Blue Care Connection^®
Care Management and Wellness Programs

Blue Care Connection* is an integrated, holistic approach to health care management that spans the spectrum of health: from wellness to chronic disease to catastrophic illness. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) offers information, programs, and online tools and resources to help members better manage their health. Blue Care Connection includes:

Condition Management — These programs help our members with chronic disease by providing self-management guidance and external support services. As part of the Condition Management Programs, members receive educational materials, tools for self-care techniques and health counseling and coaching. We currently offer programs for asthma, diabetes, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, members' health care needs are assessed on an ongoing basis to find opportunities for additional condition management programs.

Nurse Care Advisors — These are registered nurses trained to help members manage chronic health conditions. They provide health counseling and support to members over the phone.

Case Management — We offer case management services to members and their families who are facing a serious illness or injury. Our case managers are dedicated health care professionals with the qualifications and knowledge of member benefits and patient rights essential for navigating the sometimes complex maze of medical care. Learn more about Case Management .

Behavioral Health — Licensed behavioral health professionals help your employees access services and offer support with co-existing medical conditions or disorders such as anxiety, depression, etc.

Prenatal Program — We offer a prenatal program for moms-to-be and new mothers. The Special Beginnings^®' program helps pregnant members and their babies get off to a healthy start by providing educational materials and support, pregnancy risk factor identification, ongoing communication/monitoring, and access to an online resource center. Members are supported from early pregnancy through six weeks after delivery. This program is available to all members whose group health plans include maternity benefits.

Tobacco Cessation Program — BCBSNM offers a wellness program to help those members who want to quit smoking, as well as manage or improve their overall health. They can learn barriers to quitting, identify personal motivators, and learn about treatment options. As a program participant, members have access to resources and information on the BCBSNM Web site and via telephone.

Weight Management Program — This wellness program can help BCBSNM members who want to lose weight and feel healthier. They can learn about maintaining a healthy weight, set goals and track progress, and plan activities to help reach goals. Members have access to resources and information on our Web site and via telephone.

24/7 Nurseline — Members can get answers to their health-related questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Members can also use the telephone to access an audio library system that features health topics ranging from allergies to women's health. (Note: For medical emergencies, call 911 or your local emergency services first.)

BlueResource^SM Communication Program — BCBSNM is pleased to offer this program that can help you communicate to your employees about topics related to their health care coverage. Check out BlueResource to learn about Fit for Work, Health Observances, and Weight Loss communication materials.

Online Health Care Tools — Members can sign up for Blue Access for Members^SM , our secure member portal, to take advantage of these health-related tools. The number on their BCBSNM member ID card provides immediate access.

• Personal Health Manager** — Members use this package of online tools and resources to complete a Health Risk Assessment; set up a personal health record to keep track of health information; receive wellness advice from nurse, trainers, dietitians, and life coaches; learn the latest health news; and set up reminders about appointments and screenings. Learn more about the PHM through an interactive demonstration.   
• Health Risk Assessment — After completing an online Health Risk Assessment, members will receive a report outlining health risks and strengths, as well as suggestions for healthier living.
• Cost Estimator — This tool helps members estimate and compare costs of tests and treatments. Learn the number of times a surgery or treatment was done by our network providers, as well as easily locate providers with Google Maps^TM.

Preventive Care Guidelines — We are committed to helping members stay healthy. One way we do this is by making sure they have the information they need about preventive care — the steps that members and their doctors take to keep well. Immunizations, mammograms, and cholesterol testing are all part of staying healthy. We also mail reminder cards to parents for children's immunizations, and we mail birthday cards to women reminding them to schedule a mammogram and Pap test.

Download the current guidelines:

• Preventive Care Guidelines for Adults (English/Spanish) 
• Preventive Care Guidelines for Children (English/Spanish) 

Contact your BCBSNM account executive or producer for more information about Blue Care Connection programs and services.

*Blue Care Connection (BCC) is available to most BCBSNM members; however, some BCC programs and services may not be available to individual plan members or to groups who selected another health services vendor. Members can verify if they have access to BCC programs and services by calling the Customer Service number on the back of their ID cards, or by contacting their employer group benefits administrators.

**The Personal Health Manager is available to all BCBSNM members except for some individual plans or a few groups who have selected another health services vendor. Members can check with their employer group benefits administrators for additional information.