The United Way’s Women in Local Leadership (WILL) affinity group would periodically email a calendar of events and volunteer opportunities.  I attended a meeting and started working with what I call the coolest women on the planet.  They just get it!

At about the same time, Florida Blue scheduled a parenting class for employees on the Jacksonville campus.  I attended and was introduced to a program that would change my life and view of the world forever.

The program coordinator for the United Way’s Born Learning initiative taught me to share learning tips and tools with parents who are court ordered to attend parent education classes I teach year-round.  Materials for the workshops—“Ages & Stages”, “Effective Communication”, “Effective Discipline”, “Parent Responsibility”, “Abuse & Neglect”, “Learning on the Go”, “Playing the Games” and “Food & Nutrition”—are offered by the United Way.  And WILL gives me all the materials that I use to facilitate each session.

Because so many parents are court ordered to attend my class, they are a “spirited” group.  They are not always happy to see me, but I bring them a no-nonsense approach that not only challenges them to think higher than their condition of drug and alcohol abuse and violence but also encourages them to focus on the opportunity an agency like the United Way has provided them free of charge, so that they can reclaim their gift of parenting.

I remind them that no healthy parent wants to lose their child and the legal system will never knowingly allow an unhealthy parent to keep a child.  The mothers, fathers and caregivers in the Born Learning program inspire me to do additional research on the latest federal and state laws, resources and programs to assist them in reaching their goal of raising happy children.

I help to edit and rewrite life stories every week.  And I am a big fan of happy endings.

The post Florida Blue Employee – An Advocate for Children and Families appeared first on Florida Blue.

1.    Cholesterol

This soft, fat-like, waxy substance is found in the bloodstream and cells. Cholesterol is important because it’s part of cell membranes and used to produce some hormones while serving other necessary bodily functions. Too much cholesterol can cause a thick, hard plaque to grow in the arteries making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. Abnormal cholesterol levels (high LDL and low HDL) increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

 2.    Blood Pressure

Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as it is carried from the heart to various tissues and organs throughout the body. Your blood pressure reading is the result of two numbers: the systolic pressure (or top number) which is the force that creates pressure on the arteries, and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) which indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. High blood pressure (called hypertension) can cause damage the arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys.

3.    Blood Glucose

Also referred to as blood sugar, your blood glucose number measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and it comes from carbohydrates. Insulin helps your body use the glucose, and too much can cause damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. Diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t use it correctly.

4.    Body Mass Index (BMI)

Your BMI is based on your height and weight and is used as a screening tool to determine if you are obese, overweight, normal weight, or underweight. Generally speaking, a higher BMI correlates to a greater risk of some weight-related diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight and height using this formula. You can also use WebMD’s interactive calculator which includes your activity level.  You can look into the new BMI scale, which was recently created by Oxford University professor, Nick Trefethen.

BMI = (Weight in pounds) x 703  / (Height in inches)²

5.    Waist Circumference

Along with your BMI score, your waist circumference is an indirect indicator of intra-abdominal fat tissue, often called visceral fat. A large waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. To find your waist circumference, place a tape measure around your body at the top of your hipbone. This is usually at the level of your belly button.

Schedule a checkup with your doctor. Members, to find a doctor, call a Florida Blue Care Consultant at (888) 476-2227 or log onto floridablue.com and select “Find a Doctor”.Knowing your numbers can help you make some simple lifestyle changes today that will reduce your risk and improve your health tomorrow. Here’s how to start:

Members, visit one of our 11 Florida Blue Centers to meet with a nurse who can help you find out your numbers free of charge. Non-members can receive a free screening during our monthly health fairs. Visit Florida Blue to locate the center nearest you.

These are numbers worth knowing. Here’s to yours adding up to better health!

These are numbers worth knowing. Here’s to yours adding up to better health!

The post 5 Important Health Numbers You Should Know appeared first on Florida Blue.

1. People under age 30 or those exempt from the individual mandate, may qualify for a “catastrophic” health plan, which offers preventive health services.
2. Annual dollar limits on benefits are no longer allowed.
3. Low- and middle-income families may qualify for federal subsidies to help pay for their health insurance premiums.
4. The Insurance Marketplace (formerly known as the Exchange) will offer four levels of health insurance plans (called “metal” plans because their names are Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum). They will offer the same benefits, with different out-of-pocket costs and premiums.
5. Financial assistance may also be available to help qualifying individual’s pay for out-of-pocket health care costs.
6. Individuals enrolled in a health plan that took effect before March 23, 2010 may be able to keep their plan, even if it has fewer benefits than the Affordable Care Act requires (called “grandfathering”).
7. Health plans can no longer refuse to provide coverage to you because of your health history.
8. Special provisions apply for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives to help provide health insurance.
9. You cannot be turned down for coverage for any new health plan sold in 2014 or later.
10. Health benefits include dental and vision care for children under 19.

If you still have confusion, there’s not need to worry as Florida Blue has places you can go to get your questions answered.  Ask Blue Reform is one place you can visit, as well as the health care reform section on our site. If you are wishing to ask a question that you cannot find on either of those sites, feel free to email us at TakePartFlorida [at] BCBSFL [dot] com.

The post 10 Things that Will Happen in 2014 Under the Affordable Care Act appeared first on Florida Blue.

During our visit, I realized the thousands of Hillsborough County residents that the Crisis Center touched each year. There was one section of the facility specifically built for sexual assault/rape victims. I had always assumed all rape victims were taken to the emergency room to be treated and forensic evidence was taken there. However, I learned that in Hillsborough County, victims are driven to the Crisis Center where they are treated very privately, given immediate counseling and treatment and important forensic evidence is gathered in a quiet, sensitive environment. The compassion of that approach had a great impact on me.

As I moved through the tour, I learned that the Crisis Center offers free crisis counseling by operating a crisis hotline that handles suicide prevention, suicide crisis calls and any other call that may cause a traumatic event. They provide specialized trauma counseling and therapy for children, adults and families who have experienced abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, recent loss of a loved one or any other type of emotional trauma.

Last November, 12-year-old Matthew came to the center after repeatedly telling his mom that he wanted to jump out of the car window while they were speeding down the highway. His Dad and best friend, a Hillsborough County teacher, had recently died of a heart attack.  Mom was distraught, as well. She’d lost her life partner and was feeling the pressure of keeping the family together. A physician referred her, Matthew and his older sister to the Crisis Center. Today, all three see counselors and are doing amazingly well.

I recently heard a story about a woman who accidentally killed a man who ran out in front of her car unexpectedly.  The trauma practically crippled her.  She didn’t want to leave her house, or drive, or be social.  The only thing she would do is go to work.  For nearly six months a friend of hers insisted she call the Crisis Center to get help.  She finally called.  Through counseling she discovered she had post-traumatic stress disorder.

If she had not sought treatment, her condition would have become steadily worse, possibly crippling her daily life and leaving her to consider suicide.  She was a single mom, just like me.  She had a great job, just like me.  She was involved in the community, just like me.

Trauma can hit anyone, at any time, regardless of race, sex, gender, income.  I support the Crisis Center because of the many people they help that never thought they would need help. By supporting the Crisis Center, I’m helping those people. It just feels good.

The post Helping People at Crisis Center of Tampa Bay – Wendy Bowman’s Story appeared first on Florida Blue.

Q: Where do I go to get a Personal Health Assessment?

A:  You can visit one of 11 Florida Blue Centers located throughout Florida for your free health assessment. Call 1-877-352-5830 to make an appointment or just stop by.  One of our nurses will be happy to assist you!

Q: Should I bring anything like a list of my current medications when I go?

A: This is not necessary, but our  personal health assessment form will have a place for you to show which health conditions you currently take medications for.  Please let the nurses at your local center know if you have questions about your medicine or its cost or coverage. Some people ask about whether they should eat before the test. Fasting is not required to participate, but if you would prefer to know what your fasting blood sugar result is, please do not eat or drink for 2 hours before your screening.

Q: What are the health screenings you’ll do as part of the PHA?

A: The Registered Nurses at Florida Blue can screen our members for Cholesterol, Blood Glucose, Blood Pressure, and BMI (Body Mass Index).  These numbers, along with your participation in answering some general questions about your health and lifestyle habits will allow us to obtain a detailed report with information about your health risks, healthy and unhealthy habits, and can even lead to discussing some risk reduction strategies with you.

Q: How much time does a personal health assessment usually take to complete?

A: An average screening usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Yours may be less or a little longer, but the time you spend with us will depend on your preferences and needs.

Q: What do I do if I need follow-up care based on my results?

A: Your nurse can assist you with interpreting your results. If follow up care by a licensed physician is recommended or desired, we can assist you with understanding your options and can even assist in choosing a provider and/or scheduling an appointment. Many members also choose to schedule a follow up PHA before they leave so that they can reassess their health status after making positive lifestyle changes.

Q: Are my results shared with anyone else besides me?

A: At Florida Blue, we value your privacy and your individual results will never be shared with your employer, provider, or any third party. If your screening leads to additional questions about your health, benefits, or resources we can answer them or point you in the right direction. Remember, our purpose for being here is to help you.

Here’s the special offer we mentioned earlier: if you are a member* of Florida Blue and schedule your PHA at any of our Florida Blue Centers between now May 7^th -May 31, 2013 you’ll receive a free copy of Cook This Not That, a cookbook containing 130 recipes from your favorite restaurants, redone to be healthier! Now that you know what to expect from your PHA, it’s the perfect time to go! We’ll see you there.

*Florida Blue employees are excluded from this promotion.

The post How to Prepare for your Personal Health Assessment appeared first on Florida Blue.

I was working at Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee when I met a nurse who was an employee with Big Bend Cares.  She was visiting a patient I was taking care of in the intensive care unit who had been diagnosed with HIV but had not been compliant with his recommended medical regimen and was very sick with AIDS.

She was following up with this patient and explained the amazing services that Big Bend Cares provides in education, prevention and for those currently living with HIV/AIDS. I immediately wanted to learn more.

I discovered that they were accepting applications for a facilitator for a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded program called Healthy Relationships. I applied and was very fortunate to get the job.

I was responsible for interviewing HIV-positive clients discussing life choices that may have contributed to their diagnoses. Once this was complete, I enrolled and guided them in group sessions that included methods for learning how to better cope with this diagnosis, how to be empowered in disclosing their diagnosis and how to be more self-assured in making favorable life decisions.

When talking to the people that I interviewed, I was very candid about my own past and did not hold back.  I was well aware that I could easily be sitting in their seat.  All of the stories they shared with me moved me but there are a few that seemed to really call to me.

I remember one woman that moved to Tallahassee from Central Florida; her husband was a preacher and had contracted HIV from a male sexual partner. The woman became very sick and her doctor convinced her to test for HIV. She had no idea about her husband’s “other” life.  We cried together.

I also remember a female client that was a recovering crack addict and alcoholic who was infected during her years of addiction. She became motivated to leave that life behind and moved to Tallahassee to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. We rejoiced together.

There are so many other stories that I carry in my heart.  I couldn’t possibly begin to tell all of these clients how much their trust and willingness to share the intimate parts of their lives really inspires me.  This is why I am so passionate about being a volunteer for Big Bend Cares and why I feel so strongly about the mission of this organization:  “AIDS doesn’t care who you are. We do.”

The post One Florida Blue Retail Center Nurse’s Story Working with HIV/AIDS Patients appeared first on Florida Blue.

“I would just like to take a second and publicly thank customer service rep Brad at Florida Blue who spent 30 minutes on the phone with me to make sure a rare test was covered under my plan and to cross-check every possible exception…” she wrote on her Facebook page.

But, first, let’s back up to the beginning of her story.

Caroline previously had Florida Blue group insurance so she was familiar with Florida Blue benefits.

Recently she switched to an individual policy. Caroline stopped in to our Florida Blue Center in Jacksonville to review her options face-to-face, as opposed to shopping for insurance online.

That’s when she was greeted by sales representative, Cedric Gilyardsales representative, Cedric Gilyard, greeted her.  Cedric and Caroline talked about her needs and budget and found a plan that was right for her.

But little did she know that she would have to use her insurance benefits so soon.

Caroline developed a recurrent rash that was not properly diagnosed by standard tests performed by two separate doctors. As the rash continued to come back, she decided to go to a gastroenterologist (doctor who focuses on digestive system) when a friend suggested she might have celiac disease. In fact, Caroline did notice the rash flared up when she ate wheat — the exact trigger for celiac’s debilitating symptoms.

But when the doctor ordered a special celiac test through a lab in California, which might not be covered by her insurance, Caroline called Gilyard to help her find out the details. Ultimately, that phone call ended up saving her a lot of stress and money.

Enter service representative Brad Behr.

Gilyard quickly connected her to Behr, making sure they were both on the phone call and understanding her questions before he hung up. During the 30-minute conversation, Behr gave her the step-by-step process she needed to follow to ensure the test would be covered.

“Brad also told me to write down his full name, time and date and his code in case my claim was denied, even though we did the due diligence,” she wrote on Facebook.

The lesson learned by Caroline was that she was able to utilize our center to help find the right answers for her situation, which saved her time and money.

“Because of my personal conversations with Cedric and Brad, I will recommend my plan to every single friend who needs health insurance,” she posted.

As it turned out, Caroline tested negative for celiac disease, but she discovered she is sensitive to gluten. She shared this update with us:

“That test that Brad helped me make sure was covered has allowed me to not drastically change my life and eating habits for something I wasn’t sure I had. So I’m grateful! Since all of this, my skin rash hasn’t come back and since avoiding gluten, my other stomach issues have improved as well.”

We’re grateful that Caroline was able to take charge of her health once she discovered that modifying her eating habits would alleviate her symptoms.

We’re here to help you, too! Whether it’s help selecting the right plan, or learning how your benefits can save you money, your local Florida Blue Center is there to help.

The post Getting the Right Customer Support for Your Health Care Needs appeared first on Florida Blue.

Today, public support for the law remains mixed and the issue has temporarily fallen off the nation’s political radar. However, furious activity has been taking place in Washington and in the States as work continues to prepare for full scale implementation of the law, beginning in January 2014 when most of the well-known insurance reforms take effect. Later this year, on October 1, the health insurance marketplaces (formerly called “exchanges”) are scheduled to open for business and individual consumers all across America will be able to compare options and choose their health insurance plans for next year.

Florida Blue has been actively involved in discussions with decision-makers on Capitol Hill, in the White House and Administration, and in Tallahassee to make clear the challenges insurers face in implementing the various complex provisions of the law. During these discussions we have made constructive recommendations that we believe would help lower the cost of health care for consumers and make the transition to the new system go more smoothly.

We are also working with policy makers and regulators at all levels to improve the law by making changes that would lower the cost of insurance for all Americans. The law as written imposes many new taxes, fees and rating restrictions that will result in higher premiums for consumers in the health care marketplace. In my next blog post I will discuss in detail these provisions as well as what Florida Blue has been doing to lower the cost of care through private market payment reforms and new partnerships in Florida’s delivery system.

We continue to work with Washington decision makers to try to reduce the cost burden imposed by the ACA and to help make the implementation go more smoothly, but make no mistake — we want the law to succeed. We believe in the goals of the law, to make health care more accessible and affordable, and we will continue to engage policy makers on what changes we believe could be made to help better achieve those goals. We will also continue to adapt our business model to the ever-changing market so that we can continue to carry out our mission — to help people and communities achieve better health.

Image courtesy of Stripedtiger on Flickr

The post Moving Toward Implementation of the Affordable Care Act appeared first on Florida Blue.

Florida possesses abundant opportunities for entrepreneurs entering the health care space. In addition to the 16 Fortune 500 companies based in Florida, there are also several health care industry resources available for entrepreneurs to tap into.  Florida is home to over 200 hospitals of which 11 are teaching hospitals, four medical school, and leading health and life science employers like Mayo Clinic, Scripps, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Availity, and Biomet. Six hundred and sixty five thousand people are working in the health care industry making it one of Florida’s largest employment sectors. The entrepreneurial spirit is growing throughout Florida. The state has been ranked as one of the top 10 most entrepreneurial states by the Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurship, as well as recently listed as the most innovative state by Fast Company. This combination of factors provides the necessary foundation for a company to build momentum and penetrate a complex industry successfully.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Florida has to offer health care entrepreneurs and what health care entrepreneurs have to offer Florida come join us at one of the below networking events! We can also answer questions you have about Healthbox and how to apply or get involved. If you can’t attend one of our networking events listed below, please join the conversation and follow our journey on Twitter by following @health_box and @FLBlue using the hashtag #HBXFL. You can also visit our events page for updates on additional networking events in the coming months.

We hope to see you there!

Florida Networking Events

May 1 – Orlando, Florida
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Rollins College: Center for Advanced Entrepreneurship
Galloway Room, Mills Memorial Building
1000 Holt Ave. -2722
Winter Park, Florida 32789

May 2 – Tampa, Florida
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay Wave, FirstWaVE Venture Center
400 N. Ashley Drive, 2nd FL
Tampa, FL 33602

May 3 – Jacksonville, Florida
5:30 – 7:30 p.m. CoWork Jax
5 W. Forsyth Street #200
Jacksonville, FL 32202

The post Connecting Florida’s Health Care Ecosystem | Road Trip Across the State! appeared first on Florida Blue.

~Robert Iger  

In today’s world, there’s a great deal of media focused on creativity and innovation. I for one am very aware of it as I am involved and know people who attend or run events like  iStart Jax, Startup Weekend, BarCamp and HealthCamp. These events are where people come together to develop ideas that either solve a problem or enhance an already existing solution. There are even ideas and innovations that are specifically focused around health solutions.

Florida Blue  supports creativity and innovation in the health care industry through sponsoring events like TEDMED, the upcoming Medifuture 2023 and 2013 First Annual State of Florida Health Care Innovation Competition. Being a part of these events allows us as a company to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in health care solutions.

Our employees are also focused on continually improving, for the benefit of our members. Recently, the Innovation Team within Florida Blue asked employees for their solutions to existing health care challenges. Employees were encouraged to submit their ideas and then vote! Over 900 employees contributed suggestions and 37 new ideas were born.

Why is this awesome?

• Employees have a voice in something that is bigger than themselves
• It encourages and fosters creativity
• Contributes to even greater solutions

What’s Next?

Florida Blue is continually developing new health solutions to benefit our members and will have future employee focused events around specific health care topics which will further ignite a fire around innovation in health care!

What great ideas are you seeing in health care innovation? Let us know on Twitter, by tweeting us @FlBlue and use the hashtag #innovation

The post Innovation is Creating Health Solutions for You appeared first on Florida Blue.