7 ways Blue KC is here to support you during pregnancy

The free Care Management app and other tools can help you navigate your pregnancy journey.

When you’re pregnant, you have a lot to juggle, especially when it comes to your health. To make it easier, Blue KC offers support for pregnant members in many ways. You can download a free mobile app, text with a live care manager, and much more.

We’re here for you for the whole nine months and beyond. We want you to have a happy, healthy pregnancy. Check out some of the innovative tools and programs you can take advantage of right now.

1. We offer a free Care Management app.

The Blue KC Care Management mobile app serves as a hub for your pregnancy support. You can keep track of your health right from your phone. Our flagship pregnancy program helps you from any point in your pregnancy through the first six weeks after delivery.

We even have specialized pregnancy programs for women who have:

• Gestational diabetes
• Pregnancy-related high blood pressure
• High-risk pregnancy
• Parents whose babies are in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit)

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

2. You connect to a pregnancy case manager.

Once you create an account in the Care Management app, choose a pregnancy program. Then you will be assigned to a Blue KC case manager. This person will be your consistent point of contact.

“We’re here to help our members have a healthy and safe pregnancy as best as possible,” says Mallorie Tener of Blue KC. She’s a registered nurse and certified case manager who specializes in maternal and infant care management.

Tener says members like having a nurse on the other end who can answer their questions and provide more resources. It’s reassuring to have an extra person they can turn to in addition to their ob-gyn. For example, Tener answers a lot of “Is this normal?” questions related to common and sometimes strange pregnancy symptoms. “People really like having that safety blanket to just verify that they’re on the right track in their pregnancy,” she says.

3. You can text securely.

With the Care Management app, you can text your case manager right from your phone at any time. The case manager will get back to you during the business day. The texting option is secure and convenient, says Tener. “It helps take away that need to call and sit on the phone with somebody,” she says.

“We can also talk on the phone if a member doesn’t want to text. But the majority of our pregnant members like the convenience of the texting option,” she says.

4. We send you daily pregnancy health tips.

The Care Management app delivers daily links to helpful articles based on your due date. You’ll learn things like:

• What’s happening with your body
• Your baby’s development at each stage
• Pregnancy-safe exercises
• Nutrition tips
• Which symptoms are normal
• What to expect during labor
• Information about breastfeeding
• What to expect postpartum

Do you have a particular subject you want to learn about? Ask your case manager. They can send you additional information. The more you know, the more empowered you’ll feel during pregnancy and childbirth.

5. The app checks in on your mood.

As part of the pregnancy program, the app sends you regular check-in questions about your mood and mental health. Feeling depressed or anxious? Your case manager is available to talk and offer support.

“Perinatal mood disorders are among the most common complications of pregnancy and childbirth,” Tener says. “It’s important to screen for and address risk factors early in pregnancy.” The check-in questions and case manager support can help you do that. This way you’ll be able to talk to your ob-gyn about whether you need mental health counseling.

6. You get a daily to-do list.

The Care Management app sends you a daily to-do list of educational articles and check-in questions. You can also use it to remind yourself about health-related tasks. For example, you can schedule reminders about your prenatal appointments in the app. You can get a reminder to take your prenatal vitamin. The app can even inspire you to reach your fitness goals via a step tracker.

7. Our customer care team is always there for you.

Do you have questions about your pregnancy benefits or coverage? Wondering if a breast pump is covered? Just visit the member portal at MyBlueKC.com. Or download the MyBlueKC mobile app. You can track claims, find in-network doctors, and more. Prefer to talk to someone live? Call our local Care Team for help at 816-395-2060.

Our free pregnancy appointment guide makes staying on top of your visits easier. Learn what to expect and track your dates all in one place. 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.