Medigap, can be beneficial coverage in Medicare management, whether it’s for specific health needs or international travelers. As with most things regar...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/06/01/simplifying-medicare-supplement-plans-bcbsks/
Applying for a Medicare prescription drug plan can be a daunting task. Yet, with accurate guidance, you can easily apply for the plan that best suits your needs. These plans are available to th...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/06/01/medicare-prescription-drug-plans-for-kansans-bcbsks/
Employers are looking for creative ways to save money on insurance, and reference-based pricing is the latest strategy to promise savings. However, the switch to reference-based pricing poses a n...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/05/11/the-promises-and-pitfalls-of-reference-based-pricing/
It was in late January 2020 when a novel virus began sweeping the globe. With no tests or treatments available, COVID-19 was spreading rapidly in ways we did not yet fully understand. Against tha...
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Lucet to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. Good mental health is just as important as go...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/05/10/boosting-your-mental-health/
It’s time to break out your walking shoes and spend some quality time outside! Every spring my wife and I look forward to resuming our weekend strolls along the Arkansas River. It’s a great w...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/26/guest-blog-national-walk-lunch-day/
We depend on our doctors and healthcare providers to recommend whatever diagnostic measures, medications, procedures, or services are required to maintain or restore our health. The order of a ph...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/24/what-does-medical-necessity-mean/
The milestone birthday of 65 opens up a whole new world of Medicare healthcare for senior citizens. The details of Medicare can be hard to unwrap, like the gift from a friend who always uses too ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/24/medicare-before-65-what-to-do-before-your-birthday/
Mental health is integral to our overall health, especially during the winter. Colder and shorter days can bring with them various mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and even ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/24/7-ways-to-improve-your-mental-health-this-winter/
Whoops! Now that open enrollment has come to an end, you just realized that you missed signing up. If this is you, don’t panic. You are not alone. What happens if you miss open enrollment depen...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/24/i-missed-open-enrollment-now-what/
The Medicare maze requires some new navigating in 2023 with added benefits and lower costs for some customers. Even the word “enrollment” has many Medicare meanings. What is the General Enrol...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/24/what-happens-with-medicare-in-january/
It’s no secret that drug spending is heavily driven by a relatively small number of high-cost specialty drugs. Self-funded employer groups are looking for any way to save on these costs. As a r...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/04/05/what-you-need-to-know-about-specialty-carve-out-vendors/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Lucet to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. When you and your healthcare provider communi...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/15/how-to-communicate-with-your-healthcare-provider/
Getting a good night’s sleep becomes even more important as we age, and our bodies need the time to rest, rejuvenate and heal. At the same time, up to 70% of people over the age of 65 have ongo...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/13/medicare-and-sleep-whats-covered-under-your-plan-and-what-isnt/
Does Medicare cover dental care for senior citizens? Are you taking care of your dental health and scheduling regular exams, x-rays, and cleanings? According to the 2022 Kansas Oral Health Repo...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/medicare-insurance-and-dental-care-for-seniors/
Medicare and Psoriasis: Coverage, Treatment, Medications & More August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, and it’s important for the patients to know they are not alone. Psoriasis can be on...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/medicare-and-psoriasis-coverage-treatment-medications-and-more/
If you are on Medicare, you might wonder whether cancer treatment is covered. After all, cancer is responsible for more than 600,000 deaths in the United States each year, including about 5,000 p...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/how-do-cancer-patients-get-treatment-under-medicare/
Colorectal cancer is a common illness, affecting approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women in the United States. It can be fatal if left undiagnosed until its late stages but is highly preventa...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/medicare-colonoscopy-coverages-costs-and-more/
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and above get a flu shot. Flu shots provide strong protection against multiple strains of seasonal infl...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/does-medicare-cover-flu-shots/
Medicare offers extensive coverage for diabetes prevention and treatment of diabetes, but it’s important to know which plan covers what aspects of each step. A new cost-saving measure in 2023 c...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/what-diabetes-supplies-does-medicare-cover/
Medicare vaccine coverage 2023 includes major updates every participant should know about before choosing a plan. This improved immunization process offers no-cost vaccines for the most vulnerabl...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/medicares-updated-vaccine-and-immunization-list/
If you are new to Medicare, or simply want to review your options, you might wonder if you should purchase a Medicare SELECT plan. This type of coverage helps to cover the gaps in original Medica...
If you have chronic pain, you are not alone. In fact, a study published in 2022 by the International Association for the Study of Pain shows that approximately one in five American adults are liv...
On top of keeping up with all the changes with Medicare for 2023, you also need to know the difference between Health Insurance and a Health Benefit Plan. Some people don’t realize the differen...
Part of the aging process involves skin concerns — from cosmetic to cancer and various spots, bumps and wrinkles in between. For those on Medicare, it can be challenging to figure out what pa...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/what-dermatology-procedures-are-covered-by-kansas-medicare/
Medicare can be a complicated maze of coverage, co-pays and columns, but at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we want to simplify the details as much as possible to get direct information tha...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/what-medical-procedures-are-and-arent-covered-by-medicare/
Medicare timelines can be incredibly confusing. There is no single Medicare timeline, as Medicare features multiple parts, as well as different aspects such as enrollments and appeals, each with ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/10/medicare-timelines-for-enrollment-appeals-claims-more/
If you’ve ever created a family tree, you know that your family is made up of people with all kinds of backgrounds. (Who knew that great-uncle Roger was a magician?) But that’s just one type ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/02/the-importance-of-your-family-medical-history-and-how-to-find-it/
Welcome to the no-excuse zone as we discuss the mental and physical health benefits of taking a vacation. Put aside your workload, worries and job security woes and let’s look at why you are ac...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/02/health-benefits-of-vacations/
You’ve taken a great first step to improve your mental health just by coming to this page. Whether you’re here for yourself or a loved one, rest assured Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas i...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/03/01/what-does-kansas-medicare-cover-for-mental-health-care/
Regular exercise provides a wealth of health benefits, yet exercise numbers drop off each winter as the days get shorter, it gets colder outside, and seasonal depression kicks in. You don’t hav...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/02/28/indoor-exercises-for-winter-fitness/
Exercising doesn’t have to be complicated – you don’t need that fancy, expensive machine, a room full of dumbbells or even a gym membership to incorporate exercising into your daily routine...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/02/22/turning-a-daily-walk-into-a-habit/
February is Black History Month. It’s a time we can reflect, learn and appreciate the significance Blacks and African Americans have made in our country. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion (D...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/02/15/celebrating-and-honoring-black-history-in-kansas/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Lucet to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. After a loss, it’s not uncommon for people ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/02/08/moving-from-grief-to-acceptance/
Each year, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation shares nearly $200,000 in Healthy Habits for Life grants to assist schools in implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle...
It can be difficult to find time to rest and relax with looming to-do lists and various responsibilities. However, try to make it a priority to incorporate some downtime in your daily life. When ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2023/01/25/finding-time-for-rest-and-relaxation/
As a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, your employees have access to a wealth of resources to support their entire wellness journey. Whether they are looking for ways to kick start ...
Vaccination rates fell behind during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re still catching up. The CDC reported that during the 2020–2021 school year, only about 94% of kindergartners nationwide we...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/12/28/warning-kids-are-falling-behind-on-critical-vaccines/
Children may experiment with new clothing, hairstyles or attitudes as they grow. But sudden and extreme negative changes could signal substance abuse. General warning signs Warning signs of subst...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/12/21/how-to-spot-kids-substance-abuse/
Rockland Stone is a family-owned business owned by Ashia and Nate Passmore since 2018. They are a dimensional stone quarry in central Kansas providing large limestone blocks found in landscaping,...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/12/20/rock-solid-coverage-with-a-level-funded-plan/
Not long ago, Brady Franklin, Heidi Mark and Chris McGee made the decision to leave their large firm and venture out on their own creating Endeavor Private Wealth to help a select number of clien...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/12/20/how-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-kansas-delivered-for-us/
We all need an escape from reality now and then, whether that’s a relaxing vacation or a great book. Psychosis, however, refers to a loss of contact with reality. It may mean seeing or hearing ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/12/14/early-treatment-team-approach-help-psychosis/
You may be eligible for Marketplace subsidies even if you’re offered an employer-based insurance plan. The definition of “affordable” group coverage has been problematic since the arrival o...
Take a moment and think about some of your goals. Maybe you want to find a job you love, eat better, save money or improve your fitness levels. If you’ve set goals in the past, but failed to me...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/12/07/set-goals-the-s-m-a-r-t-way/
No magic potion can solve all your health problems. But if you have diabetes, there is a beverage that may boost your ability to manage your condition. What’s more, it comes in many colors and ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/11/16/spill-the-tea-can-this-drink-help-diabetes/
Some of your employees may be eligible for Marketplace subsidies The definition of “affordable” group coverage has been problematic since the arrival of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2013....
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/11/14/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-family-glitch/
Why telemedicine is a necessity in today’s workplace The pandemic changed so much about the way we work. In a small period of time, many employees took an emergency crash course on how to work ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/11/10/virtual-care-is-here-to-stay/
And why consumers benefit Steadily rising costs have everyone looking for smart ways to save money, particularly on health insurance. A great way to push back at inflation is to offer a Health Sa...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/11/10/why-employers-should-offer-an-hsa/
When Kim Sachse was diagnosed with chronic heart failure and prediabetes, she thought it was nerve-wracking and had a lot of questions. She knew that she needed to add low-sodium and lower carb o...
Caregivers need to focus on their own well-being to properly succeed at caregiving and avoid compassion fatigue. There are five crucial aspects of self-care, including getting enough sleep, eatin...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/11/02/caregivers-need-self-care-too/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. Nobody plans to become addicted to d...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/10/26/mental-health-and-substance-abuse-disorders/
In the search for savings, beware of the risks Specialty carve-outs expose employers to ethical and compliance issues, and more On the surface, it sounds like a good idea. “Carve out” the mos...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/10/12/considering-a-specialty-carve-out/
Mobility is how well a person can move and get around. It’s not just walking or driving. It also affects things like whether you can do chores and take care of yourself at home. You may not be ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/09/14/take-steps-now-to-stay-mobile-longer/
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with New Directions to provide behavioral health screenings, resources and support to our members and employees. Eating healthy foods and exercising ...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/09/07/guest-blog-maintaining-your-mental-health/
While medical advancements have made aging easier for some, changes in society may make it more difficult for others. Researchers estimate about 27% of older Americans live without a family membe...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/08/31/4-questions-to-ask-yourself-as-you-age/
Insuring your employees may be more affordable than you realize As a small business owner, you want to attract and retain good talent to help your business grow. You’re also juggling rising cos...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/08/29/health-insurance-vs-a-pay-raise-whats-the-better-choice/
Level-funded plans offer an alternative approach for small employers Level-funded plans are gaining traction among businesses with 3 to 100 employees, and for good reason. If your business has ge...
You don’t have to settle for a patchwork of benefits Prescription drug coverage is an important part of your employees’ health care. It’s also a major cost concern for you, as an employer. ...
While Jana knew smoking was bad for her; and she knew she should stop, she was just going through the “quitting” motions until some of her friends were diagnosed with cancer and other friends...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/07/28/quitting-smoking-is-possible-through-healthyoptions-program/
Scrambling to make dinner last minute? Ordering takeout because you didn’t plan ahead? It’s time to introduce you to a new teammate: meal prepping. Meal prepping puts your game plan for the w...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/07/07/meal-prep-101-how-to-take-charge-in-the-kitchen/
GeoBlue le brinda tranquilidad para viajes internacionales. Es verano, y más que nunca, eso significa que es tiempo de viajar. Puede que incluso esté planeando un viaje de ensueño al exterior....
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/07/07/proteja-su-salud-cuando-viaje-al-extranjero/
Tener tranquilidad es más fácil de lo que cree A pesar de lo imprevisible que puede ser la vida, tener un plan para las circunstancias inesperadas es más fácil de lo que cree. Los planes de s...
Peace of mind is easier than you think. As unpredictable as life can be, it’s easier than you think to plan for unexpected circumstances. Term Life insurance and Short Term Disability plans wil...
GeoBlue provides peace of mind for international travel It’s summer, and more than ever, that means it’s time for travel. You may even be planning a dream trip abroad. The last thing you want...
https://blog.bcbsks.com/2022/07/06/safeguard-your-health-when-traveling-abroad/