Health Management Support and information to help you address your health concerns

When it comes to managing your health, more isn’t always better. With more doctors and appointments, more questions, and more information to take in, it can sometimes feel like too much.

Pare away the excess and get just what you need, when you need it, with the help of Independence Blue Cross’s (IBC) innovative support programs.

Health Coach
Connections Health Management Programs
Case Management

Health Coaches

Health Coaches are specially trained health professionals, including nurses, dietitians, and respiratory therapists, who are available to answer your health-related questions and address your concerns.

What a Health Coach can do for you

Available 24/7, year-round, Health Coaches can help you to:

• Understand your diagnosis.
• Educate yourself about your condition.
• Learn to actively manage your health.
• Make lifestyle choices that can reduce your health risks.
• Learn self-care skills and how to follow your treatment plan.
• Prepare for visits and discussions with your doctor.
• Weigh the pros and cons of important decisions using evidence-based information they can provide.
• Address everyday health concerns.

Contact a Health Coach

To reach a Health Coach, call 1-800-ASK-BLUE.

Connections^SM Health Management Programs

Modern medicine allows doctors to offer you a variety of options for your care. The trick is to figure out what makes sense for you. And that’s what the Connections Health Management Programs are all about.

In addition to offering access to Health Coaches, the Connections programs provide you with resources that can help you get the information and support you need to make the health decisions that are right for you.†

Connections provides resources and support for the following:

• asthma
• cardiometabolic risk
• chronic pain
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• coronary heart disease
• diabetes
• fall prevention
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• heart failure
• hypertension
• medication persistence
• migraine
• peptic ulcer disease (PUD)

Case Management

Get ongoing help managing your health

If you are facing a serious illness or medical condition, then case management may be right for you.

IBC case management is a free, confidential program offered to all our members. Our case managers are registered nurses and social workers who pair their occupational expertise with knowledge of IBC benefits to offer you support and guidance in dealing with your complex health concerns.

What a case manager can do for you

Your case manager will work with you, your physicians, and your family to ensure your care is on the right track and you’re getting the most out of the covered benefits and resources available to you.

A case manager can help you to:

• understand your condition and current health status;
• learn skills to keep yourself as healthy as possible;
• learn about your medications;
• manage your symptoms and side effects of treatments;
• stay on track with your health care provider’s plan of care;
• transition between the hospital and home;
• cope with the emotional impact of your illness or condition;
• navigate the health care system;
• refer you to other plan programs or benefits-related resources available to you such as nutrition counseling or mental health services;
• find support groups and community resources.

Getting started with case management

Most often our case managers will reach out to you by telephone or letter to offer their assistance. This generally happens after you’ve had a hospital or rehabilitation stay.

However, if you feel you need help from a case manager about a health-related issue, call 1-800-313-8628 and leave a message. A case manager will return your call as soon as possible.

The Connections Health Management Programs are available at no cost to most members. Please refer to your member materials for the terms, limitations, and exclusions of your health care coverage, or call Customer Service at the number on the back of your medical ID card to find out if you are eligible.