The healthcare system can be hard to navigate. At Blue KC, we have a team of specialists called Care Managers that help make your healthcare journey accessible and affordable. I tell members to view our Care Managers as patient advocates, providing the personalized care and attention they deserve. Given many members may not be aware Care Managers are available to them, this blog post will explain how the Care Management team can help you or your loved ones make the most of your Blue KC coverage.
What Is Care Management at Blue KC?
At Blue KC, Care Managers are responsible for assessing and advocating for different care options and services that members and families need when it comes to their medical conditions. The team itself is divided into two parts: Disease Management and Complex Care Management. The Disease Management team has Care Managers who utilize resources to manage issues like:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Asthma
The Complex Care Management team differs slightly, as it manages cases for members who typically have more than one chronic life condition. Within the Complex Care Management team, the Care Managers have developed specialties to give Blue KC personalized care for:
- Pediatrics
- Oncology
- Traumatic brain injury treatment
- Neonatal intensive care and more
Each team connects members with resources in the community and within Blue KC to promote patient safety, quality care and cost-effective outcomes. They also work with hospital Care Managers in the area of transitional care. For example, if a member needs the next level of care when they are in a medical facility, our Care Manager would help transition the member to the next phase of care, such as a rehab facility, to help ease the burden on the member.
How Care Management Helps Members
The Care Management team is available to help all Blue KC members, no matter or the scope of their questions or challenges. For example, if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious following a diagnosis or while going through treatment, our Care Management team can direct you to behavioral health resources that fit your needs.
Care Managers can also answer questions about coverage and direct members to countless other resources within Blue KC. Our Care Managers also consider how the social determinants of health impact members. For instance, if a member needs to get to a medical appointment but does not have access to transportation due to where they live, a Care Manager can help the member find accessible, affordable transportation to medical appointments.
Most importantly, we are patient advocates. Our Care Managers are here to represent you to other insurance companies and to help you reach the most cost-effective outcomes for your treatments.
Perhaps the best part about the Care Management offering is that our services are included with all Blue KC health insurance plans and come at no additional cost to members. To contact a Care Manager, call the number on the back of your Blue KC member ID card or call 1-800-528-5763. We also have a new mobile app, launched in partnership with Wellframe, which allows members to connect with Care Managers, wherever they are, without an appointment.
For more helpful health and wellness content, visit The Blueprint.