Blue Review
A newsletter for physician, professional, facility, ancillary and Medicaid providers

August 2018

Making the Health Care System WorkSM Spotlight: Recent Highlights

At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), we believe that having access to affordable, quality coverage can make a positive, and often profound difference in our members’ lives. Making the Health Care System Work is BCBSTX’s online magazine that helps tell our story and explore ways we can all work together to help make the health care system work better for everyone. Insurers, providers, employers and members all have a vital role to play in finding new solutions for the future.

Did you catch these recent stories in our online magazine? Here are some highlights below:

Building Communities for Better Health Community organizations are improving health equity by tackling the cycle of poverty in urban neighborhoods. The article includes data backed by multiple studies that reflect the adverse effects of poverty on health. While physical effects of poverty may be limited to certain ethnic, income or geographic groups, their impact can be felt throughout the U.S. economy.

Communication Is Key in Assessing and Addressing Suicide Risk – A well-timed call, a few extra questions during a routine check-up or even paying close attention to the answer to “How are you?” may be the difference between life and death. Offering support can make the difference between life and death for someone considering suicide. Learn the 12 warning signs of suicide.

Why Pharmacy Benefit Managers Matter for Drug Costs and Better Care – The debate about drug prices has raised the profile of a traditionally quiet player in health care: the pharmacy benefit manager. These are quiet players in health care that have a big impact on the affordability of drugs. Find out who they are and why they matter.

To view the full stories and browse other articles that may be of interest to you and your patients, visit us online at makingthehealthcaresystemwork.com.

Join the Conversation
Subscribe to get updates from Making the Health Care System Work delivered right to your inbox. We will let you know when new stories are published and share featured stories that explore how we may help expand access to quality coverage and care, reduce costs and improve health.