What happens with Medicare in January?
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 Enrollment period for Medicare, and how is it different from Open Enrollment? The team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas offers direct services and guidance through the maze to get the best healthcare … Continue reading What happens with Medicare in January?
What you need to know about specialty carve-out vendors
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 result, a number of specialty carve-outs have made their way into the market. Specialty carve-outs are drug cost management services that contract with self-funded employer groups and third-party administrators to secure … Continue reading What you need to know about specialty carve-out vendors
How to communicate with your healthcare provider
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 communicate well regarding health and personal issues, your health benefits. When problems arise because you and your healthcare provider are out of step, the result can be costly. Steps to take: Consider your relationship with your … Continue reading How to communicate with your healthcare provider
Medicare and sleep: what’s covered under your plan – and what isn’t
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 ongoing sleep challenges. As many as half of those might have an undiagnosed condition. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is here to support sleep cycles … Continue reading Medicare and sleep: what’s covered under your plan – and what isn’t
Medicare insurance and dental care for seniors
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 Report, approximately two-thirds of Kansas adults visit the dentist, and one-third of older adults have lost six or more teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease. If you’re overdue for a trip to the … Continue reading Medicare insurance and dental care for seniors
Medicare and Psoriasis: coverage, treatment, medications and more
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 one of the most annoying and embarrassing skin conditions. While researchers have worked relentlessly to find out what causes psoriasis, many facets of it are still unknown. You have questions, and we have answers to fill … Continue reading Medicare and Psoriasis: coverage, treatment, medications and more
How do cancer patients get treatment under Medicare?
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 per year in Kansas. Cancer is more survivable than ever, but prevention, early detection, and modern treatments can significantly impact survival. If you’re facing cancer treatment while on Medicare, here is what you … Continue reading How do cancer patients get treatment under Medicare?
Medicare colonoscopy: coverages, costs and more
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 preventable or treatable when caught early. A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard for diagnosing colorectal cancer and is recommended every 10 years starting at age 45. Earlier or more … Continue reading Medicare colonoscopy: coverages, costs and more