The need for affordable, accessible care in our region has never been greater, especially as we consider the social and economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our community. As of June 2020, around 88,000 area residents were unemployed1. Even before COVID-19, more than 1 in 10 Kansas City residents were uninsured2. Even At Blue KC, the health and well-being of all Kansas Citians is our priority and we recognize the best way to support a healthier Kansas City is to participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) individual marketplace.
We are excited to offer affordable access to healthcare coverage. Beginning November 1, residents in all 32 counties of Blue KC’s service area will have access to enroll in Blue KC plans through the individual marketplace for coverage for 2021.
We understand that ACA participants want better service and better choices, which is why the plans Blue KC will offer in the individual marketplace offer potential members unique benefits that set us apart from competitors:
- Mindful by Blue KC: Behavioral health has never been more important, and Mindful by Blue KC is our commitment to covering the health needs of the whole person. Available to all Blue KC members, Mindful is a set of tools and resources to address stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and more. This ensures people can access and afford the behavioral healthcare they need. Members have access to Mindful Advocates, licensed behavioral health clinicians, acting as a front door to match members to providers and guide care plans — a single point of contact for a variety of behavioral health services. Learn more about Mindful by Blue KC.
- Virtual Care: Members have 24/7 access to virtual care through Blue KC’s Virtual Care platform. Services include medical and behavioral health consultations with a doctor, diagnoses and prescriptions when appropriate. Members can connect anywhere, anytime via phone, tablet or computer. Learn more about Blue KC Virtual Care.
- Customer Service: Our Customer Service team members are truly world class. Members ranked Blue KC number one in Overall Customer Satisfaction among health plans in the Heartland region, according to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Commercial Member Health Plan Study. Mostly recently, SQM Group awarded 59 Blue KC Customer Service team members with its World Class Certification status. This trusted customer service is now available to those searching for coverage on the ACA Market Exchange.
Individuals and families in Clay, Jackson and Platte Counties in Missouri and Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas will have access to our leading Spira Care products:
- Spira Care: Spira Care provides integrated primary care and coverage under one roof. Care Centers are conveniently located throughout the metro and offer empathetic and hands-on care delivery. Care plans include access to quality doctors, behavioral health consultants, disease prevention, member education and more, focusing on your overall health and well-being. Those outside of the five counties where Spira Care is offered will have access to Blue KC’s trusted, extensive provider network and award-winning customer service — and the variety of plan options that offer highly competitive benefits and services to meet their healthcare needs. Learn more about Spira Care.
Our focus on our mission is unwavering, and we will continue our dedication to our members and the community, which are at the heart of everything we do. We look forward to providing more affordable access to healthcare and improving the health of Kansas Citians through the individual marketplace.
Individuals can explore pricing and plans starting on November 1, 2020 and enroll during Open Enrollment from November 1 through December 15, 2020. Coverage for all plans sold during Open Enrollment will begin on January 1, 2021. To learn more about the ACA marketplace, visit HealthCare.gov.