You’re the Center of Attention in Value-Based Care
Posted on Jan 24th 2021 by Michelle Steffen
Imagine a group of doctors focused on helping you get well, stay well or manage an ongoing health condition. These doctors choose to be part of Value-Based Care programs and they work together for your overall health and peace of mind. What this can mean for you is: Better coordination between doctors Better control of chronic conditions More preventive care Fewer unnecessary services Let’s look at few scenarios You’re pretty healthy and want to stay that way: Your doctor helps ensure you have...
Michelle Steffen
Michelle is an avid adventure traveler happily married with two daughters and a son. She enjoys decorating and is alway seeking out the best bargains for her home and garden.
When Florida Blue and the Tampa Bay Lightning searched for local chefs to cook 500 meals on Christmas morning, finding one wasn't easy. The early morning wake-up call Dec. 25 was just one deterrent. Add to that, the perils of food preparation and distribution post COVID-19. St. Petersburg’s Melissa Gardner came to the rescue, along with her grandmother Thelma and her mom Michelle. Gardner, affectionally known as Chef Melly, owns Three Generations Food Truck and cooked the 500 meals for Feeding...
Lissette Campos
Lissette serves Florida Blue’s West Florida region, spanning from the Tampa Bay Area to Sarasota and Ft. Myers. The 30+ year communications veteran is also an eight-time Emmy award winning writer.
Hopefully, you’ve gotten your flu shot by now. But if you haven’t, it’s not too late to get one to protect you and your family this season. Because COVID-19 continues to be a health concern, there’s never been a more important time to get a flu shot. Most Florida Blue members can get a flu shot at no extra cost. Here are some key questions to consider when getting yours. Q: Can I get the flu from a flu shot? A: No, you can’t. It takes about two weeks after getting the shot for your body to...
Facing Loss During the Holidays
Posted on Dec 30th 2020 by Florida Blue in partnership with New Directions
When distance and circumstance prevent us from being with those we love during the holidays we may find ourselves sad and lonely. And if we’ve lost someone close to us, the holidays will likely feel less bright this year. When others are celebrating, we may experience emotions that include resentment, anxiety, emptiness and grief. How can we manage these normal reactions and find ways to soothe our sadness? Can we allow ourselves to find ways to connect to others, to look for ways to make the...
While there’s still so much we don’t know about COVID-19, one thing is for sure - it affects each person differently. And sometimes, even mild cases can cause symptoms like headaches, fatigue and shortness of breath. But what if those symptoms continue even after you’ve tested negative for the virus? Dr. Kelli Tice Wells, Florida Blue’s Senior Medical Director for medical affairs says it’s important to note that lingering symptoms after testing negative for COVID-19 is not uncommon. “It’s not...
Tell Yourself a Different Story
Posted on Dec 30th 2020 by Florida Blue in partnership with New Directions
The holiday season is a time for high expectations of ourselves and others. The trouble is, real life rarely measures up to the movie scenes and magazines. We all know this on some level, yet year after year, we put undue pressure on ourselves. Pay attention to stress triggers . When you are feeling the pressure stop and ask yourself… What do I need right now? What am I telling myself that is causing me stress? Find a different story to tell yourself about what is really important. Trade...
( This blog is for consumers who enrolled in an individual or family health plan for 2021 coverage. If you get coverage through your job, this doesn’t apply.) If you’re new to Florida Blue or if you’re coming back to us after having a different plan, welcome! There’s one important step to take now so you can start using your benefits on January 1: Make your first payment. After that, you’ll get your member ID card in the mail and you’ll be able to log in to your online member account at...
Lowering your holiday stress level should include lowering your expectations. Many of us find that it is a difficult task as we compare our decorating skills, or lack there of to those fabulous images on Pinterest, YouTube or our friends’ Facebook pages. But what are you to do, when you are hosting a holiday get together; people are dropping in and your in-laws decide to stay for a week or more? Well, you start looking for ideas that will make your home a welcome oasis. Soon, you are running...
Sharon LaSure-Roy
Sharon is a daughter, sister, proud mother & well-loved wife. She calls herself a #socialmedia storyteller and definitely not a guru. She is a proud graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. Follower her on twitter at @sharonlroy and @chefandbride.
You can still enjoy your favorite Florida Blue events at home! As we adjust to our lives in these rapidly changing times, your health and the health of the communities we serve remains our top priority. That's why we've transitioned our Florida Blue Centers to virtual support, services and events. Virtual Brain Bus Join us and the Alzheimer's Association for a three-week series of online interactive, no-cost educational classes to help you build your caregiver tool kit. Come to one or come to...
You may be tempted to brave the crowded airports with others who are flying to see family or friends for the winter holidays. Or you may have been invited to celebrate locally with some friends you haven’t seen since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Neither of those are good options this season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s safest to celebrate the holidays with people you live with. Make sure those people are taking the same precautions you are, like wearing masks,...