Mindful By Blue KC offers services needed now more than ever.
Blue KC recently launched Mindful by Blue KC, a new and enhanced initiative dedicated to making much-needed behavioral health services more accessible and affordable for members. Mindful by Blue KC builds on our commitment to care for the health and wellness needs of the whole person.
The number of patients with behavioral health conditions, including major depressive disorder, tobacco and substance use disorders and anxiety, have seen notable increases since 2014, according to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Those numbers have risen even more sharply since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, one in four adults in the U.S. have said worry and stress related to the COVID-19 outbreak has had a negative impact on their mental health, according to this Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll.
“The launch of this program comes at a critical time. In the last several months, we have been challenged as a community and as individuals by events that have had a direct impact on our behavioral health. Access to affordable behavioral healthcare has never been more important,” Blue KC President and Chief Executive Officer Erin Stucky said. “Since taking over as CEO, addressing the behavioral health needs of our members has been a top priority. Mindful by Blue KC demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to an escalating health issue and to improve the overall health and well-being of our members.”
Mindful by Blue KC offers tools and services like online therapy, an expedited access network, online self-guided tools and well-being resources to help members address behavioral health conditions like stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and more.
And it all starts with Mindful Advocates – licensed behavioral health clinicians – available 24/7 by phone, trained at navigating care, crisis management, benefits guidance and connecting members to appropriate services and providers. Mindful Advocates can be reached at 833-302-MIND (6463), or by calling the behavioral health number on the back of their ID card.
“It’s estimated that one in five U.S. adults live with a behavioral health condition, and half do not receive necessary treatment,” said Blue KC Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Sweat. “We estimate more than 100,000 members may have an untreated behavioral health condition, and we aim to remedy that by offering Mindful by Blue KC to address barriers to behavioral healthcare, such as access, affordability and stigma associated with using services — and we strive to empower our members to make behavioral healthcare part of their normal care routines.”
To learn more about Mindful by Blue KC visit www.mindfulbluekc.com. Call 833-302-MIND (6463), or the behavioral health number on the back of your ID card.
Blue KC members will pay for services as outlined in their plan benefits. Normal cost-sharing and out-of-pocket maximum limits apply.
Members enrolled in a Medicare Advantage, Medigap, National Alliance Group or FEP plan are not eligible for Mindful by Blue KC.