Buffalo, N.Y. – BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York, as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting members’ overall wellness, especially during uncertain times, is offering its nearly one million members free access to a well-regarded digital behavioral health app, myStrength. Show myStrength, powered by Livongo®, is a highly interactive application that empowers users to combat anxiety, stress, depression, chronic pain and sleep challenges. The app features modules that can help manage heightened stress and feelings of social isolation due to COVID-19, as well as manage their overall health. BlueCross BlueShield’s expanded partnership with Livongo, known for its digital diabetes management tool, will allow the health plan’s members 24/7 access to myStrength’s tools and resources. To get started, members should first register at www.bcbswny.com/mystrength before they download myStrength through the app store. The announcement follows a national poll recently released by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) stating that 48 percent of Americans are anxious about the possibility of getting COVID-19; 36 percent say coronavirus is having a serious impact on their mental health; and 59 percent feel coronavirus is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives. “We want our members to know that regardless of the ongoing uncertainty, they can count on BlueCross BlueShield to support their total health needs,” said Dr. Thomas Schenk, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “It’s important to make sure that we’re all tuning in to our mental and emotional well-being, particularly in times of increased stress and anxiety. We’ll continue to provide resources, like myStrength, to help our members through these trying times.” According to the APA, 57 percent of adults are also concerned that COVID-19 will have a serious negative impact on their finances and almost half are worried about running out of food, medicine, and/or supplies. As part of the organization’s response to the pandemic, BlueCross BlueShield’s dedicated team of nurses is proactively reaching out to thousands of its members to monitor their general health and well-being, as well as daily needs, during COVID-19, including food, medications, and transportation. These “wellness checks” have resulted in countless examples of the new “normal” for members, oftentimes resulting in referrals. BlueCross BlueShield nurses are offering friendly check-ins, answering members’ questions about COVID-19, conducting regular health checks and triaging care to a medical professional, if necessary. They also have coordinated Meals on Wheels deliveries, grocery deliveries, home-care services for medication management, prenatal and postpartum care with telehealth services, as well as grief support for members. “While it doesn’t surprise me that our dedicated team of nurses is going above and beyond to help our members, it does make me proud. We are here for our members and our community,” added Schenk. To keep the community safe and at home, BlueCross BlueShield also announced that its temporarily waiving member cost-shares for all clinically appropriate telehealth visits, including for wellness visits and behavioral health care. The local health plan is also offering a series of free wellness webinars to support local businesses and their employees during this time. More information and updates on BlueCross BlueShield’s resources can be found at www.bcbswny.com/coronavirus. About BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York Mental Health& Substance UseSigns of a problem and how to get help What is Behavioral Health?Behavioral health is the broader term for mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and trauma, and substance use disorders characterized by overuse of drugs or alcohol. It’s normal to experience ups and downs in life, but when your emotions or behaviors start to impact your relationships or your health, it’s time to act. Behavioral health concerns can strain your family, your job, even your finances. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is here to help. Our nurse advocates, together with your primary care provider (PCP) and behavioral health providers in our network, are ready to give you the support you need to live your best life. Behavioral health is part of your total health, so take good care of yourself. And please reach out if you need support. Your team is ready and waiting. Explore this page to learn about ways to get help and what you can do to stay healthy in both body and mind. 
Your Total Health TeamDid you know that if you need it, you have a care team to focus on your total health? Your Primary Care Provider (PCP)Your PCP is your total health manager, helping you decide what care you need and connecting you to that care. With the tools we provide, PCPs can better identify issues, understand when your physical health is being affected and help other providers with their knowledge about you. Behavioral Health ProvidersBehavioral health providers – including therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and addiction counselors – can coordinate your care and their treatment with your PCP. You don’t need a referral from your PCP to seek help, though it helps to keep them informed. Blue Cross NC Nurse AdvocatesOur nurse advocates can advise you over the phone. They are case managers who advocate for you, answer your questions and direct you to the right help at the right time. They can also help you with processes and paperwork if you ever need assistance. Possible Signs of a ProblemPhysical Signs:
Emotional Signs:
How Do I Get Help?Use Headway to find the best in-network mental health provider for your needs and preferences, across specialty, location, virtual or in-person care, personality, and race, language, and ethnicity. You can choose a date and time and book your first appointment in as soon as 48 hours. Need help finding an outpatient behavioral health care provider? Use Quartet. Quartet can quickly match you to care based on your Blue Cross NC plan, needs and preferences.2 Talk to your primary care provider. He or she can address your concerns in the office or refer you to a behavioral health provider. Call the Blue Cross NC Customer Service number on the back of your member ID card. We will help connect you to a high-quality behavioral health provider or program. Use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if available.3 Access therapy or psychiatry through your Telehealth benefit, if available.4 If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.5The Right Care at the Right TimeBehavioral health concerns are related to physical health problems, and they often occur together. We’re working with your PCP and behavioral health professionals to treat your whole self by making information sharing – about you – easier. One of the ways we do this is by giving PCPs tools that can identify the behavioral health services you need at the right time. The right service when it's right for you might mean your PCP addresses your concerns in the office, refers you to a community-based therapist or psychiatrist, or even connects you to virtual therapy you can access from your smartphone or computer. You don’t need a referral from your PCP to seek help, but your PCP can help you best by being involved in your total care management. Managing Your Total Health Together: The Process
You start to feel better. The Opioid Epidemic in North CarolinaThe Opioid Epidemic in North Carolina Visit our opioid site to learn about different aspects of the opioid crisis. Are you worried for yourself or a loved one?
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Go to Blue Cross NC Opioid Site
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