Your health management programs
We look after you when you're sick and when you're healthy. Our programs can help you make the most of your health when you have a chronic medical condition.
Health Risk assessment
Understanding your health needs helps us better serve you. Within 90 days of becoming a member, you’ll receive a Health Risk assessment questionnaire in the mail. We encourage you to complete the confidential survey as soon as possible. Based on information you provide, we'll provide a list of recommended topics to discuss with your doctor on your next scheduled office visit to minimize your health risks.
We will periodically send you another Health Risk assessment questionnaire so that we can keep up on your well being.
Programs to help you manage your health
Use the links below to access information about programs that can help you manage your health.
- Living with illness – Our disease management programs help you learn how to live well with a chronic medical condition.
- Staying healthy – BCN Advantage can help you stay healthy for a lifetime through our many programs.
- Getting better – Our BlueHealthConnection® umbrella of care provides extra care when you need it.
- Ready to quit smoking? – Our tobacco cessation program includes a battery of tools to help you quit smoking.
Did you know? – Flu shots are covered for people with Medicare.
- Download the "Take 3 Actions to Fight the Flu" flyer (PDF) issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to learn more.
Prevention initiatives
Physician recognition: Blue Care Network recognizes physicians for outstanding clinical and service performance resulting in more of our members receiving immunizations and health screenings.
Preventive benefits and our Guidelines to Good Health: All of our members are covered for important health screenings and immunizations (normal copayments apply). You can help prevent illness or detect medical conditions in their very earliest stages by following our Guidelines to Good Health. The diagnostic and screening tests we recommend are all based on the latest clinical research and are covered benefits. At least once per year all members receive our Guidelines to Good Health.
Health reminders: We mail reminders to our members to encourage them to stay current on immunizations, flu shots and pneumonia vaccines. We also send reminders for cholesterol, colorectal, breast and cervical cancer screenings, as well as to schedule annual exams.
Healthy Advantage Rewards: Members who take proactive steps to stay healthy can earn rewards. Learn more about Healthy Advantage rewards.
Programs for getting better
We encourage members to seek their highest possible level of health and fitness and support them through their recovery when they need us.
Behavioral health: You can call any time — around the clock — for help with behavioral health and substance abuse problems. A referral from your primary care physician is not needed. Our behavioral health care managers evaluate your situation and arrange services. You can access behavioral health coverage without a referral from your primary care physician by calling 1-800-431-1059. TTY users should call 711. Hours are: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday, Feb. 15 through Sept. 30; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, seven days a week, from Oct. 1 to Feb. 14.
Case managers: Our nurses are available to educate you about your condition and coordinate a variety of services. Our case managers not only provide a comprehensive and confidential assessment, but also develop a care plan in collaboration with you and your doctor. We have nurse specialists for heart disease, high-risk pregnancies, oncology, transplants and renal management.
Blue Distinction Centers®: Blue Care Network and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan have awarded the national Blue Distinction Centers for Specialty Care® designation to Michigan hospitals that meet strict requirements for delivering quality health care in specific specialties.
Visit Blue Distinction Centers
Depression program: When you fill a prescription for antidepression medication, we send information about how to take the medication and a tip sheet on depression. We contact members who fail to fill or refill antidepression medications.
Emergency room intervention: Our nurses call members who use the emergency room frequently to review the reasons for the emergency medical care and, when it's appropriate, redirect them to other care settings.
Follow-up after hospital stays: Our nurses review hospital stays and work closely with you, your family and physicians when additional care is needed after discharge. Our nurses contact you after you leave the hospital to make sure you understand your medical condition, your medications and the need to follow-up with your physician.
Partnering with doctors: We provide our physicians with important information to help them care for you. This includes patient-specific reports, summaries of their medical and pharmaceutical practice patterns, the latest treatment protocols and notices when you are hospitalized or seek emergency medical care.
Pneumonia and flu intervention: We send reminders to our members who are at greatest risk to encourage them to get the flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Tobacco cessation: Our free smoking cessation program has a proven track record of helping members give up tobacco for good.
Stroke and heart attack prevention: BCN monitors for anticoagulation medications prescribed following atrial fibrillation. We also contact our members who've had heart attacks to inform them of the importance of beta-blocker treatments.
Advance directive
An advance directive is a written statement of your wishes for health care should you not be able to make your own care decisions. It lets you decide the medical treatments you want and authorizes someone you know and trust to make decisions for you when you cannot do so.
We've provided forms for you to complete an advance directive. They are intended for use in Michigan only. You do not need an attorney for this procedure to take effect.
We provide this information to help our members become informed health care consumers who make their wishes known. Filling out the form is strictly your choice and will not affect your BCN Advantage membership or health care coverage in any way.
It is against the law for health care providers or insurers to require you to complete an advance directive as a condition of coverage or treatment. Federal law requires your primary care physician to ask if you have an advance directive and to write your answer in your medical record.
Before completing the forms, be sure to speak with your physician about your health and potential future health needs. You will also want to discuss your wishes with family and friends.
Guidelines for completing an advance directive
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