Insights Webinar: Increasing Access to Care

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Increasing Access to Care: Case Studies that show how our solutions are working for working Canadians

Meet Celine, Richard, and Ashley, three individuals who received timely, targeted care for chronic conditions through their Medavie Blue Cross group plan. Their stories were shared during a recent Insights webinar and highlighted the benefits of innovative, patient-centered health solutions.

Each of these plan members received seamless and compassionate support when they needed it most, at every step of their journey. From initial assessments and diagnosis to treatment, they were supported by the fully integrated services Medavie Blue Cross offers in partnership with some of Canada’s leading service providers.

Case Study: Celine

Celine, 48, was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurological disease that has no known cure and requires specialized care.

Through her Medavie Blue Cross coverage, Celine was enrolled in a Patient Support Program (PSP), which provided financial relief, logistical support, and expert guidance in treating MS. The PSP handled everything from coordinating prior authorizations and communicating with her insurer, allowing Celine to focus on her health, not her finances. The high-cost specialty medication she was prescribed was fully covered, and she received ongoing education and support to manage her symptoms. Further, the collaboration between Medavie Blue Cross and the PSP also ensured her infusion appointments and clinic visits were arranged, delivery of her medication was coordinated, and her progress on the drug was monitored.

Case Study: Celine

Celine, 48, was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a progressive neurological disease that has no known cure and requires specialized care.

Through her Medavie Blue Cross coverage, Celine was enrolled in a Patient Support Program (PSP), which provided financial relief, logistical support, and expert guidance in treating MS. The PSP handled everything from coordinating prior authorizations and communicating with her insurer, allowing Celine to focus on her health, not her finances. The high-cost specialty medication she was prescribed was fully covered, and she received ongoing education and support to manage her symptoms. Further, the collaboration between Medavie Blue Cross and the PSP also ensured her infusion appointments and clinic visits were arranged, delivery of her medication was coordinated, and her progress on the drug was monitored.

Key takeaways for employers and employees:

Better member experience: Celine’s story shows how seamless support can reduce the stress of treatment and boost overall satisfaction.
Optimized healthcare costs: By offering a pathway to support programs members access their medication effectively, reducing costly health complications.
High-quality support with minimal costs: Integration between the PSP, insurer, and health providers ensures plan members receive seamless access to care without the additional costs of third-party case management.

Case Study: Richard

Richard, 55, was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and faced multiple health challenges, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and obesity, requiring multiple medications.

Using his Blue Cross Mobile app, Richard explored the health benefits available to him. This led him to complete a Health Risk Assessment through the Health Connected wellness portal, giving him an in-depth look at his health. The assessment revealed he was at high risk for hypertension and diabetes, and recommended he sign up for health coaching through the 360 Total Care program. Richard worked with two health coaches – a registered nurse who was a Certified Diabetes Educator and a registered dietitian with training in hypertension. Together they created a personalized health plan to achieve Richard’s long-term health objectives.

Case Study: Richard

Richard, 55, was diagnosed with pre-diabetes and faced multiple health challenges, including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and obesity, requiring multiple medications.

Using his Blue Cross Mobile app, Richard explored the health benefits available to him. This led him to complete a Health Risk Assessment through the Health Connected wellness portal, giving him an in-depth look at his health. The assessment revealed he was at high risk for hypertension and diabetes, and recommended he sign up for health coaching through the 360 Total Care program. Richard worked with two health coaches – a registered nurse who was a Certified Diabetes Educator and a registered dietitian with training in hypertension. Together they created a personalized health plan to achieve Richard’s long-term health objectives.

Key takeaways for employers and employees:

Detailed health insights: Health risk assessments give employees a detailed view of their health risks and personalized recommendations for programs and services.
Accessible health coaching: Employees can gain access to professional guidance from registered health experts, helping them effectively manage chronic conditions.
Direct billing for ease of access: Reducing financial stress makes it easier for employees to access the support they need without barriers.

Case Study: Ashley

Ashley, 28, is newly married, is paying down student loans, is considering buying a house, and is worried about her finances like many young professionals. Previously diagnosed with anxiety, the added stress is making her symptoms worse.

Seeking support, Ashley explored our Mental Health Services and Support webpage, which offered options like: live video therapy, text therapy, and in-person consultations. She chose to access live video therapy through inConfidence, our Employee and Family Assistance Program and received 5 hours of individual counseling. Wanting to continue therapy, Ashley used her Mental Health Practitioner benefit to ensure her care could go uninterrupted. This helped Ashley build a strong rapport with her therapist and develop lasting skills to manage her anxiety.

Case Study: Ashley

Ashley, 28, is newly married, is paying down student loans, is considering buying a house, and is worried about her finances like many young professionals. Previously diagnosed with anxiety, the added stress is making her symptoms worse.

Seeking support, Ashley explored our Mental Health Services and Support webpage, which offered options like: live video therapy, text therapy, and in-person consultations. She chose to access live video therapy through inConfidence, our Employee and Family Assistance Program and received 5 hours of individual counseling. Wanting to continue therapy, Ashley used her Mental Health Practitioner benefit to ensure her care could go uninterrupted. This helped Ashley build a strong rapport with her therapist and develop lasting skills to manage her anxiety.

During therapy, Ashley identified her finances as the root of her stress and sought financial counselling through Kaira, a new addition to the services available through Connected Care, our digital health and wellness centre, along with Health Connected, 360 Total Care, and more.

By combining therapy, financial guidance, and digital coaching, Ashley’s needs were addressed holistically — exactly the impact Medavie Blue Cross strives to create.

Key takeaways for employers and employees:

Communicating benefits: Direct employees to the mental health webpage, Blue Cross Mobile app, or Member Services Site to explore the full range of available services tailored to their needs.
Personalized and flexible benefits: Provide accessible options like virtual, text-based, or in-person support, while addressing the root causes of stress, such as financial worries.
Value of technology: Innovative tools like Kaira use AI-powered coaching to provide scalable, accessible solutions for complex challenges like financial wellness.

Learn more

Connect with your Medavie Blue Cross representative to explore the solutions that supported these three plan members in their health and wellness journeys.

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Insights Webinar: Increasing Access to Care

Case Study: Celine

Case Study: Celine

Key takeaways for employers and employees:

Case Study: Richard

Case Study: Richard

Key takeaways for employers and employees:

Case Study: Ashley

Case Study: Ashley

Key takeaways for employers and employees:

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