We know times are challenging. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s no more important time to have the right health plan to keep you and your family healthy. Countless businesses in Florida have closed temporarily or even permanently. If you’re one of the thousands who lost health coverage through your job, let our agents help you find a plan that meets your needs and your budget. The Affordable Care Act gives you 60 days from when you lost your employer-based coverage or had a change in...
Skipping Doctor’s Visits Can Be Dangerous for People with Chronic Conditions
Posted on May 20th 2020 by Florida Blue
Shortly after Dr. Deborah Stewart finished a webinar about high blood pressure, a note from a viewer popped in. The man said his blood pressure was 154 over 89, and he was already on the highest dosage allowed for his medication. But he wasn’t going to see his doctor because he was concerned about being exposed to COVID-19. That’s a dangerous approach, said Stewart, senior regional medical director for Florida Blue. Especially for people with chronic conditions like high blood pressure,...
Rewards to Help You with Premium Payments and Medical Expenses
Posted on May 20th 2020 by Florida Blue
We recognize many of our friends and neighbors in Florida are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to help lessen the burden. That’s why we’ve created more opportunities that can help you with premium payments and health care costs. Members with ACA Plans Can Earn Up to $500 Toward Premium If you purchased an Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plan for you and your family (not through your job), you can earn up to $500 in 2020 toward your premium by...
Advance Care Planning Provides Peace of Mind in Difficult Times
Posted on May 19th 2020 by Florida Blue
Kathy’s mom had been sick for a while, but Kathy was starting to see major changes in her mom’s health. She knew she needed some guidance but wasn’t sure where to turn or what to do next. What were her mom’s wishes? And how could Kathy make sure those wishes were aligned with the health care her mom would need? Kathy isn’t alone. According to a 2019 analysis by the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management , 71 percent of Americans say they don’t know anything about palliative care—a type of care...
Coronavirus Update: Florida Blue Increasing Access to Health Care Services for Members to Aid in Treatment
Posted on May 14th 2020 by Florida Blue
Your health and the health of the communities we serve is our top priority. As we all adjust our lives in these rapidly changing times, please know our team is here to help you get through the hectic pace and help you find the care you need. The list of COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of has grown over time. They include mild to severe respiratory symptoms, including a cough and difficulty breathing, as well as a fever, diarrhea, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore...
Florida Blue Provides $100 Million in Health Care Cost Relief to Members
Posted on May 12th 2020 by Florida Blue
Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, today announced additional actions being taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support: Premium Payment Period Extended: In April, Florida Blue announced it was extending the premium due date through May for customers who needed extra time to pay premiums as a result of the COVID-19 health crisis and would otherwise have been subject to termination of coverage. The time available to pay has been extended another month through the end of...
Throughout the GuideWell enterprise, there are many nurses in many different roles. National Nurses Week, which begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, the birthday of nursing founder Florence Nightingale, is an exciting opportunity for our company to recognize the significant contributions of nurses in our organization. Recently, we caught up with a few nurses to hear more about how nursing has had an impact on their lives, especially during COVID-19. Kirsten Baker, RN, BSN, MBA, CHC |...
So what do you do if you want to keep up an exercise routine but you can’t go to the gym? And if it’s getting too hot to take walks in the middle of the day? Luckily, SilverSneakers® has an answer. All our Medicare Advantage plans include membership in SilverSneakers. Typically, that means you get access to thousands of gyms across the country at no extra cost to you. But when you need to social distance and heading to the Y isn’t an option, SilverSneakers also offers SilverSneakers On Demand...
Coronavirus update: Florida Blue Increasing Access to Health Care Services for Medicare Members to Aid in Treatment
Posted on May 10th 2020 by Florida Blue
This information is for Florida Blue Medicare members. Click here to get COVID-19 information for other Florida Blue members. Your health and the health of the communities we serve is our top priority. As we adjust our lives in these times, please know we are here to help you find the care you need. The list of COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of has grown over time. They include mild to severe respiratory symptoms, including a cough and difficulty breathing, as well as a fever, diarrhea, chills,...
Transitioning from hospital to home can be challenging, especially during a health crisis. Use these tips to help you stay at home and out of the hospital. There’s a lot of uncertainty and change right now because of the coronavirus spread. With hospitals seeing increasing numbers of patients due to COVID-19, it's more important than ever that you stay home and stay safe. This is especially true if you've recently been in the hospital. While follow-up care may require you to go back, it’s...