Promote Health and Wellness

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Baby YourselfSM

The goal of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama's Baby Yourself prenatal wellness program is to ensure a healthy pregnancy and provide the best chance for a healthy baby. Participants can enroll once they learn they are pregnant and receive telephone-based support from a nurse throughout their pregnancy.

BeHealthy.com Diabetes Prevention

A comprehensive health website powered by WebMD®, BeHealthy.com provides Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama members with up-to-date information about illnesses, conditions and the latest health news. Members also get access to health trackers, calculators and assessments, and they can personalize the site to fit their needs. Among the available resources:

HealthQuotient^TM (HQ) - After taking this health assessment, members get an immediate, personalized online report showing an overview of their current health status and ways to reduce health risks. In 2007, the Plan logged 13,799 HQ completions; in 2008, that number grew to 21,694.
LifeStyle Solutions - These six-week, Web-based health courses offer step-by-step assistance to help members change unhealthy behaviors and make better health choices. Participants can choose one of 14 courses or engage in the program personally recommended for them by the HealthQuotient.
Personal Health Record (PHR) - The PHR allows members to keep all their health information in one secure, centralized location. Information can be entered manually, and members can choose for data to be automatically added from two years of processed claims. Members may also choose to share their PHR with their providers.
Blue 365SM - This program offers discounts and savings from selected companies on products and services for a healthy lifestyle. Areas where members can find savings include weight loss programs, fitness programs and other health-related services that address members' unique needs.
Interactive Web Tools - Members have access to health trackers, the latest health news, a symptom checker, a treatment cost estimator and an Rx Benefit Manager. Members also have access to online message boards, which are expert-moderated and cover a wide variety of health topics.

For Your Health® Disease Management Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama's disease management programs measurably improve lives by offering a fully integrated suite of clinical and administrative services that span the entire health continuum. Interventions are tailored to support and maintain health and prevent any decline that may lead to future health risks. Five core programs available to members focus on asthma, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure and diabetes.

Worksite Wellness Programs Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama helps employers plan and deliver effective wellness programs by tailoring wellness services to meet their needs. The Plan's suite of worksite wellness programs includes:

For Your Health Communications - Health information topics include disease prevention, healthy lifestyles and positive health choices. Stock numbers for coordinating materials are included and may be ordered on the Plan's website, www.bcbsal.com.
Health Observance Calendar - Employers can use the Health Observance Calendar to plan monthly health promotions. Stock numbers for coordinating materials are included and may be ordered on the Plan's website, www.bcbsal.com.
WalkingWorksSM - This exercise program is designed to help employees learn how to incorporate activity into their everyday lives. Since the program focuses on walking, almost everyone can participate. Employers can visit www.bcbsal.com/walkingworks for more information.
Worksite Wellness Tool Kits - These kits provide an easy, comprehensive way for employers to implement a wellness program. They provide DVDs, materials and planning ideas for employers. Tool kit topics include WalkingWorks, stress management, nutrition and BeHealthy.com, the Plan’s interactive health and wellness website.
The BeHealthy Beat - This is a monthly electronic newsletter for employers. It provides HR and wellness staff with information about upcoming health observances, wellness events, available resources and suggestions for planning wellness activities. To receive the newsletter, employers simply send an e-mail request to (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Tailored Wellness Strategies - Wellness Enhancement Analysts are available to work individually with employers in developing tailored wellness strategies, planning activities and evaluating outcomes.

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska

Know Your Numbers Program Diabetes Prevention

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska’s Know Your Numbers program is designed to help employers use their workplaces as venues for promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The initiative focuses on measuring employees’ blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index in an effort to educate them on their health status and encourage participation in wellness efforts. Employers can customize the program by prioritizing certain health topics, although the common focus is on knowing health status, making wise health and financial decisions and focusing on changes that matter.

Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers® Diabetes Prevention

Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska members have access to Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers (TRCs) through the Medco By Mail program. TRCs are designed to meet the complex needs of chronically ill patients who require ongoing medication therapy, the 50 percent of Plan members who account for more than 90 percent of Plan medication costs. Specifically, TRCs leverage the specialized knowledge of more than 800 specialty pharmacists trained in diabetes, cancer, heart disease and asthma to achieve improved care coordination and clinical outcomes. The key advantage is concentrating on a single set of patients and delivering services through highly skilled and credentialed pharmacists.

Polypharmacy Program

The Polypharmacy Program educates Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska members on drug safety and heightens awareness of the potential complexity and risks of taking multiple medications. Targeting adults who have used five or more maintenance medications, this program sends these members informational mailings with resources such as a brochure about drug interactions, a medication log to itemize current treatments and a brown bag for bringing all prescription drugs, herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications to their next doctor’s appointment.

This information distribution supports physicians in talking with members about avoiding an adverse drug event, verifying that patients are taking the correct doses and eliminating duplicative and unnecessary drugs. Since its inception in June 2001, the program has distributed materials to more than 110,000 members. Roughly one in four of the resulting drug reviews triggered a change in the patient’s medication regimen. This Blue Works Award-winning program led to a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association promotional campaign. The selection panel at the Harvard Medical School stated, “This is a simple yet effective example of what we can do to improve safety and reduce medical errors and health care costs.”

Premera Associates Wellness Program Diabetes Prevention

As an employer, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska is committed to fostering a culture of health. To support associates’ efforts to make choices that improve or maintain their health, Premera spearheads several wellness initiatives. In the program’s first year, the initiatives focused on the importance of knowing your key health risk indicators, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and body mass index. Now, the initiative is expanding to the next logical step of the wellness journey: taking action to improve those numbers when necessary.

Additionally, Premera is looking to remove barriers that may prevent associates from taking action. To that end, Premera Blue Cross promotes prevention services and made changes to its employee medical benefits plan such as covering screening mammography in full. Premera encourages workplace wellness through healthy options with free onsite biometric screenings and campus and community activities that use a points-based rewards program.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Arizona

Health Safari Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona launched the Health Safari program to educate students in grades K-6 about healthy living and provide them with a free, basic exam to check their height, weight and blood pressure; screen them for head lice; and evaluate their dental, vision and hearing status. If a problem is detected, school nurses follow up with the students' parents. School nurses also provide parents with a booklet containing their child’s personalized screening data and recommended immunization schedule.

HealthyBlue Program Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona created the HealthyBlue Program to provide members with an integrated suite of online tools, resources and services for maintaining and improving their health and wellness. Among them:

My BluePrint – Assesses and scores members’ lifestyle habits, delivers immediate feedback on overall health via a personalized report, relays these results to other HealthyBlue programs and monitors members' progress over time
Lifestyle Change – Offers a collection of resources and programs to help members adopt healthier lifestyles, including health coaches, one-on-one disease management phone support and online behavior change tools
Member Discounts – Features discounts on registration fees for nationally recognized weight-loss programs

Walk On! Challenge for Youth Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona launched the Walk On! Challenge as an educational program to motivate kids across the state to incorporate exercise into their daily lives. The annual event encourages students to walk 10,000 steps every day during the month of February, tracking their progress with a pedometer and toolkit provided by the Plan. The program is a fun and interactive way to combat childhood obesity and instill positive habits at a young age.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Blue and Youth Program Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield launched the Blue and Youth Health Program to promote and teach regular physical activity, good nutrition and healthy habits among elementary school children. The program’s mascot, BlueAnn Ewe, a 6-foot-tall blue sheep, appears as a costumed and animated character in different venues, including:

BlueAnn Ewe’s Healthy ClassAct: A live, interactive 40-minute classroom presentation starring BlueAnn. A coloring book for each child is provided at the end of the lesson to reinforce the topics taught.
BlueAnn Ewe’s Health Club and Class Club: A club for individuals (aged five to 10) with a free two-year membership. Includes incentives and rewards for participating in healthy activities. Newsletters, activity sheets and special gifts are a part of the program. In the classroom equivalent club, teachers enroll their classes and utilize the Club materials at their discretion; membership is for one school year and provides incentives and rewards for practicing healthy behaviors.
BlueAnn Rocks: Fourteen animated musical television commercials featuring BlueAnn and kids singing health messages regarding nutrition, peer pressure, exercise, nutrition and more. The spots are shown on children’s network and cable television channels, including Nickelodeon.
BlueAnn’s Wild and Wooly website: Visitors play games, watch the "BlueAnn Rocks" music videos, join the health club, print out activity and color sheets, read about healthy goodies, look through BlueAnn’s scrapbook and read her fan mail.

For more information, visit http://www.BlueAnnEwe-ark.com.

Health Connect Blue Diabetes Prevention

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield's HealthConnect Blue website offers a full suite of health information and support tools designed to help members lead healthier lives. Available to all members under age 65, the program includes features such as:

Health Coaches – Available around the clock to help members understand various medical tests, assist in developing physical fitness routines and provide additional materials such as videotapes and brochures at no cost. Members may also access the Dialog Room, an online chat tool that connects them to health coaches over the Internet for immediate support.
Health Education Programs – Mailings with the latest information and resources on topics such as cardiovascular and respiratory health, diabetes, weight management, pregnancy and lower-back pain
Healthwise® Knowledgebase – Comprehensive, current, evidence-based information to assist members with healthcare decisions
Health Media Tools – Online resources on nutrition, weight loss, smoking cessation and stress management, along with personalized support for members interested in crafting customized action plans

The Blue & You Fitness Challenge

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield developed the Blue & You Fitness Challenge in 2008 following an earlier collaboration with the Arkansas Department of Health that resulted in the Arkansas Fitness Challenge (AFC). The program addresses the dangers posed by controllable, adverse health factors such as obesity, smoking and poor nutrition by focusing on the importance of regular physical activity. The Blue & You Fitness Challenge engages employees from opposing teams to participate in cardiovascular-focused exercises, awarding points for completion that are accumulated throughout the three-month contest. Since the state's first AFC in 2004, the program has rapidly expanded, and the Blue & You Fitness Challenge now includes thousands of participants from large and small employers statewide.

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is a charitable foundation established and funded by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote better health statewide through annual grants to nonprofit and governmental organizations focused on health and wellness. With a strategic focus on funding community-based solutions, the foundation fosters collaboration and innovation and leverages human and community resources to create a lasting impact on health and wellness in Arkansas. Since 2003, the foundation has provided more than $8.6 million in charitable grants to 129 organizations statewide. These grants have largely been directed toward programs that address chronic conditions, including educational initiatives to promote wellness among children and adults.

Anthem Blue Cross

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

360° Health – a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Anthem Blue Cross’s parent company – is a total health solution that gives people the tools they need to be better informed about and active in their health. This fully integrated and member-centric approach to care encompasses more than 40 innovative products and services (360° Health product offering can vary by health plan purchased). Product examples:

ComplexCare – Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms – Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine – Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare – Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage – Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Custom Care Connection (C3) is a care management program for Anthem Blue Cross’s Medicare Advantage members. It provides education and tools to assist senior members in managing their health and medical conditions and to connect them with the local resources they need through regular contact with a C3 Nurse Care Manager. The C3 Nurse Care Manager’s job is to educate and collaborate and set goals with members to help them make the best decisions about their healthcare while facilitating health behavior changes that fit in with the member’s unique lifestyle and needs.

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Anthem Blue Cross participates in the Healthy Lifestyles program, a comprehensive Web-based health and wellness program that encourages healthy behavior changes to help reduce costs and improve productivity. Healthy Lifestyles works with members to set realistic health goals and create a personally tailored action plan focused on five key behaviors: exercise, weight management, nutrition, smoking cessation and stress management. Some of the available self-directed tools and resources include:

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

MyHealth Advantage is a component of 360° Health – a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company – a total health solution that gives people the tools they need to be better informed about and active in their health. This fully integrated and member-centric approach to care encompasses more than 40 innovative products and services (360° Health product offering can vary by health plan purchased). MyHealth Advantage specifically offers timely member alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leadership and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

The Vascular-at-Risk program developed by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield targets hypertension, hyperlipidemia and metabolic syndrome – prevalent and potentially life-threatening conditions associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, stroke, peripheral vascular disease and peripheral artery disease. Members diagnosed with one of these conditions receive tailored interventions through an Individualized Intervention Plan (IIP) that complements physicians’ prescribed plans of treatment. With proper coaching, health education and resources, the Vascular-at-Risk program works to improve the condition by empowering members to become better managers of their personal healthcare.

Blue Shield of California

Complex Care Management Diabetes Prevention

Blue Shield of California offers complex care management in an effort to provide more in-depth assistance to members with multiple health conditions. Through the program, healthcare professionals conduct onsite visits with members and help them take steps to manage their health. These services help ensure care coordination and appropriate resource use.

Congestive Heart Failure Program

Blue Shield of California implemented the Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Program to monitor patients suffering from CHF and improve their health outcomes. Through the collaborative efforts of a team of physicians and nurses, the program provides coordinated, personalized care for members with CHF and tracks their progress using special home monitoring equipment. Since its inception, the program has reduced expected inpatient admissions and emergency room visits by more than 20 percent among participating members.

Health Coach Diabetes Prevention

Health Coach is an employer-based program offered by Blue Shield of California that targets members at moderate and high risk for diabetes through a risk assessment and follow-up, telephonic coaching. The program proactively works with these members to address weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, nutrition and physical activity. Health Coach addresses modifiable behaviors with members through well-trained coaches with specialties in nutrition, education and exercise physiology. Participants at high risk receive up to 12 scheduled calls, and those with moderate risk receive up to four calls; however, inbound calls to coaches are unlimited. Using a whole person coaching methodology, coaches tailor the coaching content to the participant’s needs and their readiness to change.

Healthy Lifestyle Rewards Diabetes Prevention

Blue Shield of California developed the Healthy Lifestyle Rewards program to help members adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as good nutrition, stress management and regular exercise. Members begin the interactive, online program with a confidential Wellness Assessment to identify potentially harmful lifestyle habits.

Healthy Lifestyle Rewards offers five lifestyle improvement programs to support behavior change, plus many interactive tools to provide practical support. The program customizes and personalizes a member’s experience so those at risk for diabetes are referred to the appropriate health programs, trackers and readings. Available tools and trackers to assist members in getting started and tracking progress include: recipes, a walking tracker, a diet tracker, a calorie calculator, a meal planner, a fitness planner, articles, tips and news. Members can also draw upon peer support by accessing message boards to support their healthy choices (i.e. weight, nutrition), as well as message boards moderated by health experts that specifically address diabetes.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Colorado)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

360° Health – a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company – is a total health solution that gives people the tools they need to be better informed about and active in their health. This fully integrated and member-centric approach to care encompasses more than 40 innovative products and services (360° Health product offering can vary by health plan purchased). Product examples:

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Custom Care Connection (C3) is a care management program for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicare Advantage members. It provides education and tools to assist senior members in managing their health and medical conditions and connects them with the local resources they need through regular contact with a C3 Nurse Care Manager. The C3 Nurse Care Manager’s job is to educate and collaborate and set goals with members to help them make the best decisions about their healthcare while facilitating health behavior changes that fit in with the member’s unique lifestyle and needs.

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield participates in the Healthy Lifestyles program, a comprehensive Web-based health and wellness program that encourages healthy behavior changes to help reduce costs and improve productivity. Healthy Lifestyles works with members to set realistic health goals and create a personally tailored action plan focused on five key behaviors: exercise, weight management, nutrition, smoking cessation and stress management. Some of the available self-directed tools and resources include:

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Connecticut)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware

Blood Pressure Awareness

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware launched the Blood Pressure Awareness initiative in June 2006 to encourage regular monitoring of individuals’ levels for improved health and wellness. State residents were able to check their blood pressure free of charge at a time and location convenient to them, and received a health tracker card with their results from the machines, located in ten public spaces throughout the state.

Since its implementation, more than 25,000 tests have been administered across the state, and 2,000 readings alerted residents of the need to visit a doctor for further consultation due to potentially-dangerous levels.

BluePrints for Health Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware developed the BluePrints for Health program to offer members a compendium of resources to make more-informed decisions about their health and improve overall wellness. The program encompasses four primary components — prevention and wellness, health education, care management and medical management — and provides Web-based information to promote health improvements for members, including:

Delaware Blue – A quarterly member publication containing articles on health and wellness topics and updates on plan benefits and changes.
Online Health and Wellness Tools
- Integrated Wellness Portal – Helps members reach personal health goals such as nutrition and fitness, smoking cessation and health coaching.
- My BlueConnection – Offers 24/7 access to the latest tips and information to maintain health and wellness.
- Hospital Comparison Tool – Allows members to search and compare hospitals around the United States on a number of performance factors, such as average length of stay, number of procedures performed and rates of complications and mortality.
- Pharmacy Tools – Helps members to manage prescription drug costs with estimated drug expenses and offers members access to adverse interaction tools to ensure prescribed medications work together without harmful side effects.
Preventive Health Guidelines – Annually published guidelines with healthcare recommendations for every age, including a preventive care checklist of important tests, immunizations and screenings.
Second Opinion Program – Provides members with independent second opinions for certain diagnoses, such as cancers and pediatric heart defects.

BMI Provider Outreach Initiative Diabetes Prevention

New Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures include the Body Mass Index (BMI) metric; however, many providers do not record BMI values in a patient’s medical record. To improve compliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware has added BMI as one of the metrics within the medical record audits conducted at the time a provider is re-credentialed.

To assist providers in recording this data, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware has developed and distributed BMI Wheels that provide a much quicker, easier method of calculating body mass than conventional charts.

HealthSmart Tips Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware partnered with the Medical Society of Delaware to launch a health and wellness advertising campaign called HealthSmart Tips, offering simple, everyday advice for staying healthy. Using print, radio, Web and billboard advertising, the program reminded people to get their blood pressure checked regularly and remain up to date on routine screenings such as vision exams. Additionally, the campaign encouraged compliance with doctors' orders and suggested keeping a personal health record. Through the program, the Plan also posted online tips on rotating banner advertisements on its website and offered advice on healthy grocery shopping, activities to challenge the brain and a basic fitness formula for improved wellness.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

Better You From Blue Wellness Program Diabetes Prevention

The Better You from Blue Wellness program assists employer customers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida in providing comprehensive worksite wellness programs that provide health screening, education and support and encourage positive health behavior changes. Members at risk for diabetes are identified via screenings and diabetes prevention programs that are provided to these members at the employer worksites. Additionally, members may receive individualized, telephonic health education on reduction of risk factors. Over 500 programs were coordinated or supported at various employer groups. One major market showed a three percent reduction in overall diabetes risk.

Embrace a Healthy Florida Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Compelled by the serious and widespread threat of the obesity epidemic for children, families, communities and the healthcare system, the Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida – the philanthropic affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) – launched a statewide initiative called Embrace a Healthy Florida in May 2008. The $8 million, four-year strategic effort addresses the causes of childhood obesity through public-private partnerships.

Specifically, the initiative supports community-based programs that promote changes in family dynamics, childcare centers and schools, neighborhood recreation opportunities and other factors that influence the availability of healthy food and the frequency of physical activity. Focusing on the Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and Tallahassee regions, the three-phase effort will provide grants to nonprofit organizations, fund research and foster community collaboration. Among the phases:

Addressing Immediate Community Needs – This phase will include a series of immediate community grants to build stronger programs and foster policy endeavors to address the causes of childhood obesity at the local and community levels.
Funding Promising Obesity Research Efforts – This phase will include a series of grants to identify and investigate the causes of childhood obesity statewide.
Community Engagement – This phase is a long-term approach to addressing childhood obesity throughout Florida by developing a detailed model of community intervention and expanding community capacity to address the causes of childhood obesity.

Know Your PT/INR: Blood Thinner Awareness Initiative

Recognizing that venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of disability and death in the United States and that anti-coagulant therapies – specifically warfarin – are associated with high complication rates, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) developed an educational program designed to promote treatment compliance and safe medication use. Under the Know Your PT/INR: Blood Thinner Awareness Initiative, eligible members received monthly letters with information about their anti-coagulant therapy; each of the six mailings reinforced key lessons such as the importance of regular laboratory tests to optimize medication dose. The program resulted in improved laboratory testing rates and lower stroke incidence among participating members. Furthermore, program-driven improvements resulted in more than $1 million in annual cost avoidance for the Plan.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of the value of regular physical activity.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

360° Health – a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s parent company – is a total health solution that gives people the tools they need to be better informed about and active in their health. This fully integrated and member-centric approach to care encompasses more than 40 innovative products and services (360° Health product offering can vary by health plan purchased). Product examples:

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Custom Care Connection (C3) is a care management program for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s Medicare Advantage members. It provides education and tools to assist senior members in managing their health and medical conditions and connects them with the local resources they need through regular contact with a C3 Nurse Care Manager. The C3 Nurse Care Manager’s job is to educate and collaborate and set goals with members to help them make the best decisions about their healthcare while facilitating health behavior changes that fit in with the member’s unique lifestyle and needs.

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia participates in the Healthy Lifestyles program, a comprehensive Web-based health and wellness program that encourages healthy behavior changes to help reduce costs and improve productivity. Healthy Lifestyles works with members to set realistic health goals and create a personally tailored action plan focused on five key behaviors: exercise, weight management, nutrition, smoking cessation and stress management. Some of the available self-directed tools and resources include:

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Hawaii

Eat Healthy Campaign Diabetes Prevention

Through interactive activities, informative media messages and practical tips, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Hawaii’s Eat Healthy Campaign encourages people to make smarter eating choices. The multifaceted campaign, launched in January 2008, includes the following components:

Healthy cooking demonstrations in local communities
A website with recipes, healthy eating tips and valuable information on the importance of proper nutrition
Print, radio and TV advertisements with helpful tips for healthy eating

HealthPass Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Hawaii developed the HealthPass program to help members evaluate their health and create an action plan for improving their wellness. Members first complete a health risk assessment to prioritize lifestyle changes, followed by a round of tests evaluating their blood pressure, height, weight, body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar and waist size. The evaluation reveals members’ risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes and helps determine the need for additional screenings based on age, gender and other risk factors.

A professional health consultant then helps the member understand his or her personal health risks and establish a plan for addressing poor lifestyle habits. Furthermore, HealthMedia’s Web-based lifestyle programs help members manage their weight, eat a nutritious diet, manage stress and quit smoking. Additional materials are also available to help members with chronic diseases effectively manage their condition.

Blue Cross of Idaho

Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health, Inc.

Aiming to promote wellness and prevention statewide, Blue Cross of Idaho established the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health in 2001. The foundation supports initiatives that encourage healthy lifestyles, including educational outreach to elementary school children, a statewide smoking cessation project and an annual Blue Cruise Wheels for Wellness bike ride.

Disease Management Programs Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross of Idaho developed a number of disease management programs to help members with chronic conditions such as asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF) and diabetes improve their overall health. Using a team of physicians and disease management nurses, the program helps ensure that members take the correct medications, test their blood sugar regularly and receive necessary screenings. Through one-on-one coaching and outreach efforts, the program generated a return on investment of roughly $3 in savings for each dollar spent. That success translates into more than $1.8 million in savings among CHF patients alone, driven by a five percent decrease in hospital readmission rates since the program’s inception.

Obesity Pilot Program Diabetes Prevention

Beginning in March 2007, Blue Cross of Idaho conducted a 12-month obesity pilot program that focused on fostering changes in the behavior of obese employees that would lead to healthier lifestyles through weight loss, improved health measures and an improved quality of life. Thirty people with body mass indexes (BMI) between 30 and 39.9 participated in the program. They were taught to eat nutritious foods and effectively exercise multiple times a week and were all assigned a health coach and personal trainer to support them throughout the program.

Ten of the 30 participants completed the 12-month program, and many of them rated their physical functioning, energy level, emotional well-being, pain level and general health significantly better at the end of the program. Eighty percent of these participants decreased their BMI. Participants also showed decreases in blood pressure, fasting glucose and weight loss.

Regence BlueShield of Idaho

Disease Management Programs Diabetes Prevention

Regence disease management programs are designed to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the financial burden on employers, members and the healthcare system by:

Promoting participant education, awareness and vigilant self management;
Empowering participants to establish personal health goals and better adhere to evidence-based disease management strategies;
Facilitating confident, informed decision-making to achieve personal health goals; and
Supporting physician-patient relationships by encouraging adherence to recommended treatment plans.

Regence Vitality Diabetes Prevention

The health and well-being of an organization’s employees directly impacts the success of its business. Vitality can help employers meet the challenge. Vitality provides strategic collaboration, guidance and a full suite of tools to help employers engage their employees in wellness activities and encourage them to take greater responsibility for their health. Combined with a Regence medical plan, Vitality offers a complete package, including:

Wellness Consultants – A dedicated expert will partner with the employer to develop a customized wellness strategy and plan.
Employer Reporting – Aggregate reports help employers understand where to focus their wellness strategy to maximize wellness initiatives.
Communication Resources – Includes a Starter Kit, weekly health tips, monthly newsletters and other tools to help motivate and educate employees
Onsite Support and Programming – Provides support at events such as health fairs, HRA drives, and biometric screenings

Vitality also drives participation in member programs, including:

Health Coach – Provides members with a personalized, certified, telephonic coach who can help them set goals to achieve better health and support them along the way
myRegence.com – Provides advice, navigation and rewards to promote member engagement and offers a Health Risk Assessment, as well as a variety of online wellness programs

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

Award for Internal Wellness Programs Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’s (BCBSIL) parent company, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), received a 2007 Gold-level “Well Workplace Award” from the Wellness Councils of America. The recognition honors HCSC for successfully implementing wellness programs at BCBSIL and its other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. HCSC’s wellness programs include health assessment and planning tools, educational resources, lifestyle management programs, worksite wellness initiatives and motivational and incentive programs. Throughout 2007 and into 2008, thousands of HCSC employees have participated in the company’s wellness programs. For example:

10,000 employees and dependents completed health risk assessments in 2007.
More than 4,000 participated in company health fairs.
8,000 employees participated in body composition, blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes screenings.
8,600 employees – 50 percent of HCSC’s employee population – elected to receive regularly scheduled health tips via e-mail.
More than half of the company’s employees have registered to participate in a new nine-month walking campaign.
12,000 participants participated in a variety of online wellness programs, which cover topics such as weight and stress management, exercise and ergonomics.
A new vending machine program, “Face Up to Your Health,” helps employees make more informed selections at the vending machine.

CareVan Diabetes Prevention

In conjunction with Chicago’s Department of Public Health and the State of Illinois, three Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois CareVans crisscross the state and provide immunizations to thousands of children. The CareVans’ mobile providers also offer a host of other health services, including blood glucose and blood pressure screenings for children and adults in underserved areas.

Charitable Giving

To improve the health status of Illinois residents, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois in 2007 provided approximately $3.5 million in funding to nearly 350 501(c)3 organizations statewide. The Plan’s giving for the year focused mostly on community-based organizations that provide hands-on health services to the uninsured and human and other services to the underserved in communities throughout the state.

Childhood Obesity Program Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Noting that nearly 21 percent of Illinois children are overweight or obese and that 18 percent are at risk for overweight, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) launched a new campaign to promote the health and wellness of Illinois children. Through the campaign, BCBSIL provides funding to strengthen and advance existing programs and organizations that educate children and families on leading healthy lifestyles and promote proper nutrition and regular exercise.

Experience Walking Everywhere Diabetes Prevention

The Experience Walking Everywhere program is designed to motivate employees of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and its parent company, Health Care Service Corporation, to get exercise by walking during lunch. Year-to-date data indicate that as of July 2008, employees had walked nearly 830,000 miles and lost more than 24,600 pounds. In an effort to encourage participation, the Plan allows employees to record their miles walked in corporate-sponsored events that involve walking to raise money for charity.

Health, Wellness and Prevention Initiative Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) recently began a campaign to address childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles. Since then, BCBSIL has provided funding to bring together, strengthen and advance existing programs that educate children and families about and promote proper nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles. Examples include:

BCBSIL is co-chair of the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children’s (CLOCC) Corporate Advisory Committee. CLOCC brings together hundreds of organizations that address childhood obesity to promote collaboration. BCBSIL also participates in Building a Healthy Chicago initiative, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services coalition that also promotes healthy lifestyles in the Chicago area.
Marathon Kids is a running and walking, nutrition and schoolyard gardening project for K-5th graders. During the school year, participating children learn about healthy lifestyles and how to garden; they also run the distance of a marathon.
Through its Community Health and Wellness Initiative grants, BCBSIL has brought together and funded organizations that were working independently to promote healthy lifestyles. Now, these organizations can collaborate to offer a comprehensive and efficient approach to addressing childhood obesity.
The OrganWise Guys is a dynamic, interactive, school-based program that uses fun characters coupled with high-energy activities to teach children how to make positive health and fitness choices.
In the fourth quarter of 2008, BCBSIL funded a public service announcement (PSA) campaign on Chicago’s ABC7-TV designed to promote healthy lifestyles. The PSAs featured CLOCC’s “5-4-3-2-1 Go!” message, which provides guidance on the elements of healthy lifestyles.

Motiva Diabetes Prevention

To promote good health among its employees, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’s parent company, Health Care Service Corporation, offers the Motiva internal wellness program. Motiva promotes employees’ health by educating them about important health issues, creating and managing physical activity programs and motivating employees to lead healthier lives. For example, the program offers periodic health screenings, annual health and safety fairs at corporate offices and a quarterly publication called The Motiva Minute that contains timely tips on making wise healthcare decisions.

Promoting Physical Activity in Illinois Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) encourages state residents to be physically active through a variety of initiatives, including:

Bicycling activities: BCBSIL supports and participates in BikeChicago, which promotes bicycling in the city from late spring through early fall. BikeChicago comprises more than 100 cycling events for children and adults, including bicycle tours, bicycle classes and bicycle maintenance workshops. BCBSIL also supports bicycle safety clinics and annual giveaways at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield.
Mayor Daley’s Holiday Sports Festival: This event gives Chicago children a safe and warm place to participate in a host of structured physical activities during the winter break from school. BCBSIL is the presenting sponsor.
“Three Walks and a Run, Year Two” (3-1-2): BCBSIL encourages employees to participate in multiple walks for charity to improve their own health and help others at the same time. In 2008 and 2009, thousands of employees participated, and BCBSIL received awards from and/or was recognized by the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, JPMorgan Chase Corporate Challenge and March of Dimes for having the most or among the most participants and for raising significant funds for these causes.

Wellness at our Workplace (WOW) Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provided an unrestricted grant to the Illinois State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management to develop a micro website with information about health and wellness benefits and worksite programming. The Wellness at our Workplace website will go live in November 2008.

Wellness Benefits and Worksite Programs Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) offers integrated tools and resources designed to promote members’ health, wellness and productivity, including:

Health assessment and health planning tools that yield personalized reports and can be used to develop health goals and improvement plans that address fitness and nutrition
Lifestyle management programs that cover topics ranging from tobacco cessation to weight management
Worksite wellness initiatives such as webinars on health and wellness topics, onsite health fairs, health screenings, topic-specific health and wellness seminars and health information
Motivational and incentive programs and educational resources

In addition, BCBSIL provides wellness campaigns “in a box” spanning a range of topics, from walking programs to weight management contests. Campaigns include planning tips and pre-written employee communications materials such as e-mails, posters and fliers. BCBSIL also incorporates educational components such as pre-written articles and an online health encyclopedia, drug index and interactive symptom checker.

Participating members also have around-the-clock access to nurses by phone, as well as e-mail access to dietitians, life coaches and trainers. In addition, BCBSIL offers discounts on memberships to a variety of other health clubs and weight management programs. Furthermore, BCBSIL members can receive discounts on a variety of alternative and complementary healthcare products and services, ranging from vitamins and herbal supplements to acupuncture, meditation, yoga and mind and body therapies.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Indiana)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa

Collaborating for Innovative Care (CIC) Learning Collaborative Diabetes Prevention

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa’s Collaborating for Innovative Care (CIC) Learning Collaborative, a series of learning sessions and personalized resources for primary care practices in the Wellmark network, aims to help care teams improve the quality of diabetes care through process improvement and disease management techniques. The Learning Collaborative stresses teamwork and electronic data as ways to improve provider performance. Participants are coached on the Wagner Chronic Care model, which is based on evidence-based guidelines and new concepts in clinical office practice. Participants also utilize a data collection tool that allows them to access clinical information and administrative claims data, identify improvement opportunities in their practice and monitor progress.

The CIC Learning Collaborative is just one of the initiatives introduced by Wellmark in the past several years under the Collaboration on Quality program. This suite of initiatives is focused on providing information, incentives and support to Wellmark’s participating clinicians and facilities so that they can improve their quality of care.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of the value of regular physical activity.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Member Publications

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas developed two publications—Healthy You for members under age 65 and Seniority for those over age 65—and mails them directly to members’ homes three times per year. The publications offer advice on getting the most out of your health benefits, as well as health tips and national and local perspectives of health issues.

Resource Blue Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas developed Resource Blue, a Web-based resource designed to connect members with wellness discounts and health awareness programs. Among them:

Complementary and Alternative Medicine – Provides members with a list of discounts available on complementary and alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, exercise classes and mind and body therapies
Health and Wellness – Offers an online compendium of health resources to promote wellness, including health-related news, a medical encyclopedia, care management programs for chronic conditions and preventive healthcare guidelines. Members may take a health risk appraisal to gauge their overall wellness and identify potential risk factors.
Personal Health Dashboard – Enables members to create a detailed personal profile based on the results of their health risk appraisal and offers personalized recommendations for improving overall wellness
Selected Discount Partners – Highlights vendors chosen by the Plan based on their commitment to excellent service and offers discounts on procedures and tests for vision, hearing and other healthcare needs

What’s Cookin’ With Diabetes Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas partners with Kansas State University Research and Extension and certified diabetic educators to deliver a free, two-hour program that focuses on healthy food choices, nutritional facts, the food pyramid, the importance of regular exercise and diabetes prevention and management. Participants are provided with a packet of take-home resource materials. The program is in its fifth year and is currently delivered to seven to nine locations throughout Kansas in English and Spanish. Evaluation data revealed that six out of 10 participants rated the overall program “excellent,” 88 percent of the participants rated the usefulness of the program information as “excellent,” and 58 percent of the respondents commented that they would use the nutritional facts and the food pyramid in making healthier food choices.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Kentucky)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Case Management

Through its case management program, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana assesses, plans, assists and backs options and services to meet an individual’s health needs through communication and available resources to promote quality, cost-effective outcomes. Blue Cross medical staff helps by:

Resolving barriers to achieve most favorable outcomes
Assisting with coordination of complex treatment plans
Screening members for behavioral health issues
Addressing medical necessity issues
Supporting the member with the healthcare team
Providing health information to members for informed decision-making

Disease Management Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana’s Disease Management Programs work with individuals and their providers to improve their health and ability to live successfully with a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease. Disease Management nurses work with members to slow progression of their diseases, reduce the likelihood of complications and help members learn how to better manage their conditions through support, information and medication management.

Heart Failure Disease Management Program

Follows guidelines suggested by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology

Diabetes Management Program

Follows guidelines suggested by the American Diabetes Association

Louisiana 2 Step Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

The award-winning Louisiana 2 Step is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana's (BCBSLA) flagship health and wellness program and is available free to both members and non-members. The program was developed to address the state’s main health challenges – diabetes, cancer and heart disease – diseases that have a direct tie to lifestyle choices. At the program’s core is www.Louisiana2Step.com, a fun, engaging website that offers tools and ideas to help anyone over the age of 12 take two small daily steps toward good health: eat right and move more.

More than 12,700 Louisianans, representing every parish in Louisiana, have taken the first step by becoming a registered member of Louisiana2Step.com. Registered members have access to interactive features such as food, activity and walking logs, a weight tracker and a personal virtual coach to keep them motivated to reach their health goals. A Health Stats Tracker tool was launched in 2008 to help members focus more on their risk for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. Since its launch, the Health Stats Tracker has accounted for nearly seven percent of all site traffic.

2 Step 4 Kids

BCBSLA is also bringing its 2 Step wellness message – Eat Right, Move More – to kids in an effort to reverse the trend toward childhood obesity. Currently, almost one in three Louisiana school-aged children is overweight or obese. The Plan created 2Step4Kids.com, a kid-friendly companion site to Louisiana2Step.com, to educate children ages 5 to 12 about nutrition and exercise. At www.2Step4Kids.com, children can play games, track their daily activities and even build a personal avatar as they earn points for working on their health goals. Schools can also use the site to teach classes about health with creative and age-appropriate content that encourages teamwork among students.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into - not compete with - the structure of their daily routine. In 2007, more than 800 Plan employees walked during the Plan's inaugural Walk@Lunch Day event, including employees at the company's eight district offices statewide. As a result of the program's success, BCBSLA has added a Fall Walk@Lunch Day to its employee wellness calendar. The Plan's participation in the annual national event and local fall event are part of its ongoing statewide campaign to educate Louisianians about fitness and motivate them to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Smart Bodies Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana's (BCBSLA) Smart Bodies is a three-part classroom-based program that teaches children in grades K-5 about nutrition and physical activity. Through Smart Bodies, the BCBSLA Foundation and the LSU AgCenter are working to prevent childhood obesity. The components of Smart Bodies include:

Louisiana Body Walk - A walk-through exhibit that lets children explore the functions of the human body and the effects of different foods on each organ;
OrganWise Guys - Fun characters featured in lessons and games to help young children understand the effects of healthy behavior on their bodies; and
Take 10! Classroom Program - A teacher-created program backed by the standards of the state Department of Education's Louisiana Educational Assessment Program test that combines physical activity with academic lessons for grades K-5.

To promote lifelong healthy eating patterns and a physically active lifestyle, the three-part program combines classroom activities with hands-on learning and physical activity to:

increase children's basic knowledge of nutrition;
improve their understanding of the importance of physical activity;
increase the time they spend in physical activity;
increase their intake of fruits and vegetables; and
teach children about the body's digestive system.

BCBSLA has supported Smart Bodies since 2005, when the Plan helped launch the program with a five-year grant. By the end of 2007, Smart Bodies had been implemented in 52 of Louisiana's 64 parishes, with the goal of reaching every parish by the end of 2009.

The Smart Bodies program was recognized for its success as a 2008 winner of the BlueWorks® program. To learn more, please click here. Additionally, in 2007, Smart Bodies was the first Louisiana program to be named a Program of Distinction by the National 4-H Headquarters. More information is available here.

Wellness Reminders Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana staff members provide periodic reminders by mail, phone or e-mail to members whose age, gender and/or risk level make them eligible for preventive services like diabetes screenings, mammograms, Pap smears or colorectal cancer screenings.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Maine)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Care Essentials Disease Management Program Diabetes Prevention

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield developed the Care Essentials Disease Management Program to offer members with common chronic conditions a personalized and confidential resource to better manage their overall health. A team of highly trained nurses provides one-on-one telephone support and health information, supplementing care from members’ physicians with regular calls, newsletters, educational materials and appointment reminders. The nurses also relay information about members' progress to their primary care physicians, ensuring well-coordinated, comprehensive disease management.

Diabetic Disease Management Program Diabetes Prevention

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s diabetes disease management program is designed to foster and maintain key desired behaviors among members with diabetes. The Plan’s comprehensive “whole person” approach to care offers lifestyle interventions, health coaching and shared decision-making with the guidance of clinicians, as well as user-friendly technology and routine communication. The programs incorporate all interventions necessary to optimize patient care and are based on the most up-to date, evidence-based clinical guidelines. The primary objectives of the diabetes program include:

Slowing disease progression
Reducing risk of acute exacerbations and death
Educating and empowering members toward self-management of diabetes and comorbidities
Improving members’ quality of life through lifestyle management support and goal-setting
Educating and supporting physicians through evidence-based medicine

In addition, participants receive a welcome packet and call, regular phone calls from a Care Manager, care reminders and action plans, targeted educational materials and disease newsletters.

Hair, Heart & Health Program

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield launched the Hair, Heart & Health Program to raise awareness of cardiovascular risk factors among inner-city populations. CareFirst trained hair care professionals in salons and barbershops to offer blood pressure screenings and provide education on the causes and effects of cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of premature death among African-Americans. Counselors suggest lifestyle changes that may reduce their clients' risk of heart attack and stroke.

Baltimore, Md., Program – Established 2006

15 participating barbershop and beauty salon locations
More than 2,300 screenings to date
60 percent of customers screened exhibited varying levels of hypertension
350 customers referred for ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals

Washington, D.C., Program – Established October 2007

Seven participating barbershop and beauty salon locations
129 customers screened in the first three months
40 customers referred for additional care

Wellness Programs and Services Diabetes Prevention

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield offers a variety of wellness programs and services. Among them:

MyHealthProfile − A health risk assessment (HRA) with questions about members’ traditional medical history, preventive services, emotional health and lifestyle choices. Members receive a detailed summary report with self-directed change guides, quarterly educational materials, supporting resources and e-mail reminders. The results of the HRA guide members to appropriate online lifestyle management resources, coaching services and disease or case management programs.
myhealthIQ – A worksite wellness program that combines a HRA with worksite screening. myhealthIQ scores key indicators captured from lab results and body measurements: blood pressure, body fat percentage, cholesterol, body mass index, nicotine, triglycerides and glucose.
Lifestyle Management Programs − Web-based modules that provide members with customized health and lifestyle management material based on their answers from MyHealthProfile. The modules offer interactive exercises and incorporate behavior change techniques to help members achieve healthier lifestyles.
Healthy Lifestyle Coaching − A telephonic coaching program designed for members identified by MyHealthProfile as being at high risk for future disease. These members work with a health coach, who helps them set achievable goals for changing unhealthy behaviors (e.g., smoking, excessive eating or sedentary lifestyle).
Worksite Wellness − CareFirst offers health promotion consultative services to its employer groups. A health promotion specialist is available to meet with group representatives to recommend wellness strategies. The role of the specialist is to assess the workplace environment and policies, assist with developing a strategic plan for a workplace wellness program, provide information on best practices and services and offer new ideas and strategies to achieve company goals. The Plan’s workplace wellness website takes employers through the steps of developing worksite wellness programs.
Monthly Wellness Webinars − CareFirst’s health promotion specialists conduct monthly wellness webinars that cover topics such as tracking health promotion trends and maximizing participation in workplace wellness programs.
WalkingWorks − A 10-week turnkey walking program for employers, complete with an online tracking tool, pedometers and communication materials.
FirstHelp − A 24/7 medical advice line for members to call when they need access to medical service advice. FirstHelp nurses will ask about the member's symptoms and help the member decide on the best source of care.
MyCareFirst.com − An interactive online health section that is URAC accredited and provides various self-management and educational support features. Interactive tools increase the member's awareness of risk factors and how to avoid progression to disease.
Options − A free discount program providing discounts on a wide variety of alternative therapies and wellness services
Great Beginnings − A case management program designed to support members during their pregnancy to improve the chances of having a healthy baby. Members receive information on a baby's development, access to community resources and support groups and assistance with locating a pediatrician. The program provides support for both normal and high-risk pregnancies.
Vitality − A quarterly magazine that provides health and wellness articles and health plan news to help members make the most of their benefits.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Advisor Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts offers the Blue Advisor health program to employers to purchase as an additional service. The program is an in-house health concierge service to members of participating employer groups. Blue Advisor offers inbound and outbound call capabilities for members. One example of an outbound call campaign is to offer follow-up calls when employers host an onsite biometric screening or health assessment for employees and gather biometric data.

Participants with abnormal biometric values receive an educational call from a Blue Advisor nurse to discuss helpful wellness and disease management programs available through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts that are specific to their health needs. At the call’s conclusion, participants are provided with a way to contact their Blue Advisor nurse if they have follow-up questions.

Blue Care Connection Aftercare Program

Recognizing that inadequate care after discharge increases the likelihood of costly readmissions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts developed the Aftercare program to facilitate patients’ transition from the hospital to home. Under the program, case managers initiate calls to identified members within two days of hospital discharge and assess patients’ condition, reinforce discharge instructions and address self-management strategies. Preliminary results show a 25 percent reduction in readmission rates at targeted hospitals, generating an initial cost savings of $4.4 million. Member satisfaction surveys also indicate that 95 percent of respondents were satisfied with the support that they received through the program.

Blue Care Connection Disease Management Programs Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts’s (BCBSMA) Blue Care Connection Disease Management programs improve members’ health and quality of life, support physician-patient relationships and care plans and reduce overall healthcare costs. These programs provide employees with individual self-assessment and educational tools that allow them to take a more active role in their health management. BCBSMA offers 27 programs for conditions ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to diabetes and asthma. Programs are also available for patients with less prevalent conditions such as Gaucher’s disease, hemophilia and myasthenia gravis.

Blue Care Connection Specialty and High-Risk Case Management Programs

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts’s Blue Care Connection Case Management programs support individuals who have complex care needs because of severe illnesses, injuries or other conditions. Participants are identified through a combination of claims data, physician referrals and self referrals, and they receive education and support to help them manage active cancer treatment or advanced disease, acute neurological disorders, gastrointestinal disorders and high-risk pregnancy.

Blue Health Coach Medication Guidance Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts’s Medication Guidance Program helps improve medication adherence among members with hypertension, some of whom are also undergoing treatment for hyperlipidemia. Through the program, coaches educate members about the importance of adhering to their medication regimen and explain factors strongly correlated to hypertension, including weight management, stress levels and tobacco use. Members also have the option of receiving recorded messages reminding them to take their medications.

Healthy Behaviors Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Behaviors is a program Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts offers to employers as an opportunity to reach their entire employee population and impact overall health and wellness. It’s designed so that employers have the opportunity to tailor incentives to their employees to see real movement toward healthier behaviors. To participate in the program and receive an incentive, employees must complete the program’s outlined criteria, which include completion of a health assessment, biometric validation and participation in one of the following: disease management, online programs such as smoking cessation or weight management or lifestyle coaching. The overall goal of this program is to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors by designing interventions unique to each participating employer’s workforce.

Prevention and Wellness Programs Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts helps employers plan and deliver effective wellness programs targeting weight management, smoking cessation and nutrition concerns. To help employers tailor wellness services to their workers’ needs, the Plan may conduct a wellness culture assessment, deliver in-person and online educational modules, provide access to biometric screenings and reporting or suggest incentives for making healthy choices.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

BlueHealthConnection® Wellness and Care Management Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's (BCBSM) BlueHealthConnection integrated wellness and care management program offers a wide range of services from lifestyle risk assessment to complex case management. BlueHealthConnection's core components include an e-Health portal, 24/7 Nurse Call Line, Quit the Nic smoking cessation, chronic disease management, preference-sensitive condition management, case management and affinity programs and reporting. BlueHealthConnection's e-Health portal offers a variety of online tools, including an online health risk assessment; an online health coach; a searchable database of diseases and conditions; a searchable database of drug information and potential interactions; and health newsletters.

BlueHealthConnection also has targeted intervention components for specific conditions that fall in two categories: chronic disease and preference-sensitive condition management. In addition to diabetes, identification and intervention programs are in place for the following conditions: asthma, back pain, benign prostatic hypertrophy, benign uterine conditions, depression (screening for all cases), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, joint pain (hip and knee) and revascularization. Through a unique consultative approach, BCBSM offers the ability to "tailor" the package of BlueHealthConnection components. This solution-based approach delivers a combination of wellness and care management components that match a client's goals and objectives.

Since 2003, BHC has delivered significant results. Among them:

Member satisfaction rates consistently above 90 percent
Substantial improvements in clinical quality measures for diabetes management, including a five percentage-point increase in rates of kidney disease monitoring and a 3.8 percent increase in the use of two or more hemoglobin A1c tests
An overall 2:1 return on the investment made in the program, saving an average of over $30 million in benefit costs each year

Childhood Obesity Prevention Initiative Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan worked with healthcare professionals to develop the Pediatric Healthy Weight Toolkit, a resource for physicians to identify overweight and obese children and counsel families on the health risks associated with obesity. Each toolkit contains approximately 20 pages of materials, including:

Age-specific body mass index (BMI) charts
Risk assessments of a child’s likelihood of becoming obese
Treatment recommendations for overweight and obese children
Techniques for effective communication with families
Resources for identifying and managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension in children

Additionally, the childhood obesity prevention initiative offers grants to community- and school-based programs that encourage physical activity and good nutrition. These initiatives aim to reduce the incidence of childhood obesity and instill healthy lifestyle habits in youth statewide.

Quit the Nic Smoking Cessation Program

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Quit the Nic program encourages members to discontinue tobacco use and guides them through the smoking cessation process. As part of the broader BlueHealthConnection (BHC) initiative, an integrated wellness and care management program, members have access to a 24-hour nurse hotline that they can call to request educational materials and discuss their smoking cessation efforts with a registered nurse. During the telephone call, a BHC health coach may discuss the member’s readiness to quit, help develop an action plan and establish a formal quit date. The nurse also keeps in regular contact with the member to offer ongoing encouragement, answer questions that arise during the process and evaluate progress toward full smoking cessation.

WalkingWorks Program Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s WalkingWorks program encourages members to find opportunities to walk more every day and provides resources and tools for tracking their progress. WalkingWorks also provides a comprehensive set of materials available on CD-ROM to help members launch worksite walking programs. The program is designed to raise awareness of the health risks posed by an inactive lifestyle and demonstrate the value of simply walking at a brisk pace, an activity that has been shown to reduce heart disease and diabetes risks and help control weight, improve muscle tone and enhance wellness.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Healthy Together: Creating Community with New Americans

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation offers a grant-making initiative known as Healthy Together: Creating Community with New Americans. The program is designed to reduce health inequities for immigrants and improve the entire community’s health and vitality. Specifically, the foundation awards grants to projects that foster exchanges and interactions between newcomers and the broader community, address immigrant social adjustment and mental health needs and strengthen immigrant-led organizations’ capacity in and attention to health issues. Programs funded through the initiative aim to reduce health disparities, improve overall health and help people with unique cultural needs navigate the healthcare system. To learn more about the initiative, please visit the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation’s website.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of the value of regular physical activity.

New Generation Engagement Model

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is transforming the health support they provide to members - while greatly enhancing the value of its services to employer groups and individual members. Their New Generation Engagement Model brings together plan design, care delivery and health support in one seamless system so multiple options are available to meet the needs of all sizes of employers. The Blue Cross model addresses entire employee populations and it helps them make health-related decisions with care and confidence. It moves beyond shifting costs to shaping behaviors. In short, it's a new generation of healthcare that engages members for better health.

Innovative Plan Design offers more health plan options that encourage responsible decision making through the use of cost sharing and incentives, while supporting positive health outcomes.
Optimized Care Delivery offers more cost-effective network choices and encourages members to choose best-fit providers. It also takes care delivery to new heights by rewarding doctors and hospitals for good results and supporting innovation in care delivery like e-visits and retail health clinics.
Whole Person Health Support helps identify the greatest opportunities for positive health change among members through "opportunity indexing" that identifies at-risk members sooner, deploys wellness and health promotion strategies and tools that help members get and stay healthy, integrated support that considers the whole person not just the disease, and a service model that uses every touch point to help all members be their healthiest.

Prevention Minnesota Diabetes Prevention

Prevention Minnesota is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota's investment in improving the health of Blue Cross members and residents of Minnesota. Prevention Minnesota tackles major root causes of heart disease, stroke, many cancers and obesity – tobacco use, secondhand smoke, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating – with these goals:

Cut tobacco use rates in half
Eliminate secondhand smoke exposure indoors
Increase physical activity rates by 50 percent
To increase healthy eating by more than 100 percent

This initiative is funded by settlement proceeds from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s historic lawsuit against the tobacco industry. Through this unparalleled investment in prevention, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is saving lives and money and making Minnesotans healthier. Through Prevention Minnesota, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota works to help healthier behaviors become the norm, not the exception. For more information on Prevention Minnesota, please click here.

Here are a few examples of programs that have resulted from Prevention Minnesota:

do Campaign: The do campaign is part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s long-term initiative to reduce preventable heart disease, cancer and obesity. The campaign focuses on a population-based approach to cumulatively, significantly increase physical activity rates and therefore reduce disease rates and healthcare costs.

The do campaign’s call to action — Groove your body every day — delivers a simple, upbeat message: physical activity is an enjoyable, uplifting way to improve your overall health, and it doesn’t require a trip to the gym. Walk on your lunch hour, bike to work instead of driving, play with your kids at your local park. The message of do reminds us 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week is good for us, it can be divided into chunks of time or done all at once, and it doesn’t necessarily involve a membership or special equipment. This public awareness campaign encourages Minnesotans to take advantage of the many opportunities to be active throughout the day, focusing on those that take a minimum of 10 minutes, get the heart rate up and can become part of a routine.

Market research indicates nine in 10 Minnesotans can recall seeing or hearing some element of the do Campaign, when aided. Nearly half of those have said it has caused them to think about becoming more physically active.

In conjunction with the multimedia messages of do, Blue Cross has implemented a comprehensive approach to promoting physical activity by providing funding throughout Minnesota. Since 2006, the Plan has funded 60 physical activity programs in 46 counties, reaching a total of 15,278 program participants. Blue Cross has also invested in 21 communities to address policy barriers to physical activity on the local level, which can have a far-reaching effect on daily activity levels

Every Helping Helps: Research shows eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides valuable health benefits. It helps protect against heart disease and some cancers, helps manage diabetes and weight, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and reduces the likelihood of heart attack or stroke. In 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota launched a statewide healthy eating campaign with the objective of more than doubling the percentage of people who eat five or more fruits and vegetable servings each day. The campaign is designed to bring attention to the benefits of healthy eating and to help parents connect the dots between food choices and the health of their families. The benefits of this healthy eating work will translate into healthier Minnesotans and will help save healthcare dollars for everyone. According to a 2008 report on obesity issued by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health, if trends continue unchecked, obesity will add nearly $1 billion to Minnesota's total healthcare costs by 2010, and $3.7 billion by 2020. More importantly, thousands of lives will be lost or affected by devastating diseases such as heart disease and cancer. For more information on the campaign, please visit www.everyhelpinghelps.com.

In conjunction with the Every Helping Helps campaign, eight local organizations have been selected to work with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota to help improve eating habits and reduce illness and costs related to poor eating and obesity. These organizations will receive Healthy Eating Minnesota funding to create grassroots initiatives designed to make it easier for Minnesotans to eat healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables.

For more information on these projects and Prevention Minnesota initiatives focused on reducing tobacco use and secondhand smoke, please visit www.bluecrossmn.com/preventionminnesota.

Whole Person Health Support – Moving Members Toward Greater Health Diabetes Prevention

Whole Person Health Support focuses resources where there is the greatest opportunity for improving health and cost savings through behavior change. It inspires members to take responsibility for their health by providing the support and tools they need to live better, whether they're categorized as healthy or "high opportunity."

Customer service is staffed with specially trained Health Guides and Nurse Guides who attend to members personally, leaving them satisfied and more engaged in their health.
Members are more likely to be successful with healthy habits because they have access to tailored support, along with resources and tools such as an Online Health Assessment and Online Coaching Modules to guide them.
Dedicated nurse support for ongoing conditions or complex cases addresses the number one request of people participating in support programs - support from one person who knows them and whom they can trust. Dedicated Nurses focus on closing gaps in care.
Integrated data in a proprietary, living data repository allows Blue Cross to reach out to members sooner before problems get complicated and costly. It also allows them to focus on the whole person, not just the disease.
No one is missed because opportunity scores - not disease diagnosis - drive interventions. Even people with health challenges who don't fit a traditional "disease management" diagnosis can get the help they need.
Fluid identification system allows members receiving health support to graduate and re-engage with support, as needed.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi

Be Healthy Initiatives Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi's Be Healthy Initiatives, part of the Plan's Healthy You! wellness benefit, offer members a range of health and wellness programs. Members receive annual wellness visits at no cost to monitor their health status, including blood pressure, blood glucose, weight and cholesterol. Other programs include:

Be Smoke-Free – Provides up to 90 days of cessation therapy at no cost
Let’s Go Walkin’ Mississippi – Encourages members to engage in regular physical activity and maintain a healthy weight
Healthy Workplace Program – Partners with employers to support onsite health and wellness programs and encourages workplaces to be smoke-free

Healthy You! Wellness Benefit

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi designed the Healthy You! wellness benefit to encourage members to speak with their physician about five key risk factors: blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, body mass index and tobacco use. Members receive a wellness guide explaining recommended screenings and immunizations for their age and gender, as well as reference materials for tracking their progress.

Wellness Center Discount Program Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi (BCBSMS) partnered with select wellness centers across the state to develop the Wellness Center Discount Program, which makes it easier for members to start and maintain an exercise routine. Members simply present their BCBSMS card when enrolling in a wellness center and receive a discount off the standard membership price, making the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle even more affordable. The program lists participating fitness and wellness providers on the BCBSMS website.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Missouri)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

A Healthier You Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City’s A Healthier You program offers members a comprehensive portfolio of tools and services designed to increase awareness and effect behavior change to reduce the risk factors that lead to diabetes. The program is offered to members through their employers and can be accessed from work or at home. Highlights of the program include:

Account consultation from a Plan wellness specialist to help accounts create a culture of wellness.
Health Screenings – Provide free and confidential screenings of patients’ cholesterol, weight, body mass index, blood pressure and glucose level. Members also complete a health risk appraisal, receive an overall wellness score and can access personalized wellness resources such as weight loss, smoking cessation and chronic disease management programs.
Online Tools – Offer guidance on creating a personalized fitness plan, planning healthy meals and shopping for nutritious groceries. Members may also pose questions about fitness, nutrition and lifestyle choices to a qualified health coach and receive a response within 24 hours.
My Health Manager – Provides members with a personal health record to keep track of important health information such as their prescription and non-prescription medications and past and present health conditions. The tool also offers clinical trackers for cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and other health indicators and a message center that provides convenient reminders of upcoming appointments and routine screenings.
Health Library – Serves as a comprehensive resource for health information ranging from articles on general health topics to detailed explanations of specific tests and procedures. The library also offers information on diseases and treatments and a guide to prescription medications.

Bag It! Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (BCBSKC) launched the Bag It! program to encourage patients taking multiple medications—including prescription and over-the-counter drugs and vitamins—to bring them to their next doctor’s appointment for a comprehensive medication review. The program aims to improve patient safety by ensuring that members’ physicians have a complete medication list, giving them the opportunity to head off adverse drug events and limit unnecessary prescriptions.

Under the program, BCBSKC sent a mailing to all members over age 18 who were listed as taking more than five medications. The letter included information on the potential risks of taking multiple prescriptions, as well as a bag for members to use when bringing their drugs to their next doctor’s appointment. BCBSKC also followed up with another mailing providing supplemental information on safe medication use and encouraging members to keep their physicians abreast of changes in their drug regimen.

PE4Life Academy Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (BCBSKC) supports the PE4Life initiative, which promotes daily physical education programs in schools and teaches young children about the benefits of regular exercise. BCBSKC helped establish the PE4Life Academy in Kansas City, Mo., leading to enhancements in the city’s fitness facilities, including a fitness center and climbing walls. The Academy also provided funding for new fitness and sports equipment, heart rate monitors and pedometers and is underwriting a three-year research study to monitor fitness levels and high-risk behavior among program participants.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana

Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation for Healthy Montanans Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation for Healthy Montanans, a private foundation funded with $2 million, is committed to encouraging healthy lifestyles and improving Montanans’ health. The foundation supports community and state-based initiatives that principally address high-priority areas such as:

Encouraging healthy lifestyles for adults and children, especially reducing childhood obesity and/or measurably increasing the adoption of healthy, active lifestyles by youth
Increasing awareness of low-cost and no-cost coverage options available to the uninsured and getting eligible persons enrolled in such programs
Improving access to primary healthcare in rural areas
Enhancing community-based health clinics and outreach services such as healthcare education, awareness or training programs
Increasing the number of healthcare workers within the state

While the foundation will provide grants to a range of worthy Montana entities, $1.5 million of its funding is earmarked for programs that combat childhood obesity.

Integrated Healthcare Management Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana's (BCBSMT) Integrated Healthcare Management (IHM) Program guides more than 4,000 members with chronic and traumatic illnesses through the complicated and often emotionally taxing process of accessing and using the services and benefits available to them. BCBSMT's dedicated team of professionals, which includes registered nurses and licensed clinical social workers, is responsible for administering the IHM Program and collaborating with providers to ensure that members receive cost-effective, accessible, quality healthcare and benefit management. The IHM Program helps coordinate case management, utilization management and disease management, supporting patients with conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease and lifestyle-related issues like tobacco addiction.

BCBSMT members are identified for IHM services using criteria such as high claim costs, recent inpatient admissions or certain high-risk diagnoses. By identifying high-risk members more rapidly, the Plan hopes to prevent declines in their health status and improve their quality of life. A wellness program, including health education and coaching, will also be integrated with IHM services to support and empower members to lead healthier lives and avoid preventable utilization of major medical care.

MedicareBlue PPO Heart Failure Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana's voluntary Heart Failure Program helps MedicareBlue PPO members with heart failure better manage their care and improve their quality of life. Through one-on-one interaction with a MedicareBlue clinician, members have the opportunity to discuss their condition, medication list and treatment history and create an action plan for improving their health and wellness.

Well With Blue Program Diabetes Prevention

Through a partnership with Alere®, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana's Well with BlueSM program provides members with information and tools designed to help them lead healthier lives. The program's eHealth Online resources offer critical health information on diseases, conditions, drugs, first aid, and feature interactive decision-making modules focusing on health decisions and treatment options. In addition, Well with Blue includes:

Wellness Assessments - A secure, state-of-the art assessment tool that allows members to get a personal health assessment based on their family history, risk factors, medical conditions, readiness to change, and medications. Based on the assessment's results, members receive a comprehensive personalized health report.
Healthy Living Programs - Interactive and personalized six-week programs using self-assessment, goal setting, and tracking tools, as well as tailored information and e-mail outreach.
Member Personalization Efforts - Resources specific to members' health interests and gender such as a personal health report prepared upon completion of the Wellness Assessment. Members can also register for weekly e-mails with related information.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

Community/Corporate Health Screening Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) partners with the Nebraska Lions Foundation to offer free health screenings across the state via its Mobile Screening Unit (MSU) in its Community/Corporate Health Screening Program. Screenings include corporate screenings for larger groups to emphasize the importance of employee wellness, offering groups a health-related value-add program and increasing the number of adult screenings across Nebraska. The MSU is equipped to test eyesight (including glaucoma screening and visual acuity), hearing, blood sugar level, blood pressure and total cholesterol. BCBSNE uses the health screening events as an opportunity to disseminate educational information that promotes the importance of pursuing healthier lifestyles (e.g., Walking Works guides and pedometers, BMI calculators, Preventive Health Guidelines, Know Your Numbers tracking cards, etc.). In 2005, 2006 and 2007, 18,802, 18,968, and 21,771 Nebraskans were screened by the MSU, respectively. In 2007, 2,537 or approximately 12 percent of those screened were referred to a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

MedicareBlue PPO Heart Failure Program

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s MedicareBlue PPO Heart Failure Program helps heart failure patients manage their health and improve their quality of life. Through one-on-one interaction with a MedicareBlue PPO clinician, members learn about the importance of weight management, adherence to medication regimens and regular exercise, as well as blood pressure monitoring, proper nutrition and rest. Additionally, MedicareBlue PPO clinicians connect members with support programs and are available to answer their questions.

MedicareBlue PPO Values Program

Eligible members can take advantage of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s MedicareBlue PPO Values Program, which emphasizes health and wellness and offers discounts on a variety of services. Among them:

Discounts on vision services and products, including contact lenses from participating providers and pre- and post-operative care for LASIK
Free screenings for hearing aids, a complimentary one-year battery supply with hearing aid purchases and no-cost follow-up visits with participating providers
Reduced rates for complementary services from selected chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists and dietitians
Discounts on educational programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles and more than 2,500 vitamins, supplements and natural products

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Nevada)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (New Hampshire)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: "Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve." Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the "performance gap," the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Inc.

Healthy U Program Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, in collaboration with the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance, awarded a four-year $1 million grant to create, implement and sustain the Healthy U initiative. The statewide Healthy U program uses the award-winning and evidence-based CATCH curriculum (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) to address the rising rate of childhood obesity.

The CATCH curriculum is designed to combat childhood obesity by encouraging behavioral changes in children through a multi-pronged approach that includes nutrition education, increased physical activity and a focus on family involvement. Clinical studies on the curriculum demonstrate that the program is effective and has produced lasting dietary and physical changes in children.

Healthy U is New Jersey’s first comprehensive, statewide initiative to address childhood obesity in the after-school setting. The program reaches more than 18,000 children ages 5-12 at 385 sites statewide. The activities are designed to raise awareness of weight management techniques and the importance of regular physical activity.

Family involvement is also a key component, and parents are educated about the program’s objectives and goals. This education leads to a healthier home environment for participating children and their families.

Horizon Health Literacy Program

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey recognized the health and economic implications that accompany limited literacy skills and, through a multi-year grant from its Foundation, launched a program to help prepare tomorrow's health consumers today. Through a multi-year program with the Boys and Girls Club in New Jersey, teen mentors read health-related books with young children to instill healthy habits at an early age. Among the program's results to date:

Sixty-two percent of children participating in the health literacy program increased their standardized reading test scores.
Sixty-five percent demonstrated greater knowledge about healthy lifestyle choices and nutrition.

Horizon Wellness and Discount Program

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey offers members significant discounts on important health and wellness products and services such as gym memberships, smoking cessation programs, nutrition and weight loss classes and alternative therapies. Additionally, members may shop through the online Horizon Marketplace to access special offers and discounts of up to 50 percent from over 100 leading merchants.

Preventive Health Reminder Program

Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey’s Preventive Health Reminder program uses targeted, automated telephone calls and mailings to encourage and remind members to stay up to date on their flu vaccinations, childhood/adolescent immunizations, breast and cervical cancer screenings and prenatal and postpartum care. In 2003, the Plan placed more than 1.5 million reminder calls.

Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico

Asthma Allies

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico utilizes its Care Van program to perform valuable workshops in rural areas of the state, offering patient screenings and educational events. Through free community screenings, the program raises awareness about asthma and teaches uninsured patients how to manage their condition.

Blue Care Connection Program Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico developed the Blue Care Connection, a suite of wellness programs to assist members with lifestyle goals, such as smoking cessation, weight management or improved wellness, as well as help them better manage chronic conditions. Some of the programs include:

Tobacco Cessation – Provides members with information on the barriers to quitting, helping identify personal motivators, and learning about treatment options to effectively and completely stop smoking.
Weight Management – Educates members on maintaining a healthy weight using activities to attain goals and resources to develop healthy eating habits.
Chronic Disease Management – Offers an integrated, holistic approach to healthcare, with self-management guidance and external support services, such as educational materials, notices of upcoming classes and reminders for routine tests and screenings. Web-based resources and programs are available for members with asthma, diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, obesity and other chronic conditions.
Worksite Wellness – Enables employers with more than 51 employees to implement on-site health education and screening opportunities, and offers the BlueResource CD-based library of health and wellness information as a resource for any questions employees may have.
24/7 Nurseline – Registered nurses are available 24/7 to answer member calls on a health problem or concern.

Member Education Dinners Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico hosts member education dinners to teach members with diabetes about effective self-management techniques. The dinner includes a presentation by a clinician on diabetes, followed by a question-and-answer session. Additionally, a certified diabetes educator demonstrates how to appropriately use a blood glucose meter. Each attendee is given a blood glucose meter to encourage regular testing of blood glucose levels.

New Mexico Healthcare Diabetes Collaboration Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is part of a statewide, collaborative effort to improve the overall health of its diabetic population. The goal is to promote statewide compliance with standard diabetes care recommendations and encourage long-term management techniques to control the chronic condition. BCBS of NM focused its efforts on assessments of patient medical histories, routine physical examinations to monitor blood pressure, weight and tobacco status, and the promotion of regular testing and management of diabetic indicators, such as A1C and lipid levels and the use of control medications.

Prescription Trails Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico collaborated with the City of Albuquerque, the U.S. Forest Service and others to develop the Prescription Trails program, offering residents maps and guidance for using local parks and trails to maintain wellness. Through the program, BCBSNM network physicians encourage patients to engage in regular walking and exercise to promote and maintain healthy lifestyles.

The OrganWise Guys Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Through the OrganWise Guys Comprehensive School Program, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) – which operates Blue Plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas – is working to improve children’s health, fitness and academic performance while reducing childhood obesity rates. The OrganWise Guys is a dynamic, interactive, school-based program that uses fun characters based on the organs of the body (such as Hardy Heart, Peri Stolic the large intestine and Sir Rebrum the brain), coupled with high energy activities to teach children how to make positive health and fitness choices.

The OrganWise Guys model is based on a four-year study that showed statistically significant improvements in participating children’s weight, blood pressure and academic test scores, compared with outcomes among children in non-program schools. HCSC and its Plans have committed to expanding the OrganWise Guys Comprehensive School Program over the next five years by a total of 400 schools and to building collaborative public-private partnerships to support program outreach.

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York

Disease Management: Improving Care for Members with Chronic Conditions Diabetes Prevention

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York work to ensure that members with chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes receive coordinated, comprehensive care. Members at greater risk of developing complications from chronic disease are identified using predictive modeling software. Nurse case managers contact these members, acting as health coaches by encouraging adherence to physicians’ treatment plans, identifying potential problems, providing educational materials and connecting individuals with community resources. The case managers also follow up with members to ensure they continue to get the proper care to effectively manage their chronic conditions.

My Health Counts Diabetes Prevention

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is collaborating with a local public television station and other community partners to launch My Health Counts, a multimedia outreach campaign designed to educate and influence people about the daily health choices they make and encourage them to improve their health. At the core of the effort is a series of television specials to help consumers build and grow relationships with their physicians; clearly understand their medical history and health status and develop a plan for improving their health; and understand what good healthcare means and how to better identify it. Augmenting the series are high impact television awareness spots, interactive Web content features and educational outreach activities, all focused on encouraging Western New Yorkers to become more skilled and confident managers of their own healthcare.

Worksite Wellness and Health Promotion Diabetes Prevention

BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and BlueShield of Northeastern New York offer a number of worksite wellness and health promotion programs that can be specially tailored for employers based on the needs of their employees. Various initiatives focus on smoking cessation, weight and stress management and heart health, encouraging employees to take steps to improve their lifestyles with self-management techniques.

Health promotion focuses on the prevention and management of chronic diseases and health conditions by encouraging members to engage in healthy behaviors. Employing a multi-faceted approach to promoting wellness, these programs encourage and reward members who are currently engaged in healthy behaviors while educating and empowering higher-risk members to change unhealthy behaviors. Health promotion targets three key modifiable health behaviors that affect many health issues: diet, exercise and tobacco use. Furthermore, the Plans actively encourage members to receive preventive screenings and seek their doctors' advice, helping them maintain good health.

Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield (New York)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

360° Health – a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company – is a total health solution that gives people the tools they need to be better informed about and active in their health. This fully integrated and member-centric approach to care encompasses more than 40 innovative products and services (360° Health product offering can vary by health plan purchased). Product examples:

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Custom Care Connection (C3) is a care management program for Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Medicare Advantage members. It provides education and tools to assist senior members in managing their health and medical conditions and to connect them with the local resources they need through regular contact with a C3 Nurse Care Manager. The C3 Nurse Care Manager’s job is to educate and collaborate and set goals with members to help them make the best decisions about their healthcare while facilitating health behavior changes that fit in with the member’s unique lifestyle and needs.

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield participates in the Healthy Lifestyles program, a comprehensive Web-based health and wellness program that encourages healthy behavior changes to help reduce costs and improve productivity. Healthy Lifestyles works with members to set realistic health goals and create a personally tailored action plan focused on five key behaviors: exercise, weight management, nutrition, smoking cessation and stress management. Some of the available self-directed tools and resources include:

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leadership and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. The Plan’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield (New York)

Diabetes Risk Identification/Screening Diabetes Prevention

In the Diabetes Prevention Education and Screening Program, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield identifies individuals at risk for diabetes based on non-fasting glucose screening results and refers them to an appropriate intervention. Along with the non-fasting glucose screening, lifestyle counseling is also provided. Members with elevated results are sent an “abnormal results letter” reminding them to follow-up with their primary care provider. These members are also referred to care management staff, who contact them personally. Non-members are encouraged to follow-up with their primary care provider.

HealthyBlue Program Diabetes Prevention

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s HealthyBlue Program combines comprehensive medical coverage with HealthyRewards – a financial incentive that rewards members for living healthier. Members receive a diary to log their healthy activities and fitness and nutrition trackers to track calories burned and calories consumed. Members can earn up to $1,000 per family cash back for living healthier.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, an event that encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people’s schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of health problems that arise from insufficient physical exercise, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Step Up Initiative Diabetes Prevention

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s Step Up initiative encourages adults to take small, simple, daily steps toward improving their health. For example, the program includes a website offering participants extensive health information, recipes, lifestyle tips, scientific calculators, activity conversion charts and personal progress trackers.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Member Health Partnerships Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC) Member Health Partnerships (MHP) initiative is an integrated member-centric lifestyle and disease-management program customized to specific health concerns and goals. The program is designed to address all of the member’s healthcare needs, including lifestyle changes needed to achieve a healthy weight, manage stress and quit tobacco.

Lifestyle components
- Addresses overweight/obesity, tobacco and stress
- Majority of members enrolled in MHP have more than one condition
- Almost all members who enroll want to work on a lifestyle issue
Value-based benefits to cut costs while improving health
- Six free nutrition counseling visits to credentialed and contracted registered dietitians
- Benefits and waivers
- Discounted medical supplies
Gaps in care
- Engaging members based on risk and severity and evidence-based guidelines to identify and close gaps in care
Multiple member touch points
- The most up to date, high quality books, tools and references about how to improve health
- Tools for successful self-management such as calorie counters and pedometers
Proactive, targeted telephonic nursing support and advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Supporting physicians
- Shared decision making helping members make informed decisions.
- Tools for members to talk with physicians
- One of the largest networks of Bridges to Excellence (BTE) in the country
Holistic/integrated approach
- Nearly 60 percent of members identified have more than one condition
- Robust lifestyle and disease management offering that leverages other BCBSNC solutions

Million Step March Diabetes Prevention

In 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina launched a 10-week, 600-mile walking campaign across the state to promote physical activity. The campaign was designed to inspire residents to incorporate regular physical activity into their daily lives, helping them avoid health risks such as obesity and chronic disease that are associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The program also offered members information about healthy eating and encouraged them to commit to leading a healthier lifestyle.

Preventive Health Outreach Initiatives

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina aims to help members stay healthy through its Preventive Health Outreach initiatives, which remind patients to visit their physician for routine preventive care. The program reaches nearly 300,000 members annually, raising awareness of the need for regular check-ups and screenings.

BlueCross BlueShield of North Dakota

Diabetes Disease Management Program Expansion Diabetes Prevention

After the success of the Diabetes Disease Management pilot program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) expanded the program to two additional locations at MeritCare Health System and added Hypertension and Coronary Artery Disease to initiate the Advanced Medical Home (AMH) program. The program began September 1, 2007, and will continue through August 30, 2009. The AMH program is composed of 35 physicians who are participating in the program, which targets 2,198 members (as of March 31, 2009). These members were examined for emergency room utilization and admissions, costs and clinical lab values to determine if this type of intervention could be applied to other conditions. There was a reduction in ER visits, as well as an increase in members completing clinical lab values.

Diabetes Prevention and Control Program Diabetes Prevention

The North Dakota Diabetes Care Provider Report project, a joint initiative shared by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) and the North Dakota Department of Health Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, was implemented in 1999. A diabetes registry of all BCBSND patients with a diagnosis of diabetes was developed, and care measures based on claim information were tracked. Office visits, A1C tests, eye exams, lipid tests and microalbumin tests were tracked on each patient to ascertain the level of diabetes care each was receiving. When the project started in 1999, only 13 percent of patients received all five care measures. By the end of 2007, the percentage had grown to 49 percent.

Health Club Credit: It Pays to Stay Well

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota’s (BCBSND) Health Club Credit program provides a financial incentive for members to get in shape. Up to two enrolled BCBSND members (one member, if enrolled in single coverage) can each earn up to a $20 credit per month for visiting a health club affiliated with the National Independent Health Club Association. Eligible members include the enrolled subscriber and the subscriber’s enrolled spouse, if any, who are both at least 18 years of age. To earn this credit, members must exercise a minimum of 12 days per month.

Marvin Windows Wellness Program Diabetes Prevention

Marvin Windows, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) employer group, encourages its employees to be aware of early detection and is proactive in supporting their well-being and health. Marvin Windows, in conjunction with BCBSND, developed a Wellness Initiative program for its employees and their spouses. The program includes the annual completion of a Health Risk Assessment and a basic medical screening every two years that measures blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and BMI. Participants receive an Advanced Medical Screening Report Card in the mail annually that alerts them to which screenings they need to have based on receiving either an apple (“you have recently had the test”) or a lemon (“you have not had the test recently”) for each screening test. To encourage participation in this voluntary, confidential wellness program, Marvin provides an incentive for employees in the form of reduced medical contribution rates. The first year of the program revealed a 78 percent increase in overall compliance from the start of the program.

MyHealthCenter Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is working to help its members lose weight, quit tobacco or just get in shape. MyHealthCenter can help members meet their personal goals by providing customized wellness plans, informative resources and premium services, all designed to teach members how to make more informed choices about their health.

The first step in enrollment is the completion of the program’s myhealthIQ Health Assessment. The answers on the health assessment will be used to create a personal health report. This report not only provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the employee’s health status and any health risk factors he or she may have, but it also helps create a personalized wellness solution.

By knowing and understanding the member’s overall health, the program can provide him or her with a custom fitness and nutrition plan that recommends how long and often the member should work out, what type of exercise to do and how many calories to consume. If the member uses tobacco, he or she will be directed to the MyHealthCenter QuitNet® program and will receive access to counselors and the largest online community of “quitters.”

For help and motivation along the way, MyHealthCenter also provides 24-hour online coaching and access to more than a thousand articles and recipes. Best of all, members will be rewarded for their healthy behavior with points that can be exchanged for valuable merchandise, including iPods, fitness equipment and VISA gift cards.

NDWellnessCenter Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota is committed to the health of all state residents. As part of the Healthy North Dakota Initiative, the statewide campaign for NDWellnessCenter.com is designed to remind people of the role they play in maintaining their health and to get them to think about steps they can take at work and at home to stay healthy. NDWellnessCenter.com has a tips and resources section, which provides an excellent starting point in the search for health programs, tools and information.

Prenatal Plus

Whether members are expecting their first child or their fifth, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota’s (BCBSND) Prenatal Plus program provides them with valuable information and support. All BCBSND members are eligible. Those identified as being at increased risk for delivering premature or low-birth-weight babies receive one-on-one attention from a BCBSND case manager. Case managers answer questions and help members develop healthy diet and lifestyle behaviors that will benefit their baby. More than 2,500 women have participated in the program since 1995.

Anthem Blue Cross (Ohio)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma

Be Smart - Don’t Start

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma developed the Be Smart - Don’t Start program to reach elementary school children and encourage them to create their own artwork and messages about why kids and adults should be tobacco-free. A statewide contest is held each year to select student artwork that is then produced as TV public service announcements, spreading the message against tobacco use. The program is supported by several partner organizations, including the American Lung Association and the Oklahoma State Departments of Health and Education. It has received nearly 10,000 submissions from elementary school children over the past three years.

Strong & Healthy Oklahoma Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is a leading proponent of the Governor’s Strong & Healthy Oklahoma initiative, intended to encourage residents to eat better, move more and be tobacco-free where they live, work and learn. The initiative includes community-based partnerships to develop walking events and nutrition programs and works with the Oklahoma Restaurant Association to offer healthy menu options at dining establishments.

A business toolkit gives employers a targeted curriculum to promote health improvements for their employees, such as a wellness assessment, policy suggestions for better nutrition and measures to develop onsite physical activity programs and create a tobacco-free workplace. The CATCH Kids Club after school program delivers nutrition and physical activity components to children with tips for healthy eating habits and fitness promotion.

Since the program’s inception, the Plan has delivered more than 5,000 Strong & Healthy Oklahoma books to employees, physicians, community groups, schools and caring vans.

The OrganWise Guys Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon

Disease Management Programs Diabetes Prevention

Regence disease management programs are designed to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the financial burden on employers, members and the healthcare system by:

Promoting participant education, awareness and vigilant self management;
Empowering participants to establish personal health goals and better adhere to evidence-based disease management strategies;
Facilitating confident, informed decision-making to achieve personal health goals; and
Supporting physician-patient relationships by encouraging adherence to recommended treatment plans.

Regence Vitality Diabetes Prevention

Wellness Consultants – A dedicated expert will partner with the employer to develop a customized wellness strategy and plan.
Employer Reporting – Aggregate reports help employers understand where to focus their wellness strategy to maximize wellness initiatives.
Communication Resources – Includes a Starter Kit, weekly health tips, monthly newsletters and other tools to help motivate and educate employees
Onsite Support and Programming – Provides support at events such as health fairs, HRA drives, and biometric screenings

Vitality also drives participation in member programs, including:

Health Coach – Provides members with a personalized, certified, telephonic coach who can help them set goals to achieve better health and support them along the way
myRegence.com – Provides advice, navigation and rewards to promote member engagement and offers a Health Risk Assessment, as well as a variety of online wellness programs

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Captain Kid’s Health Crew Childhood Obesity Prevention

Over the past nine years, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BCNEPA) Captain Kid’s Health Crew has educated nearly 6,000 children throughout northeastern and north central Pennsylvania. The program, which is available at no charge to any school or youth organization located within BCNEPA’s 13-county service area, teaches children at an early age why it is important to take care of themselves and what tools and habits, if learned now, will lead them on the path to a lifetime of good health.

For example, the program offers age-appropriate presentations to children in grades K-3 on nutrition, safety and personal hygiene. Presentations are offered in the classroom and at summertime venues such as camps and libraries to reach children throughout the calendar year. Each session lasts approximately one half-hour, with interactive fun led by a Blue Cross staff member who volunteers as part of Captain Kid’s Health Crew. Students learn through hands-on activities, colorful visuals and take-home items they can share with family members.

Diabetes Management Program Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania's Diabetes Management Program helps members prevent or delay the progression of diabetes-related problems by taking the necessary steps to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Educational materials are available to help members of all ages achieve good levels of control. Members receive information on the following:

Checking blood sugar levels
Eating regular meals according to recommended meal plans
Taking medications as prescribed
Exercising regularly
Receiving regular examinations of feet for cuts, cracks or reddened areas
Making and keeping regular appointments with doctors
Receiving an annual eye examination by an eye care provider
Asking doctors about regular screenings for hemoglobin A1c, cholesterol and microalbuminuria

Health eTools for Schools

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s (BCNEPA) Health eTools for Schools, developed by InnerLink Inc., is a highly customized, user-friendly and secure portal designed specifically for Pennsylvania school districts. It facilitates efforts to create and implement an effective wellness policy and greatly eases burdens created by federal and state mandates including Pennsylvania’s Growth Screening Program. Health eTools for Schools is available to school districts in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost until September 1, 2010, through a subsidy program provided by BCNEPA.

Healthy Workplace Awards Program

Through a regional collaboration with nine local chambers of commerce, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania offers the Healthy Workplace Awards Program, which is designed to recognize employers that are adopting wellness practices in the workplace. For more information, please visit the Plan’s website.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Since 2002, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Blue Ribbon Foundation has been helping local health-oriented nonprofits prevent illnesses that drive up medical care costs. These community organizations recognize the value of preventing rather than treating disease. They are crucial in breaking the cycle of sickness that impairs so many lives and makes healthcare so expensive. The Blue Ribbon Foundation remains committed to the mission of helping people live healthier lives. This year, the foundation’s funding priorities include Health and Wellness Impact Grants, Health and Wellness Mini-Grants, and Access to Health Care for the Uninsured and Underinsured Grants.

The LifeCenter Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania formed a unique community outreach partnership with Susquehanna Health, the leading healthcare system in north central Pennsylvania, in late 2007. Together, the two entities became partners in The LifeCenter, a high-profile “health and wellness storefront” located in The Lycoming Mall, Lycoming County’s largest retail destination.

The LifeCenter conducts co-branded outreach, educational events for all ages and free health screenings designed to educate community members about health issues and engage them in taking steps toward better health. The LifeCenter includes an extensive health library, a media section with Internet-equipped PCs and television monitors, a multipurpose room and a private exam room for consultations. It is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and is frequently open for special events in the evenings and on weekends.

Capital BlueCross

Better Health Works Rewards Program

Capital BlueCross offers several employee incentive packages as part of the Better Health Works Rewards program. This new program includes the development of a personal profile to assist individuals in determining their health risks and assesses their readiness and confidence to change adverse behaviors. This process can be completed online, over the phone or face to face. Under the program, employers fund incentives for participants, including gift cards and merchandise. Incentives can also include reduced employee payroll contributions or contributions to employee healthcare accounts.

The Better Health Works Rewards program also allows employers to customize the program and/or incorporate activities from their existing health and wellness strategy. The program is available to subscribers and their spouses, as well as dependents over age 18. Capital BlueCross also supports the wellness efforts of fully-insured employers by providing employer incentives in the form of premium credits for completing specified activities and achieving targeted participation levels.

Nicotine Cessation Program

Designed for members who have made the decision to quit smoking, Capital BlueCross’s Nicotine Cessation Program offers online tip sheets on “Getting Back to Good Health” and “Kicking the Tobacco Habit,” as well as a Quit Quick Kit that includes such items as:

7 Steps to a Smoke-Free Life, a hardcover book by Edwin B. Fisher, Jr., Ph.D., with Toni L. Goldfarb that was published by the American Lung Association;
A 30-minute relaxation audio CD by the American Lung Association that helps decrease the anxiety associated with smoking cessation; and
Fun tools to help members quit and avoid relapse.

Precious Baby Prints Maternity Management Program

Capital BlueCross’s Precious Baby Prints Maternity Management Program offers prenatal education and support for moms-to-be. Participants receive reference materials on pregnancy, labor and delivery and newborn care. They are also provided with educational pamphlets on topics such as nutrition, breast-feeding and baby development. Those who complete the program receive a thank-you gift.

Women who are at risk for or have developed complications may also be eligible for individualized nursing support and care coordination services. For example, the program helps members develop a personalized care plan in partnership with their obstetrical care provider. Maternity care managers also call members periodically throughout their pregnancy to check on their health status.

Walking Works Diabetes Prevention

Capital BlueCross encourages members to embrace walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. The Plan offers a Walking Works Program that includes a Walking Works Presentation, Body Composition Analysis and Better Health Works Activity Tracker. The presentation covers the benefits of walking, components of a physical activity program (such as warm-up, brisk pace, posture, water intake and cool down), how to personalize the walking program from baseline to benchmark and instructional information on how to use the Better Health Works Activity Tracker. This 12-week program encourages the use of the Better Health Works Activity Tracker as a program resource for participants to define and monitor progress toward their personal goals; support participation in employer-sponsored walking campaigns; and track logged mileage, activities, personal health information and biometrics. Members are able to produce a personal health progress report to share with their providers.

Results of the Walking Works Program demonstrated a 60 percent increase in campaign initiation by employer groups from 2007 to 2008. Average steps per participant per campaign during the same timeframe improved by 19 percent, representing 43,130 average steps. First quarter 2009 results are on track to exceed these results.

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blues on Call®

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield launched the Blues on Call® program to offer comprehensive health information and decision support resources on a variety of topics. Individuals can obtain information for recent diagnoses, upcoming surgeries or a scheduled medical test through a specially trained health coach via telephone 24 hours a day. Employers may implement Blues on Call Plus to utilize company-specific data and medical and pharmacy claims to identify health conditions and care trends that have the greatest impact on costs. The program partners with members to provide tailored interventions and support via phone, email or the Web, helping members get appropriate care and improve their overall wellness.

Clinical Quality Improvement Programs

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield developed a number of clinical quality improvement programs to enhance the care delivered to its members. Using educational brochures, screening tools and targeted mailings with reminders for upcoming exams and appointments, the Plan reinforces the importance of immunizations and health checkups for a variety of conditions. Some of the programs include:

Pulmonary Clinical Quality Improvement – Encourages physicians to offer smoking cessation assistance to patients who use tobacco products. Recommended interventions include prescription and over-the-counter medications and educational materials on cessation techniques.
Cardiology Clinical Quality Improvement – Provides guidelines for physicians to follow when advising patients on the importance of monitoring and managing their blood pressure, including tips for lifestyle modifications, regular blood pressure testing and participation in wellness programs offered through Highmark’s Blues on Call® initiative
Telephone Reminders – Uses innovative, interactive voice recognition programs to remind members of upcoming health screenings and collect feedback on the quality of service and care received.

These programs are driving measurable improvements; currently, adolescent immunization rates are over 85 percent, and screening rates for colorectal cancer are over 78 percent.

Diabetes Awareness and PreventionSM Group-Based Program Diabetes Prevention

The Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Diabetes Awareness and Prevention program is a four-week, group-based lifestyle modification program geared toward individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes, have pre-diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, as well as the individuals in their support system. Class topics include raising awareness about pre-diabetes and diabetes; reducing risk; and providing education on nutrition and meal planning, physical activity and stress management. The program includes an interactive exercise component and a healthy cooking demonstration. The goal of the Diabetes Awareness and Prevention program is to educate and support individuals to make important lifestyle modifications for reducing their risk factors and subsequent long-term risk for complications. This program is offered at community-based Preventive Health Alliance sites or at the worksite.

Diabetes Awareness and PreventionSM Newsletter Campaign Diabetes Prevention

The Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Diabetes Awareness and Prevention newsletter campaign is a year-long effort that focuses on the prevention and management of diabetes. The goal is to educate and support individuals to make important lifestyle modifications for reducing their risk factors and subsequent long-term risk for complications. Employers/groups receive a turnkey Diabetes Awareness and Prevention Newsletter Campaign Implementation Manual and Toolkit CD, which includes an overview, introduction and implementation tips, promotional PowerPoint presentations for both management and employees/members, customizable promotional and registration materials and monthly newsletters for employees/members and/or their dependents. The Diabetes Awareness and Prevention newsletter campaign for the worksite is available in both English and Spanish.

Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield first offered the Dr. Dean Ornish Program in 1997 to coordinate preventive and primary care for patients with heart disease and promote healthy lifestyle habits that can slow, stop and reverse the damage caused by this chronic condition. The program is divided into two versions:

The Reversal Model – Targeting individuals who have known heart disease or who are at high risk of developing heart disease or diabetes
Ornish Advantage – Targeting individuals at risk for heart disease who are seeking to prevent it

The program has achieved impressive results. Seventy-eight percent of participants avoided bypass surgery or angioplasty, and there were statistically significant reductions in all risk categories, including angina, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight and body fat. Additionally, a 2003 cost analysis study demonstrated that program participation saved an estimated $17,000 per patient on average from avoided invasive procedures, heart attacks, medication and cardiac rehabilitation.

Fast Track Ophthalmology Screening for Diabetes Diabetes Prevention

To improve screening rates, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield partnered with the Pittsburgh Ophthalmology Society to provide diabetic members with quicker access for eye exams and other vision services. The program allows many diabetic patients to receive expedited appointments for dilated retinal exams, ensuring that members follow through with tests that monitor for blindness, macular edema and other vision disorders commonly associated with diabetes.

Return on Investment in Wellness

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield’s employee wellness program was the subject of a comprehensive return-on-investment review published in the February 2008 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study found that every dollar invested by Highmark to operate a worksite wellness program resulted in $1.65 in cost savings from avoided healthcare expenses among participating workers, totaling more than $1.3 million in savings over a four-year period when compared to a control group. The study demonstrated the value of worksite wellness programs, reinforcing the benefits to employers and employees in terms of improving overall health and generating financial savings.

SilverSneakers Program Diabetes Prevention

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield's SilverSneakers initiative offers a blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle promotion and socially oriented programming designed to allow older members to take control of their health. Members of Highmark’s SecurityBlue and FreedomBlue health plans are eligible to receive a free basic membership to participating fitness centers, where they may enroll in exercise classes to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. A specially trained senior advisor is available at all fitness centers to assist members, and regular health education seminars offer advice on leading a healthy lifestyle.

Independence Blue Cross

Healthy Lifestyles Keys to Wellness Diabetes Prevention

In 2007, Independence Blue Cross launched the Healthy Lifestyles Keys to Wellness program to reduce members’ incidence of preventable complex medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes. To achieve this, registered nurses work with members who are considered healthy but have been identified as having a high possibility for complex health needs in the future. Through a series of phone calls, nurses help members identify the risk factors that may adversely affect their health. They also develop a personalized self-management plan to help members change unhealthy behaviors. Members also receive communication, support and information to help them manage their health.

Wellness Partners® Diabetes Prevention

Through its Wellness Partners® program, Independence Blue Cross partners with large commercial customers to coordinate comprehensive worksite wellness initiatives. The program offers health promotion and disease prevention programming through a variety of activities including:

Preventive health screenings for blood pressure, total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and diabetes, among others.
Educational seminars, both onsite and online, and an online library of brief videos that teach employees about diabetes awareness and how to prevent diabetes through proper nutrition, weight management and physical activity.

Triple S Management Corporation

Anda Muévete (WalkingWorks) Diabetes Prevention

Triple-S Management Corporation has aligned its sports sponsorship programs with its Anda Muévete (WalkingWorks) initiatives. Anda Muévete is part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s WalkingWorks program, which encourages members to engage in brisk-paced walking as a means of losing weight and improving their health.

Community Wellness Program

Through Triple-S Management Corporation’s Community Wellness Program, the Plan supports initiatives to enhance the quality of life of its communities and promote family integration. For example, the Plan supports initiatives for the improvement of community life through:

Arts and Culture
Civic Mindedness
Health Education
Scientific Research and Professional Development
Sports
Environment
Education

Integral Care Program – Be Well Diabetes Prevention

Triple-S Management Corporation offers members a variety of disease management, prenatal education and health education services through the Integral Care Program – Be Well. The program is geared toward the management of the four most common chronic conditions among Puerto Ricans: diabetes, asthma, hypertension and heart failure. The disease management program includes clinical treatment provided by the member’s physician and follow-up care from nursing professionals and health educators, either at educational workshops or by phone. To learn more, please visit Triple-S’s website.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Triple-S Management Corporation participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most peoples’ schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of the value of regular physical activity.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Chronic Care Sustainability Initiative Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is participating in a multi-payer statewide initiative to develop an “advanced medical home” pilot program in several Rhode Island primary care physician (PCP) practices. Focused on chronic disease care, the program launched on Oct. 1, 2008, and has enlisted 30 PCPs, 25 of which already have electronic health records. Under the model, care will be provided by a team of providers that includes an in-office nurse case manager and is led and coordinated by the physician. The Plan will provide payment on capitated basis, with no risk to the physician.

Free Prenatal Dental Care

With growing evidence indicating that women with gum disease are more likely to deliver premature, low-birth-weight babies, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) launched a pilot program to offer a free dental cleaning to pregnant women who have both BCBSRI medical and dental coverage. Due to hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy, a woman’s gums may become red and inflamed, which can lead to gum disease. The theory for the connection between gum disease and pre-term births is that bacteria attaches to the teeth and gums and destroys soft tissue and bone that anchor the teeth, which can then send inflammatory substances through the body.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, an event that encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people’s schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of health problems that arise from insufficient physical exercise, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Produce PowerTM – add two for a better you Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) offers Produce Power™, a program designed to boost participant intake of fruits and vegetables by at least two servings per day. This increase can have many health benefits, including reduced risk for chronic diseases such diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Developed collaboratively with the Institute for Community Health Promotion at Brown University, Produce Power is a six-week program offered as onsite instructor-lead classroom sessions or as a mail-based self-directed module that individuals complete at their home. Participants in the program nearly doubled their intake of fruits and vegetables. One-hundred percent of participants surveyed said they would recommend Produce Power to others.

The Magic Skill – a practical approach to weight management Diabetes Prevention

When it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, there is no magic pill. The only way for individuals to reach their goals is with the right combination of lifestyle habits. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) developed The Magic Skill™, a 10-week program offered to participants in all stages of weight management. Participants learn and practice proven skills for successfully reaching their target weight. This evidenced-based approach uses practical nutrition and stress and exercise information presented in a fun, hands-on format led by a Registered Dietitian and/or Certified Health Educator. Eighty-seven percent of program participants lost weight.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina

Great Expectations for Health Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina started offering health, disease and condition management programs in 1990. There are now 16 programs under the Great Expectations for health umbrella, providing BlueChoice HealthPlan members with informational resources; health coaching and counseling with a wide variety of health professionals; and case management services, when necessary. Great Expectations includes programs on asthma, case management, children's health, women's health, men's health, smoking cessation, weight management, depression, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, maternity, migraine, heart disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and childhood obesity. In 2008, 52,500 members participated in one of the disease or condition management programs, and a large majority of members were touched by one of the health management programs. Outcomes evaluation consistently yields improved clinical outcomes such as fewer emergency room visits and inpatient admissions and improved rates of medication compliance.

Great Expectations Healthy and Active Kids Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina’s BlueChoice HealthPlan launched the Great Expectations® Healthy & Active Kids program in the fall of 2008 to increase the accessibility of services that aid in reducing childhood obesity and the number of children who are overweight. All children in the program receive one fully covered (i.e., no copayment) visit with an in-network registered dietitian. Additionally, the program provides information about and support for healthy eating and exercise behaviors for the whole family. The program offerings are targeted to two age groups, children aged two through nine and children aged 10 through 17.

My Health Essentials Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina's My Health Essentials program offers a comprehensive suite of preventive care initiatives, including:

24-hour Nurse Advisor – Offers members telephone access to a registered nurse to answer questions about conditions and procedures, provide guidance on developing a self-care plan and offer an assessment of symptoms
Personal Health Assessment – Allows members to complete an online survey to identify their personal risk factors and receive guidance on leading a healthy lifestyle
Smoking Cessation Program – Offers a toolkit with educational materials, tips, a tracking log and other items to help members quit smoking. Personal health counselors make two calls to the member to set goals and monitor progress.
Weight Management Support – Includes a weight management guide featuring a low-calorie cookbook and other resources for adopting healthy eating habits and designing a personal weight loss goal

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into - not compete with - the structure of their daily routine. In 2008, the South Carolina Plan held at special walking event at a popular, downtown park in Columbia, S.C. (the capital of the state and where the Plan is headquartered). Of the estimated 750-1,000 walkers who participated, 384 actually logged their laps and calculated their mileage - totaling more than 781 miles. In 2009, the Plan will expand the event to three locations: Columbia, Charleston and Greenville.

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota

Collaborating for Innovative Care (CIC) Learning Collaborative Diabetes Prevention

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota’s Collaborating for Innovative Care (CIC) Learning Collaborative, a series of learning sessions and personalized resources for primary care practices in the Wellmark network, aims to help care teams improve the quality of diabetes care through process improvement and disease management techniques. The Learning Collaborative stresses teamwork and electronic data as ways to improve provider performance. Participants are coached on the Wagner Chronic Care model, which is based on evidence-based guidelines and new concepts in clinical office practice. Participants also utilize a data collection tool that allows them to access clinical information and administrative claims data, identify improvement opportunities in their practice and monitor progress.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of the value of regular physical activity.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

Step Into Better Health Diabetes Prevention

Recognizing that Tennesseans’ lifestyle habits are primary contributors to the state’s obesity crisis, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee developed a pedometer giveaway to promote walking in the workplace in hopes of curbing the increase in healthcare spending tied to obesity. Step Into Better Health is a free pedometer giveaway program for group accounts that pledge to start a workplace walking program. Of the participating accounts that completed a 2008 program survey, 71 percent noticed health improvements among participating employees, and 78 percent of respondents wish to take advantage of the offer again this year.

Walking Works for Schools Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee developed the Walking Works for Schools program to reach school-age children with messages of the importance of regular physical activity to promote good health and wellness. Research has shown that physical activity performed at school may help to improve academic performance, and establishing positive experiences with fitness at a young age can help lay the foundation for remaining regularly active throughout life.

Participants in the program are asked to walk at least 5 minutes each school day for a period of 12 weeks each semester. Each student receives a “WalkingWorks” wristband to wear during the program. Achievement certificates are presented to students who complete the program, and classrooms that reach participation goals can earn rewards, such as pedometers for each child.

Youth Conference to Tackle Health/ Quality of Life Issues Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee worked with Memphis-area teens to plan, promote and host a free youth conference to engage teenagers in meaningful dialogue with their peers on health and quality of life issues. Topics at the conference included obesity, healthy relationships, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases, suicide, media influences, peer pressure, stress/ depression and gang violence. The conference also included a free health screening for all attendees to monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure and diabetes, in order to raise awareness of the need to track these measures to maintain good health.

Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Blue Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas developed the Blue Care Connection program to help members manage and improve their health with a total care approach to wellness and prevention. A variety of communications were created to offer members guidance for select health topics, including tobacco cessation, weight management and worksite wellness initiatives. These work together with the Personal Health Manager program to promote healthy lifestyles. Some of the programs include:

Tobacco Cessation and Weight Management –Encourages members to adopt behaviors that improve their health and productivity, and offers maintenance and support for healthy lifestyles. Includes a personal health assessment, telephone access to a registered nurse 24/7, discounts on weight management, fitness and smoking cessation products, and other resources to help members attain their goals.
Worksite Wellness Initiatives –Helps employees understand their current health status and offers suggestions for lifestyle improvements with on-site health education and screening opportunities. Employees have access to resource guides of health and wellness communications, monthly webinars on featured wellness topics, on-site health fairs, and health education classes on stress management, family health, fitness routines, heart health, tobacco cessation and nutrition.
Weight Management Toolkit – Members begin a weight management program by first speaking with a Blue Care Advisor, who discusses weight loss goals and assigns a wellness coach to the member. A toolkit is sent to members, which includes a travel fitness kit, body tape measure, fitness wheel, journal, and a fast food slide guide, which help members succeed in attaining their weight loss goals.

The OrganWise Guys Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah

Regence Vitality Diabetes Prevention

Wellness Consultants – A dedicated expert will partner with the employer to develop a customized wellness strategy and plan.
Employer Reporting – Aggregate reports help employers understand where to focus their wellness strategy to maximize wellness initiatives.
Communication Resources – Includes a Starter Kit, weekly health tips, monthly newsletters and other tools to help motivate and educate employees
Onsite Support and Programming – Provides support at events such as health fairs, HRA drives, and biometric screenings

Vitality also drives participation in member programs, including:

Health Coach – Provides members with a personalized, certified, telephonic coach who can help them set goals to achieve better health and support them along the way
myRegence.com – Provides advice, navigation and rewards to promote member engagement and offers a Health Risk Assessment, as well as a variety of online wellness programs

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont

Community Advisory Boards

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) established five community advisory boards (CABs) throughout the state, each composed of eight to 12 leaders who are committed to improving health in their local community. Each board identifies a unique program for local health improvement and implements direct strategies to achieve that goal. BCBSVT provides administrative and financial support to ensure that CABs succeed in meeting their objectives.

Metabolic Syndrome Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) has developed a Metabolic Syndrome program aimed at early detection and control of risk factors that may lead to diabetes. Members are identified for the program through medical and pharmacy claims and then receive educational material and a phone call. The initial telephone call is used to educate the member about the program and assess the member for risk stratification (high, moderate and low).

Members ranked at high and moderate risk receive continued telephonic outreach from a registered nurse, who identifies gaps in care, works with the member to set goals and empowers the member with education, tools and resources. The frequency of nurse call-backs, anywhere from weekly to monthly, is based on the severity of members’ condition. Members stratified as low risk have access to BCBSVT’s nurse team 24 hours a day, seven days a week for questions and consults. Of the 1,460 BCBSVT members medically diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome in 2008, a 27 percent improvement was reported in adherence with their providers’ nutritional plan.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBSVT) participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, an event that encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people’s schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine.Given that most people’s schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of health problems that arise from insufficient physical exercise, including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and hypertension.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Virginia)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Premera Blue Cross

Cardiac and Diabetes Disease Management Programs Diabetes Prevention

Aiming to improve chronically ill patients’ quality of life, Premera Blue Cross’s disease management programs help to empower members to take control of their health. The programs include:

Cardiac Disease Management – Helps members living with coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure learn how to effectively manage their condition and provides educational materials and self-management tools in accordance with American Heart Association guidelines.
Diabetes Disease Management – Offers diabetic members resources and support to better understand blood glucose management, the effects of exercise, dietary recommendations and instructions for medication use in accordance with American Diabetes Association standards.

The programs offer scheduled care calls with trained healthcare professionals so that members can provide updates on their current health status and learn answers to questions about their condition and self-management options. The initiatives also offer a variety of disease-related educational materials and tools and provide reminder calls and mailings to alert members of important diagnostic tests and screenings. Through these programs, more than 55,000 members are in regular contact with a registered nurse and receive specialized support for their condition.

Know Your Numbers Program Diabetes Prevention

Premera Blue Cross’s Know Your Numbers program is designed to help employers use their workplaces as venues for promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The initiative focuses on measuring employees’ blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and body mass index in an effort to educate them on their health status and encourage participation in wellness efforts. Employers can customize the program by prioritizing certain health topics, although the common focus is on knowing health status, making wise health and financial decisions and focusing on changes that matter.

Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers® Diabetes Prevention

Premera Blue Cross members have access to Medco Therapeutic Resource Centers (TRCs) through the Medco By Mail program. TRCs are designed to meet the complex needs of chronically ill patients who require ongoing medication therapy, the 50 percent of Plan members who account for more than 90 percent of Plan medication costs. Specifically, TRCs leverage the specialized knowledge of more than 800 specialty pharmacists trained in diabetes, cancer, heart disease and asthma to achieve improved care coordination and clinical outcomes. The key advantage is concentrating on a single set of patients and delivering services through highly skilled and credentialed pharmacists.

National Walk@Lunch Day Diabetes Prevention

Premera Blue Cross participates in National Walk@Lunch Day, which encourages members to walk during their lunch break. Given that most people's schedules are built around the workday, National Walk@Lunch Day is designed to fit into – not compete with – the structure of their daily routine. Through its participation in the initiative, the Plan aims to raise awareness of the value of regular physical activity.

Polypharmacy Program

The Polypharmacy Program educates Plan members on drug safety, and heightens awareness of the potential complexity and risks of taking multiple medications. Targeting adults who have used five or more maintenance medications, this program sends these members informational mailings with resources, such as a brochure about drug interactions, a medication log to itemize current treatments and a brown bag for bringing all prescription, herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs to their next doctor’s appointment.

This information distribution supports physicians in talking with members about avoiding an adverse drug event, verifying that patients are taking the correct doses and eliminating duplicative and unnecessary drugs. Since its inception in June 2001, the program has distributed materials to more than 110,000 members. Roughly one in four of the resulting drug reviews triggered a change in the patient's medication regimen. This Blue Works Award program led to a BCBSA promotional campaign. The selection panel at the Harvard Medical School stated, "This is a simple yet effective example of what we can do to improve safety and reduce medical errors and health care costs."

Premera Associates Wellness Program Diabetes Prevention

As an employer, Premera is committed to fostering a culture of health. To support associates’ efforts to make choices that improve or maintain their health, Premera Blue Cross spearheads several wellness initiatives. In the program's first year, the initiatives focused on the importance of knowing your key health risk indicators, including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and body mass index. Now, the initiative is expanding to the next logical step of the wellness journey: taking action to improve those numbers when necessary.

Additionally, Premera is looking to remove barriers that may prevent associates from taking action. To that end, Premera Blue Cross promotes prevention services and made changes to its employee medical benefits plan such as covering screening mammography in full. It is offering onsite flu shots and mobile mammography services captured under the benefit plan during paid work hours. Finally, Premera encourages workplace wellness through healthy options in the cafeteria, free onsite biometric screenings, onsite health kiosks and campus and community activities that use a points-based rewards program.

Premera Blue Cross Corporate Giving

Premera Blue Cross works closely with community organizations to promote the health and wellness not only of its members but also of the uninsured and under-served. Among its initiatives:

In 2006, Premera launched a multi-year collaborative with Pike Market Medical Clinic to support healthcare delivery to low-income residents of downtown Seattle. Committing $350,000 over four years, Premera’s support has helped expand the facility, bolster primary care and support services and launch the Premera Pike Market Diabetes Wellness Program.
The Plan established a Health & Wellness Fund in 1998, managed by the Inland Northwest Community Foundation, to support Spokane-area projects that promote health and wellness. Premera’s contributions to the fund reached $1 million in 2006, and a portion of the proceeds are being used to support community-oriented health improvement and health access programs.
Through Project Access, Premera has fostered an innovative network of physicians, clinics and hospitals that provides medical care to low-income and uninsured people in Eastern Washington.
In supporting the American Cancer Society, Premera has helped place Cancer Resource Navigators directly in facilities throughout the Puget Sound. These individuals provide support to newly diagnosed cancer patients, especially those in underserved populations.

Washington Business & Health CEO Summit

The Washington Business & Health CEO Summit, a collaboration between Premera Blue Cross and the University of Washington, kicked off with a meeting in March 2008 addressing the business case for the prevention of heart disease and cancer. The meeting provided 20 chief executives an opportunity to discuss practical approaches to improving health and wellness at the individual, workplace and community levels. Physicians, researchers and corporate leaders shared information about innovative workplace programs, cutting-edge research on health metrics and the healthcare costs associated with preventable forms of heart disease and cancer. Going forward, the initiative hopes to build on the collective wisdom of participating organizations and the clinical, data gathering and measurement resources of the University of Washington Medical School, Premera Blue Cross, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institutes of Health.

Regence BlueShield

Disease Management Programs Diabetes Prevention

Regence disease management programs are designed to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the financial burden on employers, members and the healthcare system by:

Promoting participant education, awareness and vigilant self management;
Empowering participants to establish personal health goals and better adhere to evidence-based disease management strategies;
Facilitating confident, informed decision-making to achieve personal health goals; and
Supporting physician-patient relationships by encouraging adherence to recommended treatment plans.

Regence Vitality Diabetes Prevention

Wellness Consultants – A dedicated expert will partner with the employer to develop a customized wellness strategy and plan.
Employer Reporting – Aggregate reports help employers understand where to focus their wellness strategy to maximize wellness initiatives.
Communication Resources – Includes a Starter Kit, weekly health tips, monthly newsletters and other tools to help motivate and educate employees
Onsite Support and Programming – Provides support at events such as health fairs, HRA drives, and biometric screenings

Vitality also drives participation in member programs, including:

Health Coach – Provides members with a personalized, certified, telephonic coach who can help them set goals to achieve better health and support them along the way
myRegence.com – Provides advice, navigation and rewards to promote member engagement and offers a Health Risk Assessment, as well as a variety of online wellness programs

Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield

Challenge for Healthier Schools Diabetes Prevention Childhood Obesity Prevention

In conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Education, Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield created the Challenge for Healthier Schools program to help fund innovative initiatives promoting increased physical activity and nutrition education among elementary school students. The program encourages teachers, students and parents to collaborate in developing a complete approach to student wellness, instilling healthy lifestyle habits at a young age and positively impacting children’s long-term health.

In addition, the Plan has distributed $150,000 in grants to initiatives that promote appropriate school lunches and vending machine offerings, as well as opportunities for all students to participate in physical fitness activities in a non-competitive environment.

Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease

Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the Dr. Dean Ornish Program in an effort to coordinate preventive and primary care for patients with heart disease and promote healthy lifestyle habits that can slow, stop and reverse the damage caused by the chronic condition. The program is divided into two versions:

The Reversal Model – Designed for individuals with known heart disease or who are at high risk of developing heart disease or diabetes
Ornish Advantage – Intended for individuals who are at risk of developing heart disease and are seeking to prevent it

The program has resulted in significant improvements, with 78 percent of participants avoiding bypass surgery or angioplasty procedures. Participants also experienced statistically significant reductions in all risk categories, including angina, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight and body fat. Additionally, a 2003 cost analysis estimated that program participation saved an average of more than $17,000 per patient from avoided invasive procedures, heart attacks, medication use and cardiac rehabilitation.

HealthPlace on the Move Diabetes Prevention

To raise awareness of health risks and provide preventive care, Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield created the HealthPlace on the Move program, which operates out of a mobile health screening facility. The HealthPlace on the Move bus visits community events to provide basic health screenings, including blood pressure readings, body composition assessments and cholesterol and blood glucose tests. A team of healthcare professionals also distributes health information to reinforce the importance of personal wellness and offer tips on adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

Lifestyle Returns Program Diabetes Prevention

To encourage members to improve their personal health, Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield launched the Lifestyle Returns program, which rewards employees for participating in wellness initiatives and seeking preventive care. Initially, members complete a health risk assessment to gauge their wellness and identify problem areas. Lifestyle Returns then connects them with programs and resources designed to improve their personal health. Reminders of gender- and age-specific preventive screenings, for example, help ensure that members receive recommended care. In return for taking steps to improve their health, members are rewarded with financial reimbursements, decreased employee premium contributions and increased benefit levels.

Uninsured and Low-Income Flu Vaccinations

To expand access to flu shots among uninsured and low-income populations, Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield donated 500 vaccines to two free clinics in the state. Annual adult flu vaccines not only benefit recipients’ health but can also result in substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Wisconsin)

360° Health® Diabetes Prevention

ComplexCare: Intense outreach and coordination from registered nurses specializing in managing the complex needs of members with multiple health conditions, as well as access to multidisciplinary teams and input
Future Moms: Support from trained obstetrical nurses in an award-winning maternity management program dedicated to helping expectant moms have a healthy pregnancy and delivery
24/7 NurseLine: Anytime, toll-free access to registered nurses for answers to general health questions and guidance with critical health concerns
ConditionCare: Registered nurses who are committed to helping members with chronic conditions better manage and improve their health. Conditions include: asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease and heart failure.
MyHealth Advantage: Timely alerts in the mail called MyHealth Notes that notify members of possible gaps in care, issues with medications or ways to save money

Custom Care Connection Diabetes Prevention

Healthy Lifestyles Diabetes Prevention

Health Assessment and tracking tool to monitor health status, progress and improvement
Discounted access to alternative health providers and fitness center network
Smoking cessation program
Online coaching and access to health experts
Family (kids and teens) nutrition and exercise programs

Member participation and health improvement earns “points” redeemable for health and fitness merchandise and discounts.

MyHealth Advantage Diabetes Prevention

The Member Health Index

The Member Health Index (MHI) represents Anthem’s commitment to its mission: “Improve the lives of our members and the health of the people we serve.” Measured annually, the MHI is composed of 40 specific measures of health improvement and patient safety in 20 different clinical areas encompassing four domains of care: prevention, care management, clinical outcomes and patient safety. The four domains of the MHI were specifically designed to encourage Plan leaders and associates to focus on improvement in areas that most directly affect member health. Anthem’s care and disease management programs, hospital quality and safety programs and engagement strategies all converge in the MHI. Success is measured by decreasing the “performance gap,” the difference between an optimal level of health and members’ current health status. Achievement of MHI success is also linked to the incentive compensation plan of all associates.

Vascular-at-Risk Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wyoming

MedicareBlue PPO Heart Failure Program

Offered as a voluntary program for MedicareBlue PPO members who have suffered from heart failure, the MedicareBlue PPO Heart Failure Program is designed to help patients better manage their care and improve their quality of life. Through one-on-one interaction with a MedicareBlue clinician, members have the opportunity to discuss their condition, medication list and treatment history. They also work with a clinician to create an action plan for improving their health and wellness, including weight monitoring, medications symptom management, exercise, blood pressure, a low-salt diet and rest.

MedicareBlue PPO Values Program

Eligible members can take advantage of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wyoming’s MedicareBlue PPO Values Program, which emphasizes health and wellness and offers discounts on a variety of services. Among them:

Discounts on vision services and products, including contact lenses from participating providers and pre- and post-operative care for LASIK;
Free screenings for hearing aids, a complimentary one-year battery supply with hearing aid purchases and no-cost follow-up visits with participating providers;
Reduced rates for complementary services from selected chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists and dietitians; and
Discounts on educational programs designed to promote healthy lifestyles and more than 2,500 vitamins, supplements and natural products.

University of Wyoming Sports Festivals Diabetes Prevention

The University of Wyoming’s (UW) Sports Festivals are a series of statewide nonprofit outreach events hosted by the UW Athletic Department and sponsored annually by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wyoming and other corporate sponsors. Each Sports Festival features coaches and athletes from the UW sports teams; mini sports camps for kids are also part of the events. The Festivals serve kids from grades K-8. Over the past few years, thousands of Wyoming children have participated.

The Program promotes positive lifestyle messages from the coaches and athletes by encouraging fitness at an early age, healthy eating habits and the importance of education and following the guidance of teachers and coaches. Two-hour multi-sport clinics are conducted in participating Wyoming communities. The youth are presented with T-shirt and opportunities to receive autographs and photographs from the coaches and athletes. The program is in its 13th year and has served as many as 500 children in each community in which the Festivals are held.

WalkingWorks Diabetes Prevention

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wyoming’s WalkingWorks program encourages members to find opportunities to walk more every day and provides resources and tools for tracking their progress. WalkingWorks also provides a comprehensive set of online materials to help employers launch worksite walking programs. The program is designed to raise awareness of the health risks posed by an inactive lifestyle and demonstrate the value of simply walking at a brisk pace, an activity that has been shown to reduce heart disease and diabetes risks and help control weight, improve muscle tone and enhance wellness.

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