Set Goals the S.M.A.R.T. Way

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 meet them, know that this time can be different. When you set goals using the S.M.A.R.T. method, you give yourself the tools needed to be successful. S.M.A.R.T … Continue reading Set Goals the S.M.A.R.T. Way

Spill the tea: can this drink help diabetes?

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 flavors, and it’s simple to find on your grocery store shelf. It’s tea – and whether you prefer green, black or oolong, research suggests sipping a cup, or a few, … Continue reading Spill the tea: can this drink help diabetes?

How revisions to the “family glitch” impacts your employees

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. Known as the “family glitch,” it barred millions of employees from receiving subsidized health insurance through the Marketplace. In 2023, the IRS fixed the “family glitch.” This means that some of your employees may now … Continue reading How revisions to the “family glitch” impacts your employees

Virtual care is here to stay

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 remotely. With that came a host of other changes, including how people accessed health care. One major change was the surge in virtual care — also known as telehealth or … Continue reading Virtual care is here to stay

Why employers should offer an HSA

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 Savings Account (HSA) to your employees. These savings accounts are a simple, effective and affordable way to find tax savings that benefits everyone: individuals, small businesses and large employers. An HSA is … Continue reading Why employers should offer an HSA

Disease management program helps member take control of prediabetes diagnosis

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 options to her diet, and she knew she needed to exercise, but didn’t really know how to start making changes. Then, Kim received a letter inviting her to enroll in the Blue … Continue reading Disease management program helps member take control of prediabetes diagnosis

Caregivers Need Self-Care Too

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, eating healthy foods, exercising, having relaxation time and having social support. Caregivers can improve their quality of life and increase their levels of happiness by directing their attention inward and taking more time to care for themselves. … Continue reading Caregivers Need Self-Care Too

Mental health and substance abuse disorders

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 drugs or alcohol, yet it happens often. Plenty of people can enjoy the occasional alcoholic drink or take prescribed pain medications and still lead a healthy life. But addiction develops slowly over time, which is … Continue reading Mental health and substance abuse disorders