Know where to go when you need care

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. Here is a breakdown of your options.     Your personal doctor should be your first call in most non-emergency situations. Your doctor knows you and your health history, including what … Continue reading Know where to go when you need care

Five simple ways to lower your healthcare costs

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.  Healthcare costs are a top financial worry, with more than half of U.S. adults reporting they have difficulty affording the costs of care. Even those who are covered by health insurance feel … Continue reading Five simple ways to lower your healthcare costs

Improving community health in Saline County

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 affordability, choice and accountability.   Our roots run deep in Saline County. In fact, in 1942, Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC) was the first facility to contract with BCBSKS.   And each of you … Continue reading Improving community health in Saline County

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – steps toward healing

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 number of things. These include the person’s age, personality, and any exposure to trauma in the past. Any person, of any age, can develop PTSD after a traumatizing event. The following … Continue reading Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – steps toward healing

Simplifying Medicare Supplement Plans | BCBSKS

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 regarding Medicare, you have to follow specific rules to maximize your coverage options. The team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is committed to cutting through the confusion and offering simple, transparent information about healthcare for … Continue reading Simplifying Medicare Supplement Plans | BCBSKS

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans For Kansans | 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 those enrolled in Original Medicare or as an added benefit for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries. Part D plans, as they are called, vary in terms of coverage, cost, and other essential features.  In … Continue reading Medicare Prescription Drug Plans For Kansans | BCBSKS

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