Tag: covid-19

COVID-19 (coronavirus), Medicare

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

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Health & Wellness

Warning: Kids are falling behind on critical vaccines

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 were fully vaccinated against: • Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) • Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) • Varicella (chickenpox) Why it matters Even a slight drop in vaccination coverage means communities are less protected against diseases. … Continue reading Warning: Kids are falling behind on critical vaccines

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COVID-19 (coronavirus), Health & Wellness

COVID-19 vaccine approval for ages 5-11: what parents need to know

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine was authorized yesterday to be given to children, ages 5 through 11. This is a long awaited and highly anticipated approval, as children under the age of 12 have not previously been able to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Parents have had to make many difficult decisions over the past 20 months, from home-schooling and canceling activities to wearing masks and getting … Continue reading COVID-19 vaccine approval for ages 5-11: what parents need to know

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COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Should FDA approvals hinder you from getting your COVID-19 vaccine?

Updated 8/24/2021: The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has received full FDA approval for ages 16 and older. According to the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE), there have been more than 331,000 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported through the end of July 2021, with more than 5,200 cases reported during the last seven days of July. Kansas has reported over 5,300 COVID-19 related deaths since … Continue reading Should FDA approvals hinder you from getting your COVID-19 vaccine?

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COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 vaccine: myth vs. fact

Earlier this year, the third SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) vaccine was authorized to prevent and decrease the serious health impact and death associated with this devastating disease. For those of us who have been waiting for our turn to get a vaccine, this comes as welcome news. The speed that these vaccines have been developed and the urgency of approval can lead to concerns about their true … Continue reading COVID-19 vaccine: myth vs. fact

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Health & Wellness

{Infographic} HPV vaccination rates decline

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted viral infection that can lead to many types of cancers. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the first HPV vaccine – a two-dose series. Fifteen years after its approval, there is now a decrease in HPV vaccine completion rates – especially during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In Kansas the HPV vaccine … Continue reading {Infographic} HPV vaccination rates decline

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COVID-19 (coronavirus), Industry Perspective

2021 legislative update on Kansas health insurance laws

As 2021 gets underway, both federal and state legislative and regulatory changes are expected to modify health plan benefits for Kansans. Below, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Sunee Mickle provides an update on how a few of these changes may affect our members. As the largest health insurer in Kansas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of … Continue reading 2021 legislative update on Kansas health insurance laws

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Health & Wellness

Managing the quarantine 15

During these months of changes in our daily routines, in work settings, and even in the people we are spending time with – many of us have found it challenging to avoid unhealthy changes in eating habits and weight gain. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas employer group wellness coordinator, Jane Shirley, shares some tips that might help you be more successful in avoiding … Continue reading Managing the quarantine 15

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