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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Collaboration with Western Governors University Will Provide Eligible Employees Tuition Discounts and Scholarships Toward Earning a Graduate Degree

MILWAUKEE – March 8, 2017 – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin (Anthem) announced a new collaboration with Western Governors University (WGU) to offer eligible company associates a virtually free graduate degree. Anthem’s parent company is one of the first companies in the nation to provide a program that allows employees to complete a graduate degree with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

This new benefit is available to any Anthem full-time or part-time employee who works 20 or more hours per week and has been employed at least six months. WGU will provide eligible Anthem associates with a five percent discount on tuition and offer 20 $1,000 scholarships toward a master’s degree program. Combined with Anthem’s Education Assistance Program, the out-of-pocket tuition costs of the first year of the program may be reduced to just $175. Anthem offers associates tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 annually through its Education Assistance Program.

“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to offer our associates a robust rewards package that goes beyond just a salary and health benefits,” said Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. “Educational collaborations, such as this one with WGU, not only help our associates pursue their dreams, but also increase skill levels across our company. This results in increased employee satisfaction and a company more attuned to meeting its customers’ changing health care needs. It’s a win-win.”

Designed to meet the needs of working adults, WGU’s competency-based learning model makes it possible for students to fit studying into their busy lives. While WGU’s online degree programs are rigorous and challenging, students are able to earn their degrees without sacrificing work, family, and financial obligations. Students complete courses as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the materials, enabling them to move quickly through material they already know and spend more time on what they still need to learn. As a result, many students are able to accelerate their studies, finishing faster and saving money—the average time to complete a bachelor’s degree is about two and half years. WGU’s tuition is charged at a flat rate each term and covers all coursework completed in that time. WGU offers graduate degree programs in health professions, information technology, business, and teaching.

"At WGU, we are committed to changing lives through education,” said WGU President Scott Pulsipher. “Our academic programs are developed to help our graduates meet evolving workforce competencies. By working with partners like Anthem, we expand educational opportunities for working adults and help address critical talent needs."

# # #

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) and Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). BCBSWi underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out of network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare or WCIC; Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Well Priority is a service mark of Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/askanthemand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/askanthem.

About WGU Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves 79,000 students nationwide and has more than 75,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In less than 20 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

#press releases #debtfreedegree #wgu #education assistance

Above: Firefighter trains for the Fight for Air Climb on a treadmill. Photo credit: American Lung Association

Taking the Stairs in 2017

For Firefighters, Climbing in the Fight For Air Climb is Personal

BROOKFIELD, Wis. -- Feb. 23, 2017 -- Every year, hundreds of firefighters throughout Wisconsin load themselves down with 50-75 lbs. of gear the climb the 1000+ stairs at the US Bank Center for the American Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb. They are joined by police officers and other rescue workers in the Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield Firefighter Challenge, one of the highlights of the annual fundraising event. Firefighters climb to support the American Lung Association, but firefighters themselves face their own unique risks of lung disease:

Respiratory diseases are a significant health issue for firefighters and emergency responders

Firefighters are exposed to gases, chemicals, particle pollution and other potentially harmful substances that can have long and short-term effects on their lungs

Firefighters are at higher risk to develop chronic lung issues, including lingering cough, hoarseness, asthma and allergies, and in more extreme cases, lung or bronchial cancer

To date, 159 firefighters on 36 teams* are registered for the 2017 Fight For Air Climb. The teams compete against each other in four categories: fastest team score, fastest individual score, highest fundraising team and highest fundraising individual. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is the Fight for Air Climb’s Presenting Sponsor and the title sponsor of the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Firefighter Challenge. “Firefighters and first responders keep us safe and healthy every day,” said Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. “The best part about the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Firefighter Challenge is that it gives all of us a chance to applaud and cheer on these heroes who do so much for us and ask for so little in return.” Linda Witucki, Executive Director of the ALA.W said, “Firefighters not only risk their lives every time they go into a burning building, they also suffer a greater degree of lung disease, due to their exposure to harmful smoke, chemicals and toxins. These guys know firsthand what it’s like to struggle to breathe.” Other fun facts about the Anthem Firefighter Challenge:

West Allis Fire Department has won the Challenge six out of the last eight years

Sheboygan Fire Department won the Challenge in 2015 and is out to reclaim their title in 2017Over the years, firefighters have come from more than 22 Wisconsin and Illinois counties, from as far south as Skokie, IL, west as Mount Horeb, and as far north as Manitowoc.

West Allis firefighter Zeke Dombroski was the fastest firefighter climber in 2016, with a time of 6:54

Chuck Roberts of the Eagle Fire Department was the #1 overall individual fundraiser in 2016, singlehandedly raising $10,470

Lauderdale-LaGrange Fire Department was the #1 firefighter fundraising team in 2016, raising $11,455

Firefighters from Kohler and Beaver Dam have been spotted in their home communities training for the Climb (photos attached)

Milwaukee Deputy Chief Aaron Lipski and West Allis Interim Fire Chief Mason Pooler have climbed in all nine Milwaukee climbs

Firefighter Teams registered as of 2/22/17:

Beaver Dam Firefighters

Bloomfield Genoa City Fire & Rescue

Eagle Fire Department

Fitchburg Fire Department

Franklin Fire Department

Greenfield Fire Department

Hales Corners FD

Jackson Fire Department

Kohler Fire Department

Lauderdale- LaGrange Fire Department

Madison Fire

Manitowoc Fire Department

McFarland Fire Department

Mequon Fire

Middleton Fire District

Milwaukee Fire Department

Mount Horeb

New Berlin Fire Department

North Prairie Fire Department

Oconomowoc Fire Department

Rochester Vol. Fire Co.

SC Johnson - Racine

Sheboygan Fire Department

Somers Fire Department

Sun Prairie Fire Dept

Tichigan Fire

Town of Burlington Fire Department

Town of Madison Fire Department

Town of Salem Fire/Rescue

Waukesha Fire Department

Wauwatosa Fire Department

West Allis Fire Department

Wind Lake Fire Department

The Milwaukee Climb remains the #1 FFA Climb in the nation, both in terms of participants and fundraising. For more information on individual teams and links to their team pages, please contact Amanda Stengel, 262-395-1701. The 2017 Fight For Air Climb takes place at the US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee on Saturday, March 18, starting at 6:30a.m. for our Ultimate Climbers, and from 8a.m. am until all climbers finish. To register, please visit www.fightforairclimb.org. Registration fee is $25; an additional $100 fundraising minimum is required to participate. About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) and Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). BCBSWi underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out of network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare or WCIC; Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Well Priority is a service mark of Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/askanthemand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/askanthem. About the American Lung Association in Wisconsin Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.Lung.org

#American Lung Association #Fight for Air Climb #community #press releases

Visit Original Link

The 2017 American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb will take place on March 18 at the US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee. Join us for the fun!

#community #American Lung Association #Fight for Air Climb #radio

There’s Still Time to Get the Flu Shot

2016 flu cases didn’t peak until March

By Dr. Michael Jaeger February 17, 2017 Since flu season began in October, 29 children across the country have died from the virus, with nine deaths reported during the week ending February 10, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC data also show that hospitalizations related to the flu are also on the rise, particularly among older Americans. Wisconsin has yet to be hit by the flu as hard as some areas of the country, but that doesn’t mean things will stay that way. In fact, reporting from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shows influenza like illness activity is already high in many parts of our state. Illnesses don’t comply with city limits and county lines, so all Badgers should consider themselves warned. The important thing to know is that it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. While every flu season is different, last year’s illnesses peaked in early March. This means you may still have time to protect yourself by getting the flu vaccine (a.k.a. flu shot). Since it generally takes about two weeks for the body to develop protective antibodies after vaccination, the sooner you get your flu shot the better. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get the flu vaccine annually. The flu vaccine greatly reduces your chances of getting the flu and can reduce severity if you do. It’s proven to prevent flu-related hospitalizations for both the recipient and their loved ones with weaker immune systems, such as young children and the elderly. The CDC also recently advised that the flu mist nasal spray was NOT effective in treating the flu last season. So, for at least this year, the CDC recommends injectable flu vaccines. The good news is that the flu shot is covered under most insurance plans – including Medicare and Medicaid – when administered at your primary care doctor’s office. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if you got a flu shot last year. Viruses change and immunity decreases over time so an annual vaccination is needed to provide the best possible protection against influenza. Finally, it’s important to take day-to-day precautions to protect yourself from viruses, including: avoiding close contact with sick people, keeping hands away from the face, washing hands with soap and water, getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing stress, drinking plenty of liquids, and eating nutritious foods. Anyone with flu symptoms should contact their doctor to determine if antiviral treatment would assist in their recovery. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu in your body. According to a CDC study, early treatment could cut the duration of a hospital stay for older adults and reduce their risk of needing extended care after discharge. Remember, some years, the flu season doesn’t end until late May. While getting a shot is never fun, it’s nothing compared to the misery of getting the flu and spreading it to your loved ones. For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of vaccinations, talk to your doctor or visit www.cdc.gov/flu. Dr. Michael Jaeger is regional vice president and senior clinical officer for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin.

#flu #Dr. Michael Jaeger #press releases

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Expands its BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid Services to 24 Additional Wisconsin Counties

With the expansion, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin will offer coverage options within the vast majority of counties in the state MADISON, Wis.-- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin (Anthem) announced today that it has received approval from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to expand its service area to 24 additional Wisconsin counties where it offers health care coverage for individuals and families enrolled in BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid SSI. Effective February 1, 2017, members living in Adams, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Columbia, Crawford, Douglas, Eau Claire, Grant, Green, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Lafayette, Lincoln, Marathon, Monroe, Pierce, Richland, Sauk, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon, and Washburn counties will have access to Anthem’s services offerings. “One of our top priorities at Anthem is to ensure our members have access to high-quality health care services,” said Leon Lamoreaux, Anthem Medicaid plan president in Wisconsin. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our services into these 24 additional counties, and we look forward to continuing our work with the State of Wisconsin to make a positive impact in the health and lives of area residents.” BadgerCare Plus is for pregnant women, children age 19 and under, and adults who meet income requirements. Medicaid SSI is for Wisconsin residents who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and offers extra support to adults with special health care needs or a disability. With this expansion, Anthem now serves BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid SSI members in 59 Wisconsin counties. About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Wisconsin Anthem is one of 18 health insurance companies in Wisconsin offering BadgerCare Plus. Anthem is one of 10 health insurance companies in Wisconsin offering Medicaid SSI. For more information on Anthem’s Wisconsin BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid programs, please visit www.anthem.com/wimedicaid. Contact: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield James Freeman 215-756-2495 [email protected]

#press releases #Medicaid #BadgerCare Plus #BadgerCare

#videos #ValentinesDay #Dr. Michael Jaeger

Milwaukee Business Journal -- Executive Profile -- Anthem executive relishes career opportunities, competition: Paul Nobile

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield president Paul Nobile is profiled in the Feb. 10, 2017 edition of the Milwaukee Business Journal:

Paul Nobile says he “kind of stumbled into” his career in health insurance, starting with an entry-level position manning the fax machine.

Nobile’s first job consisted of “pushing faxes and taking in faxes” from health care providers, he says. Someone else at the insurer where he worked evaluated the documents to determine whether providers could participate in the health plan.

“Life is unpredictable and you never know where it may lead,” Nobile said. “Did I think 20-some years ago when I first got that job that I would be here? Absolutely not.”

“Here” is state president of the second-largest health insurer in Wisconsin — Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Read profile

#paul nobile #news clips #Milwaukee Business Journal

Paul Nobile in BizTimes Milwaukee -- Home delivery pharmacy: What’s in it for you?

The following column by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield president Paul Nobile appears on BizTimes Milwaukee:

Nowadays, just about everything can be delivered right to your door. From chef-prepared meals and designer clothes to groceries and personal care products, there is no shortage of companies competing to provide exactly what you need, often in two days or less.

Many of these services – like online retail shopping – have become household staples. Others tend to fly a bit more under the radar. One growing, but still lesser-known modern convenience is the home delivery of prescription drugs.

Depending on your how your health plan is structured you may be required – or at least strongly encouraged – to use a home delivery pharmacy service. Often this prompts the question, “what difference does it make where I get my prescriptions?”

In short, a lot.

Read column

#paul nobile #biztimes milwaukee #news clips #pharmacy #health care costs

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Reports 2016 Wisconsin Community Impact

Grants, sponsorships and volunteerism support organizations working to improve health MILWAUKEE – Feb. 3, 2017 – Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield continued its long-standing tradition of working to improve health and strengthen Wisconsin communities in 2016. Through sponsorships, grants, volunteerism and charitable donations, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, its foundation and associates in Wisconsin directed hundreds of thousands of dollars and nearly 1,800 volunteer hours to events, organizations and causes working to address health disparities and promote healthy lifestyles. “For more than 75 years, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has served our neighbors and our communities here in Wisconsin,” said Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “Investing in and giving back to our community is directly tied to our mission and we’re proud to work each year with those making Wisconsin a healthier place.” Highlights of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s 2016 efforts include:

Supporting health causes and organizations, such as the American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb and the American Diabetes Association Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, through nearly $100,000 in local sponsorships.

Partnering with the American Heart Association and its allies to train 5,065 people in Hands-Only CPR, including trainings with the West Allis Fire Department at the 2016 Wisconsin State Fair.

Working with the American Lung Association, March of Dimes and Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation to engage more than 200 people in smoking cessation programs.

Engaging 1,270 youth in healthy, active lifestyles through the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s Triple Play program and providing grants to five Wisconsin Clubs: Boys & Girls Club of Fond du Lac – Johnsonville Unit; Boys & Girls Club of Fox Valley – Foster Elementary School; Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay – Thomas H. Lutsey Unit; Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee — Mary Ryan Boys & Girls Club; and Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh.

Opening three, new $100,000 fitness centers with the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils at Wisconsin schools: Appleton’s Badger Elementary, Kenosha’s Washington Middle School and Milwaukee’s Lincoln Center of the Arts.

Providing a grant to the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation to support its Grapevine Heart Health Program, helping nearly 200 women reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Contributing more than $110,000 to health-focused nonprofits through the company’s Associate Giving Program and Foundation match.

In addition to these efforts, Wisconsin also benefitted from nearly $1 million in national grants originating from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s parent company foundation. “Among the many things the Badger state has to be proud of are the countless organizations working to get kids off to a healthy start in life and address our most pressing health challenges,” said Nobile. “We’re proud to stand alongside so many of them and we look forward to continuing this work in 2017.” Highlights, summaries and photographs recapping Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s 2016 community activities can be found on its blog at http://anthemwi.tumblr.com. Additional information is also available in the company’s annual Corporate Responsibility Report at www.anthemcorporateresponsibility.com.

#community #foundation #press releases #videos

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation is proud to support the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation and its Badger Heart, women’s heart health, text message campaign. Watch the video clip from Moms Everyday above to learn more!

#video #foundation #text message #Badger Heart #Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Renews Commitment to Lung Health, Sponsoring Fight for Air Climb

Still the #1 FFA Climb in the Nation, Milwaukee seeks to beat its own record BROOKFIELD, Wis. – For the ninth consecutive year, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has recommitted to Presenting Sponsorship support of the annual American Lung Association in Wisconsin Fight for Air Climb. Anthem’s sponsorship has continued to grow since 2009, nearly doubling. Additionally, Anthem fields a strong corporate team support that has raised tens of thousands over the years, helping make the Milwaukee Climb the #1 Fight for Air Climb in the nation. “It just would not be the Fight For Air Climb without Anthem as its Presenting Sponsor,” said Linda Witucki, executive director of the American Lung Association in Wisconsin. “Their work to improve health and strengthen Wisconsin communities is so consistent with the mission of the American Lung Association. It’s a natural fit and they’ve been a first rate partner.” “The Fight for Air Climb in Milwaukee is one of the premier events in our state, not only in terms of fundraising and participants, but also in terms of energy and commitment,” said Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. “Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2017 Fight for Air Climb and we look forward to welcoming new and returning climbers, as well as their friends and family members, to the event on March 18.” The goal for this year’s Climb is $725,000, to be raised through both corporate sponsorships and individual fundraising. The Milwaukee Climb already cracked the $700,000 mark in 2015; no other Fight for Air Climb has even broken $600,000. All Climbers pay a registration fee of $25 and then raise an additional $100 through fundraising activities. Early Bird registration is $15 and ends on Friday, January 13. The Lung Association offers Climbers many tips and ideas for reaching the fundraising goal.

The 2017 Climb takes place on March 18 at the US Bank Center in downtown Milwaukee. Registration and information are available at www.fightforairclimb.org or by calling 262-703-4200. # # # About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) and Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). BCBSWi underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out of network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare or WCIC; Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Well Priority is a service mark of Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/askanthemand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/askanthem. About the American Lung Association in Wisconsin: Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.Lung.org. Press release originally issued by the American Lung Association in Wisconsin

#community #Fight for Air Climb #Milwaukee #Wisconsin #American Lung Association #press releases #videos

2016 Recap: Fight for Air Climb in Milwaukee

Registration for 2017 event now open

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the American Lung Association Fight for Air Climb in Milwaukee. This year, the Milwaukee stair climb fundraiser was again the biggest of its kind in the country. Our thanks to all the participants, volunteers and staff who make this great event possible.

If you missed it, the 2016 Fight for Air Climb was all over the news. Here’s a sampling of the news coverage and event participants’ stories:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel -- Janet Literski's Fight for Air Climb at U.S. Bank was for mom

Milwaukee Business Journal -- More than 1,000 steps to the top of U.S. Bank building for charity: Slideshow

WTMJ-TV, Milwaukee -- Fight for Air Climb Saturday

FOX 6, Milwaukee -- Fight for Air Climb: Thousands take the challenge at U.S. Bank to help fight lung disease

WISN-TV, Milwaukee -- Nearly 3,000 people climb 47 stories for lung disease awareness

NBC 26, Green Bay -- Fight for Air Climb Preview

Registration is already open for the 2017 Fight for Air Climb. Sign up today and we’ll see you at the top of the U.S. Bank Center on March 18, 2017!

#Fight for Air Climb #community #American Lung Association

#GivingTuesday

#videos #community #foundation

#happythanksgiving

#infographic #LiveHealth Online #moms #survey results

Survey Says: Moms Want 24/7 Access to Physicians

Findings underscore need for telemedicine tools such as LiveHealth® Online offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

MILWAUKEE – Nov. 17, 2016 – The results of a new “Moms and Health Technology Survey” found that moms are constantly looking for better and easier ways to manage their family’s health, with all agreeing (100 percent) that having round the clock access to a doctor would be helpful.

Additionally, 71 percent of moms surveyed reported losing more than two hours from the work/school day due to taking their child for a doctor visit, underscoring the critical need and importance of more convenient access to healthcare.

The survey was released by LiveHealth® Online, an online resource that provides 24/7 access to board-certified doctors who are accessible via video chat on smartphones, tablets or PCs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers coverage for online visits to many of its health plan members when patients see doctors using LiveHealth Online.

“Mobile technology is evolving and providing moms with new tools that help manage, track and access health information,” said Paul Nobile, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. “With LiveHealth Online, a doctor visit is never more than a few clicks or taps away.”

The “Moms and Health Technology Survey” was conducted by EmpowHER®, an online health community for women. The survey consisted of responses from more than 500 moms regarding their use of health technology tools, apps and trackers to understand their current habits and anticipated needs.

Key Survey Findings:

82 percent of moms surveyed say they are the most “health tech-savvy” in their family.

64 percent of moms surveyed say that having access to healthcare on-demand is more important than having streaming video or food delivery.

64 percent of women surveyed said they find it challenging to take their kids to the doctor during office hours during the school year.

79 percent of moms surveyed say they’re interested in trying or learning more about telemedicine to help themselves and/or their family when faced with a non-emergency medical issue.

Over half of moms surveyed (54 percent) said online video visits with a doctor would make them more confident that they can attend to their family’s health or would be like having a health security blanket.

In addition, health technology tools are giving moms hope for the future with 61 percent of those surveyed agreeing that health technology innovations will lead to better overall health for their children.

“The results of this survey, plus the growing utilization of technology, reveal the importance of health related tools for women and emphasize this increased need for healthcare to become more convenient when they are unable to reach their doctor’s office, especially with an anticipated shortage of primary care doctors, crowded ERs and continued rising costs,” said John Jesser, president of LiveHealth Online. “Moms in particular are benefitting from the merger of technology and health and using tools such as LiveHealth Online because it allows them to get better access to doctors, be more efficient with time and keep their families and themselves healthy.”

To learn more about the survey, visit http://www.empowher.com/healthy-technology/content/infographic-are-you-tech-savvy-mom-see-what-our-community-said, and to learn more about LiveHealth Online, visit LiveHealthOnline.com.

Research methodology: The “Moms and Health Technology” ” survey was fielded online at EmpowHER.com (via Survey Monkey) from July 25—August 12, 2016. The sample is comprised of 527 U.S. women aged 18-59 years with children.

About LiveHealth® Online LiveHealth® Online is a mobile app and website that provides consumers with a convenient way to have a live video conversation with a doctor, get a diagnosis and receive treatment if needed for common urgent care-type health conditions. Consumers can access U.S.-based board certified doctors through livehealthonline.com or on an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet using the free app. The cost of an online visit using LiveHealth Online is $49 or less depending on whether insurance coverage is available for the visit. Online therapy visits with a licensed therapist or psychologist via LiveHealth Online are available in all 50 states, plus DC. In addition, Cuidado Medico, provides Spanish-speaking consumers the option of using LiveHealth Online to see physicians who speak Spanish and is currently available in California and Nevada. LiveHealth Online is secure, private, easy-to-use and affordable. LiveHealth® Online is the trade name of Health Management Corporation, a separate company that provides telehealth services.

#press releases #LiveHealth Online #telehealth #survey

Wisconsin Women Gather Together to Learn about Heart Health

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation and the Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation partner together to hold a day-long event for the public focused on chronic disease prevention

Marshfield, Wis. – The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation (Anthem) hosted the 2016 Annual Gathering, a full day of presentations, exhibits, and resources to help Wisconsin women learn tangible ways to tackle chronic disease.

Women from 43 cities across the state attended the Gathering at Laird Center for Medical Research in Marshfield, Wisconsin. They visited exhibitors, networked with other interested in wellness, and listened to presenters. Among the speakers was Sue Richards, RN, BSN, FCN who works as an Outreach Specialist at WWHF. She gave an hour long talk on heart health, entitled “Heart Health: Know Your Numbers.”

During her presentation, Richards focused on the major risk factors of heart disease for women – both controllable and uncontrollable; how to set realistic, daily goals to improve one’s health; and methods to measure success. Specific attention was given heart attack warning signs, the importance of healthy lifestyle choices, and making sense of “heart health numbers” like blood pressure and cholesterol readings.

Gathering attendees also had the chance to participate in a Q&A session, get their blood pressures checked, and practice taking their own waist circumference measurement with tape measures they could keep. After the interactive activities, 99% of the participants reported knowing their ideal blood pressure and 90% knew their target goal waist measurement. But the day also focused on giving women permission to prioritize their heart health between their many caregiving roles. One attendee summarized it best on her evaluation form: “Being a woman, I need to start with myself and my health and well-being. Then I can help others.”

The heart health presentation at the Gathering was part of WWHF’s GrapeVine Project, an educational outreach program that partners with volunteer nurses throughout the state to disseminate accurate, updated information to laywomen about health topics that disproportionately affects them. Anthem played a crucial role throughout the past year in funding the development of the heart health presentation, including the funding for a resident physician from the UW Health system to gather and review content.

For more information about the Annual Gathering, GrapeVine Project, or how to improve your heart health via our texting campaign, please contact our Program Coordinator, Nora Miller at [email protected] or log on to our website at wwhf.org.

About Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) is a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to help Wisconsin women and their families reach their healthiest potential. WWHF provides programs and conducts forums that focus on education, prevention, and early detection; connects individuals to health resources; produces and distributes the most up-to-date health education and resource materials; and, awards grants and scholarships to women health researchers and related community non-profits. To learn more, visit wwhf.org or call 1-800-448-5148.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation Through charitable grant making, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, promotes Anthem’s inherent commitment to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families in communities that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield serves. The Foundation focuses its funding on strategic initiatives that address and provide innovative solutions to health care challenges, as well as promoting the Healthy Generations Program, a multi-generational initiative that targets specific disease states and medical conditions. These include: prenatal care in the first trimester, low birth weight babies, cardiac morbidity rates, long term activities that decrease obesity and increase physical activity, diabetes prevalence in adult populations, adult pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations and smoking cessation. The Foundation also coordinates the company’s Associate Giving program which provides a 50 percent match of associates’ campaign pledges, as well as its Volunteer Time Off and Dollars for Doers community service programs. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

This is a copy of a press release issued by the WWHF. Images used in this post via www.wwhf.org.

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