The pitfalls of referenced-based pricing

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 number of challenges, all of which lead to decreased employee satisfaction and retention, and possibility litigation and additional troubles for employer groups. How does it work?  Reference-based pricing attempts to bypass traditional health insurance by eliminating … Continue reading The pitfalls of referenced-based pricing

How Is Medicare Impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ending in May? | BCBSKS

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 that backdrop, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency. That declaration along with numerous other measures passed in the months that followed, paved the way for … Continue reading How Is Medicare Impacted by the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Ending in May? | BCBSKS

Boosting your mental health

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 good physical health. Whatever happens in your life, make your mental health a priority. You’ll feel good and deal with stress better. These ideas can keep your spirits up: Keep this list handy and … Continue reading Boosting your mental health

{Guest blog} National Walk @ Lunch Day

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 way to enjoy fresh air and view the downtown Wichita area from a different perspective. I also encourage my work family at United Way of the Plains to get outside and … Continue reading {Guest blog} National Walk @ Lunch Day

What does medical necessity mean?

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 physician or other healthcare provider may not be enough, however, to ensure your health plan will cover the costs of a specific treatment regimen or service.  For a recommended procedure, medication, treatment, or service to be … Continue reading What does medical necessity mean?

Medicare before 65: what to do before your birthday

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 much wrapping tape. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas want to help you celebrate and not complicate this big birthday and the health benefits that await as you … Continue reading Medicare before 65: what to do before your birthday

7 ways to improve your mental health this winter

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 the “winter blues,” also referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Day-to-day life can be impacted when we experience mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Taking extra care of yourself during winter is vital for … Continue reading 7 ways to improve your mental health this winter

I missed open enrollment. Now what?

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 depends on whether you need traditional health insurance or Medicare. But in either situation, you have options. Here is everything you should know. Traditional health insurance Traditional health insurance is … Continue reading I missed open enrollment. Now what?