5 ways Blue KC is here to support you during cancer treatment

We’ve got helpful tools and programs to assist you as you navigate the journey.

A cancer diagnosis is a lot to take in. And we know it can be overwhelming. You need to learn about a new disease and navigate treatment as you begin your journey.

That’s where Blue KC can help. We offer innovative programs for members living with cancer. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or are in the middle of treatment, we’re here for you every step of the way. And we’re committed to helping you get the care you need.

Here are some of the tools and programs that can support you during cancer treatment.

1. Blue KC Care Management app

This free app is a hub for cancer support. It makes it easy to get answers to your questions anywhere, right at your fingertips. And it has lots of helpful features:

• Secure texting: You can send a private text to your Blue KC care team through the app. That’s key, since it’s often easier to reach out via a quick text than it is to make a phone call. “Cancer patients are so busy with appointments and treatments and schedules, so it’s great to have the ability to text back and forth with them,” says Amy Clossick-Roudebush, R.N., B.S.N. She’s a registered nurse and Blue KC case manager who specializes in oncology.
• Health library: The app can be customized to send accurate information about most types of cancer. You’ll receive regular links to articles and other resources.
• Medication reminders: When you list your medications in the app, it will send you reminders about when to take them. “This is particularly important if you’ve just been discharged from the hospital with a bunch of new prescriptions,” says Clossick-Roudebush.
• Appointment reminders: You’re probably juggling many medical appointments right now. The app can also send you alerts so you don’t forget a treatment visit or a checkup with your doctor.

To get started, download the app. Use access code kclinksupport.

2. Access to an oncology case manager

Once you create an account in the Care Management app, you’ll be assigned a cancer case manager. This person will be your consistent point of contact. They can answer questions about treatment, side effects, and more.

Oncology case managers also get alerted by computer when a member gets a cancer diagnosis. That gives our care team another way to reach out to you. You can also call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask Blue KC for a referral for case management services.

Your case manager offers care coordination between your providers to ensure your health journey is carefully planned. They can also assist you in connecting with local and national resources, so you get access to a wide range of professionals.

Blue KC case managers can also help you get transportation to and from appointments. They can contact your pharmacist if you’re having trouble filling any medications. They can also steer you to a social worker if you have financial concerns about paying for treatment.

3. Behavioral health programs

Anxiety and depression are real issues, especially with a cancer diagnosis. That’s why Blue KC launched Mindful by Blue KC, a program that connects you to behavioral health specialists. Simply call the behavioral health number on your member ID card.

There are behavioral health specialists available 24/7. They can provide in-the-moment support if you are feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed. Those are all natural emotions when you are going through cancer treatment.

Our specialists can also help you find a local, in-network counselor you can talk to.

4. Help getting a second opinion

When you face cancer treatment, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. That’s one way to make sure you get the best care possible. You can ask your doctor to recommend another doctor who is in the Blue KC network who can give you a second opinion.

If you’re not comfortable with that, you can search for a doctor on the Blue KC website. You’ll also be able to compare providers side by side to estimate out-of-pocket costs. And you can read member reviews.

If you have any further questions, reach out to your oncology case manager. “That’s what we’re here for,” says Clossick-Roudebush. “We can go through all your benefits with you, as well as your deductible and copays.”

5. Support-group referrals

Blue KC doesn’t offer its own cancer support groups. But your oncology case manager can refer you to both national and local ones. For example, the American Cancer Society and Gilda’s Club have networks of support throughout the country.

Dealing with a new cancer diagnosis isn’t easy. Our free guide can help you navigate your first days and weeks. Click here to access the guide and other helpful resources.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.