<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Mira LaNasa - Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</title> <atom:link href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/author/miralanasa/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/author/miralanasa/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Tue, 03 Sep 2024 16:49:11 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2</generator> <image> <url>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/cropped-PREFERRED-Simple-Blue-Cross-Shield-Transparent-32x32.png</url> <title>Mira LaNasa - Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/author/miralanasa/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Pride Month 2024 concludes with Blue Cross presence at Twin Cities Pride Festival</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:02:35 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Our Communities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[associate resource group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue pride]]></category> <category><![CDATA[health equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Twin Cities Pride]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33830</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In Minneapolis, the month of June wrapped up with thousands of people gathering in Loring Park in for the 52nd annual Twin Cities Pride Festival.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/">Pride Month 2024 concludes with Blue Cross presence at Twin Cities Pride Festival</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/">Pride Month 2024 concludes with Blue Cross presence at Twin Cities Pride Festival</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-33835 " src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TC-Pride-2-Cropped.jpg" alt="" width="376" height="282" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TC-Pride-2-Cropped.jpg 980w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TC-Pride-2-Cropped-300x225.jpg 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/TC-Pride-2-Cropped-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 376px) 100vw, 376px" />In Minneapolis, the month of June wrapped up with thousands of people gathering in Loring Park in for the 52nd annual Twin Cities Pride Festival.</p> <p>The event is an opportunity for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals to celebrate living as their truest selves and for allies to show support.</p> <p>The Blue Pride associate resource group (ARG) has been participating in Twin Cities Pride since 1999. This year, more than 20 Blue Pride members volunteered to staff the Blue Cross table.</p> <p>“It was high energy and such a positive vibe,” Dana Sanders, Blue Pride co-chair says. “It was a weekend full of love, laughter and so many hugs. I am so grateful for all Blue Pride ARG volunteers. We were all proud to represent Blue Cross at such an amazing event celebrating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).”</p> <p>Volunteers handed out pride pins, bracelets and stickers and shared information about the LGBTQIA+ support provided by Blue Cross, including the work of our Gender Services Team.</p> <p>“Being a part of the Gender Services Team has given me the opportunity to do what I love with some of the most incredible people,” says Skylar Rezendes, a gender services navigator. “I have the unique opportunity to work with my community. That is so deeply personal to me.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-33838 size-large" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skylar-Rezendes-Pull-Quote-1024x532.png" alt="" width="1024" height="532" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skylar-Rezendes-Pull-Quote-1024x532.png 1024w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skylar-Rezendes-Pull-Quote-300x156.png 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skylar-Rezendes-Pull-Quote-768x399.png 768w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Skylar-Rezendes-Pull-Quote.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p> <p>While Blue Pride focuses many of its efforts around Pride Month, the ARG works year-round to emphasize the importance of DEIB across the mission, vision and culture of Blue Cross.</p> <p>“As a transmasculine person, Pride Month means a lot to me. This month means visibility, advocacy, and community,” says Parker Kuczaboski, member experience advocate “Pride Month showcases our history and how we can heal and learn from the past and present. It allows us to have conversations in a larger group and stay connected with current events and resources. There are still so many individuals that are isolated and feel alone in our community, Pride Month gives those people more opportunity to connect.”</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-33833 " src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9346-1024x768.jpg" alt="" width="385" height="288" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9346-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9346-300x225.jpg 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9346-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9346-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9346.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px" /></p> <p>Blue Pride members encourage others to get involved with related causes and activities.</p> <p>“Lean in, reach out, show up,” Rezendes says. “Lean into learning and the long game of systemic change. Reach out to community members and mentors to continue doing both internal and external work. Showing up has everything to do with intention. Make it personal and be willing to play an active role.”</p> <p>While many strides have been made in recent years to advance LGBTQIA+ health, the event also serves as a reminder there is still more work to be done. Blue Cross and Blue Pride are proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and look forward to being part of the Twin Cities Pride Festival for many years to come.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/">Pride Month 2024 concludes with Blue Cross presence at Twin Cities Pride Festival</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/">Pride Month 2024 concludes with Blue Cross presence at Twin Cities Pride Festival</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/pride-month-2024-concludes-with-blue-cross-presence-at-twin-cities-pride-festival/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Blue Cross celebrates Pride Month 2024</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2024 21:47:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Our Communities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[associate resource group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[pride]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33774</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In recognition of June as Pride Month, Blue Cross honors and celebrates the many contributions of Blue Pride, an associate resource group (ARG) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual associates (LGBTQIA+) and their allies.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/">Blue Cross celebrates Pride Month 2024</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/">Blue Cross celebrates Pride Month 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In recognition of June as Pride Month, Blue Cross honors and celebrates the many contributions of Blue Pride, an associate resource group (ARG) for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual associates (LGBTQIA+) and their allies.</p> <p>Blue Pride is dedicated to being a networking and collaboration resource for Blue Cross associates, reflecting how the mission, vision and goals of Blue Cross emphasize the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB).</p> <p>We asked members of Blue Pride to share their perspective on identity, work, community and more.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/">Blue Cross celebrates Pride Month 2024</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/">Blue Cross celebrates Pride Month 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-celebrates-pride-month-2024/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Volunteering with purpose: Blue Cross associate-led groups support community organizations</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 31 May 2024 16:24:27 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Our Communities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[African American Professionals Network]]></category> <category><![CDATA[allies of the military]]></category> <category><![CDATA[arg]]></category> <category><![CDATA[associate resource group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[caregivers network]]></category> <category><![CDATA[community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dress for success twin cities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[erg]]></category> <category><![CDATA[hastings veteran home]]></category> <category><![CDATA[racial and health equity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[reading partners]]></category> <category><![CDATA[veterans]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Volunteering]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33745</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Blue Cross ARGs have partnerships in place with one or more community organizations across the state that share a dedicated cause or align with their identity.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/">Volunteering with purpose: Blue Cross associate-led groups support community organizations</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/">Volunteering with purpose: Blue Cross associate-led groups support community organizations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A reflection of the rich diversity across our workforce can be found in the many <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/life-at-blue-comes-with-opportunities-for-coworkers-to-share-cultures-experiences-and-interests/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">associate resource groups</a> (ARGs) that exist within Blue Cross. ARGs are voluntary, employee-led organizations that foster connections based on common interests or lived experiences. Each ARG has its own distinct identity and encourages involvement in the many communities that Blue Cross serves. Most ARGs have partnerships in place with one or more community organizations across the state that share a dedicated cause or align with their identity.</p> <p>Some ARGs choose to partner with organizations year-after-year, like the Allies of the Military. This ARG works with the Hastings Veterans Home, the Caregiver’s Network and Dress for Success Twin Cities, and the African American Professional Network’s (AAPN) partnership with Reading Partners Twin Cities.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/">Volunteering with purpose: Blue Cross associate-led groups support community organizations</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/">Volunteering with purpose: Blue Cross associate-led groups support community organizations</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/volunteering-with-purpose-blue-cross-associate-led-groups-support-community-organizations/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Blue Cross recognized for military support, one associate tells her story</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 28 May 2024 14:47:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business of Blue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[allies of the military]]></category> <category><![CDATA[associate resource group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[employer support of the guard and reserve]]></category> <category><![CDATA[esgr]]></category> <category><![CDATA[freedom award]]></category> <category><![CDATA[freedom award finalist]]></category> <category><![CDATA[memorial day]]></category> <category><![CDATA[military support]]></category> <category><![CDATA[veterans]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33736</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Additionally, Blue Cross has recently been named one of 30 national finalists among more than 1,700 nominations for The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/">Blue Cross recognized for military support, one associate tells her story</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/">Blue Cross recognized for military support, one associate tells her story</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has a longstanding and steadfast commitment to supporting associates with ties to the military, including those who are on active duty, serve in the National Guard or Reserves or have family members who serve. In 2016, Blue Cross became the state’s first health plan to be designated as a <a href="https://ngmnpublic.azurewebsites.us/btyr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Beyond the Yellow Ribbon</em></a> company by the Minnesota National Guard for its efforts to hire military veterans.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-25494 alignright" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ESGR_Logo.jpg" alt="" width="383" height="170" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ESGR_Logo.jpg 1279w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ESGR_Logo-300x133.jpg 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ESGR_Logo-1024x454.jpg 1024w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ESGR_Logo-768x340.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 383px) 100vw, 383px" />Additionally, Blue Cross has recently been named one of 30 national finalists among more than 1,700 nominations for <em>The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award</em> – the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve – by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). ESGR also presented Blue Cross with the <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-awarded-for-going-above-and-beyond-to-support-associates-with-military-ties/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Above and Beyond Award</em></a> in August 2023 and the Extraordinary Employer Support Award in November 2022 for sustained excellence and in providing benefits and support to employees who serve and their family members.</p> <p>Many of the accomplishments that lead to these honorable recognitions are from efforts given by Blue Cross’s 13 Associate Resource Groups (ARGs). One of the ARGs – Allies of the Military – showed up for an associate when she and her family needed support the most.</p> <p>Diane Hodge works as a principal client advisor at Blue Cross. In October 2023, Diane lost her brother-in-law Lee, a veteran of the Vietnam War, to Parkinson’s Disease. Diane and her sister found themselves at a loss when attempting to navigate the survivor benefits process through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including funeral cost assistance.</p> <p>“We didn’t receive the forms until a few weeks after we initially asked,” said Diane. “We were looking at them and filling out what we could, but there were many that we weren’t sure what to do with, how to properly complete, or if they were even necessary to complete. It was overwhelming.”</p> <p>Diane was able to take time off work to help her sister. Keeping in contact with her manager, Diane mentioned how she and her family were having a difficult time figuring out next steps. Her manager recommended the Allies of the Military ARG as a possible resource – particularly Christina Ricke, the ARG’s chairperson.</p> <p>“I reached out to Christina and told her what was happening, and she immediately said, ‘I’ll get back to you today with some information.’ Before the end of the day, she was able to provide us with names and phone numbers. On that same day, I called and made an appointment with a VA service officer,” Diane recalled.</p> <p>The VA service officer educated the sisters about which forms were necessary and which were not and navigated them through the process to ensure they were completing the most up-to-date and valid formats of each.</p> <p>“It was such a relief to work with Christina and get this off my sister’s mind so that she could deal with other things and mourn,” said Diane. “She and her husband were married for 56 years. Having people who support military families, whether it’s a new military family or one that’s been around for 56 years, really helps.”</p> <p>The Allies of the Military ARG has been supporting military families for years under Christina’s leadership. A military spouse herself, Christina supports military families at a personal level regularly.</p> <p>“I knew right away that I wanted to do everything I could to help her get connected to someone that could help. I was so happy to hear that the county service veteran officer was able to guide her through the survivor benefits process and that he even identified some additional benefits she was eligible for,” said Christina.</p> <p>In addition to personally supporting coworkers, the Allies of the Military ARG holds events throughout the year to celebrate military-connected associates and volunteers regularly at the Hastings Veterans Home. They also provide regular feedback on Blue Cross benefit packages for military associates.</p> <p>“Looking ahead, being recognized as a finalist for the Freedom Award is such an honor,” said Christina. “We do a lot to support our military-connected associates during times of activation and training to ensure they know that they are valued.”</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-30463 alignright" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/freedom-award-logo_crop.png" alt="" width="415" height="73" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/freedom-award-logo_crop.png 711w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/freedom-award-logo_crop-300x53.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 415px) 100vw, 415px" />The Freedom Award is evaluated on how a company supports the service member and their family, recognizing Guard and Reserve associates, benefit and compensation policies for when an associate is away on military duties, and recruiting and hiring practices of members with the Guard and Reserve.</p> <p>Interested in a career at Blue Cross? <a href="https://careers.bluecrossmn.com/diversity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more on our website</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.esgr.mil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about ESGR here</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/">Blue Cross recognized for military support, one associate tells her story</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/">Blue Cross recognized for military support, one associate tells her story</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/blue-cross-recognized-for-military-support-one-associate-tells-her-story/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Take 5: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month with vice president of medical management Dr. Meera Atkins</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/#comments</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 16:41:46 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business of Blue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[AAPI]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aapi heritage month]]></category> <category><![CDATA[aapi month]]></category> <category><![CDATA[asian american pacific islander month]]></category> <category><![CDATA[dr atkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[medical management]]></category> <category><![CDATA[meera atkins]]></category> <category><![CDATA[utilization management]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33718</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>This edition of “Take 5” features Dr. Meera Atkins, vice president of medical management at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/">Take 5: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month with vice president of medical management Dr. Meera Atkins</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/">Take 5: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month with vice president of medical management Dr. Meera Atkins</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-33720 size-thumbnail" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Atkins_formal-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></p> <p><em>Take 5 is a series in which we pose five questions to a Blue Cross associate and learn more about who they are, what they do, and how they help our members live their healthiest lives.<br /> </em></p> <p>This edition of “Take 5” features Dr. Meera Atkins, vice president of medical management. An experienced physician and surgeon with an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, Meera joined Blue Cross in 2022.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/">Take 5: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month with vice president of medical management Dr. Meera Atkins</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/">Take 5: Celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month with vice president of medical management Dr. Meera Atkins</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-asian-american-pacific-islander-month-with-vice-president-of-medical-management-dr-meera-atkins/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>1</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Women lead the way at Blue Cross</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 20 Mar 2024 00:04:24 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business of Blue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[best places to work]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[employer of choice]]></category> <category><![CDATA[majority women employer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[women]]></category> <category><![CDATA[women in the workplace]]></category> <category><![CDATA[womens history month]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33517</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>In honor of Women’s History Month, we are taking a moment to celebrate what makes Blue Cross a great place to work.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/">Women lead the way at Blue Cross</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/">Women lead the way at Blue Cross</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In honor of Women’s History Month, we are taking a moment to celebrate what makes Blue Cross a great place to work.</p> <p>Since Blue Cross’ founding in 1933, women have held important roles throughout the organization. Over the course of nine decades, representation of women in our workforce has increased greatly. Today, Blue Cross proudly boasts a majority woman workforce, exceeding the national average of 56 percent as reported by data the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2023/labor-force-participation-rate-for-women-highest-in-the-district-of-columbia-in-2022.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" class="broken_link">source</a>).</p> <p>Currently, two in three Blue Cross people leaders— those who serve in a managerial capacity— are women. This trend extends to our executive leadership team, where the majority of roles are held by women, including our president and CEO Dana Erickson.</p> <p>Erickson made Blue Cross history as our first woman president and CEO, being promoted to the role from senior vice president in 2021. (The gender barrier was initially broken sixteen years earlier in 2005, when Colleen Reitan was promoted to company president, reporting to the CEO.)</p> <p>In 2022, Erickson was <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/news/2022/06/17/2022-health-care-heroes-dana-erickson-bcbs.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">named a Health Care Hero</a> by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal for advocating for collaboration across all areas of health care and for her efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, she serves as board chair for the <a href="https://mnhealthplans.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Minnesota Council of Health Plans</a>— where five of the six non-profit member companies are led by women.</p> <p>Diversity at Blue Cross extends beyond gender, with 19 percent of woman associates being persons of color. Their perspectives and life experiences empower Blue Cross to more accurately reflect the makeup of our membership and ensure that everyone is able to receive affordable, high-quality care where they are and when they need it.</p> <p><a href="https://careers.bluecrossmn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find open job postings here</a>.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-33519" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-19-24-WHM-graphic-6-photos-V4-1024x532.png" alt="" width="679" height="353" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-19-24-WHM-graphic-6-photos-V4-1024x532.png 1024w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-19-24-WHM-graphic-6-photos-V4-300x156.png 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-19-24-WHM-graphic-6-photos-V4-768x399.png 768w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/3-19-24-WHM-graphic-6-photos-V4.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 679px) 100vw, 679px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/">Women lead the way at Blue Cross</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/">Women lead the way at Blue Cross</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/women-lead-the-way-at-blue-cross/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>An annual tradition – Blue Cross Asian Circle group celebrates Diwali and Hmong New Year</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/an-annual-tradition-blue-cross-asian-circle-group-celebrates-diwali-and-hmong-new-year/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Dec 2023 16:30:17 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business of Blue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Asian Circle]]></category> <category><![CDATA[associate resource group]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[diversity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[diversity equity inclusion and belonging]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life at blue]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33112</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Throughout November and December, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota celebrated the many contributions of the company’s Asian Circle associate resource group (ARG). The group promotes a commitment to diversity while supporting the elimination of health disparities in Asian communities. “As we celebrate Diwali and Hmong New Year, we recognize and honor the tradition […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/an-annual-tradition-blue-cross-asian-circle-group-celebrates-diwali-and-hmong-new-year/">An annual tradition – Blue Cross Asian Circle group celebrates Diwali and Hmong New Year</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/an-annual-tradition-blue-cross-asian-circle-group-celebrates-diwali-and-hmong-new-year/">An annual tradition – Blue Cross Asian Circle group celebrates Diwali and Hmong New Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-33116 alignright" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Group-Pic-W_ELT-Cropped.jpg" alt="" width="424" height="318" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Group-Pic-W_ELT-Cropped.jpg 640w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Group-Pic-W_ELT-Cropped-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px" />Throughout November and December, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota celebrated the many contributions of the company’s Asian Circle associate resource group (ARG).</p> <p>The group promotes a commitment to diversity while supporting the elimination of health disparities in Asian communities.</p> <p>“As we celebrate Diwali and Hmong New Year, we recognize and honor the tradition of the diverse community at Blue Cross,” says Nash Shaikh, chief of staff to the president and CEO at Blue Cross and Asian Circle executive sponsor. “We embrace the richness of our collective tapestry, fostering an inclusive environment where every associate’s cultural heritage is valued and appreciated.”</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/an-annual-tradition-blue-cross-asian-circle-group-celebrates-diwali-and-hmong-new-year/">An annual tradition – Blue Cross Asian Circle group celebrates Diwali and Hmong New Year</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/an-annual-tradition-blue-cross-asian-circle-group-celebrates-diwali-and-hmong-new-year/">An annual tradition – Blue Cross Asian Circle group celebrates Diwali and Hmong New Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Healthcare at your door: Qualifying Medicare members eligible for no-cost in-home Annual Wellness Visit</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/healthcare-at-your-door-qualifying-medicare-members-eligible-for-no-cost-in-home-annual-wellness-visit/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:20:21 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Longevity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category> <category><![CDATA[senior health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Signify]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33038</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>For some seniors, going to a doctor’s office can be difficult for a number of reasons. Sometimes sitting in a waiting room may be physically uncomfortable. Or perhaps arranging transportation to get to and from appointments is troublesome. This is where an in-home visit with Signify Health can be a great option. Signify Health provides […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/healthcare-at-your-door-qualifying-medicare-members-eligible-for-no-cost-in-home-annual-wellness-visit/">Healthcare at your door: Qualifying Medicare members eligible for no-cost in-home Annual Wellness Visit</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/healthcare-at-your-door-qualifying-medicare-members-eligible-for-no-cost-in-home-annual-wellness-visit/">Healthcare at your door: Qualifying Medicare members eligible for no-cost in-home Annual Wellness Visit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For some seniors, going to a doctor’s office can be difficult for a number of reasons. Sometimes sitting in a waiting room may be physically uncomfortable. Or perhaps arranging transportation to get to and from appointments is troublesome. This is where an in-home visit with Signify Health can be a great option.</p> <p><a href="https://www.signifyhealth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Signify Health</a> provides in-home care to qualifying Blue Cross Medicare members. These visits provide a no-cost, convenient, annual wellness visit with a licensed clinician.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/healthcare-at-your-door-qualifying-medicare-members-eligible-for-no-cost-in-home-annual-wellness-visit/">Healthcare at your door: Qualifying Medicare members eligible for no-cost in-home Annual Wellness Visit</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/healthcare-at-your-door-qualifying-medicare-members-eligible-for-no-cost-in-home-annual-wellness-visit/">Healthcare at your door: Qualifying Medicare members eligible for no-cost in-home Annual Wellness Visit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Free Admission Day at Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:54:54 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Your Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[90th anniversary]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[MNHS]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=33029</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>As our 90th year celebration draws to a close, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is inviting the public to join us for Free Admission Day at the Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/">Free Admission Day at Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/">Free Admission Day at Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As our 90th year celebration draws to a close, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is inviting the public to join us for Free Admission Day at the Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-33033 size-large" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/History-Center-1-1024x536.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="536" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/History-Center-1-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/History-Center-1-300x157.jpg 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/History-Center-1-768x402.jpg 768w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/History-Center-1.jpg 1430w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/">Free Admission Day at Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/">Free Admission Day at Minnesota History Center on Saturday, December 9</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/free-admission-day-at-minnesota-history-center-on-saturday-december-9/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> <item> <title>Blue Cross associates join walks to end Alzheimer’s, raise mental health awareness</title> <link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/</link> <comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Mira LaNasa]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:03:14 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Our Communities]]></category> <category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category> <category><![CDATA[life at blue]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Longevity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[senior health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[social impact]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Volunteering]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=32899</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>This fall, several Blue Cross associates joined the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in their respective annual fundraising walks in Minneapolis.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/">Blue Cross associates join walks to end Alzheimer’s, raise mental health awareness</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/">Blue Cross associates join walks to end Alzheimer’s, raise mental health awareness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This fall, several Blue Cross associates joined the Alzheimer’s Association and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in their respective annual fundraising walks in Minneapolis.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/">Blue Cross associates join walks to end Alzheimer’s, raise mental health awareness</a> first appeared on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/">Blue Cross associates join walks to end Alzheimer’s, raise mental health awareness</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/blue-cross-associates-join-walks-to-end-alzheimers-raise-mental-health-awareness/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>