<?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>Sara Mulder - Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</title>
<atom:link href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/author/saramulder/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/author/saramulder/</link>
<description></description>
<lastBuildDate>Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:59:53 +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>Sara Mulder - Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/author/saramulder/</link>
<width>32</width>
<height>32</height>
</image>
<item>
<title>It’s all in the stars: Rating system for Medicare plans explained</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 01 Nov 2023 18:00:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Longevity]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[health insurance]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=2101</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Seniors enrolling in Medicare often are surprised to discover that most Medicare health and prescription drug plans are measured by a five‑star rating system. Much like a reviewer guide to restaurants or hotels, Medicare plans are ranked from a low of one star to a high of five stars. The overall ratings provide an easy […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/">It’s all in the stars: Rating system for Medicare plans explained</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/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/">It’s all in the stars: Rating system for Medicare plans explained</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Seniors enrolling in Medicare often are surprised to discover that most Medicare health and prescription drug plans are measured by a five‑star rating system. Much like a reviewer guide to restaurants or hotels, Medicare plans are ranked from a low of one star to a high of five stars.</p>
<p>The overall ratings provide an easy and intuitive way to help people evaluate and compare both the quality of the product being offered and the overall experience of real consumers.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/">It’s all in the stars: Rating system for Medicare plans explained</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/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/">It’s all in the stars: Rating system for Medicare plans explained</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/longevity/stars-rating-system-medicare-plans-explained/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Celebrating a Blue Moon – in Blue Cross Style</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 30 Aug 2023 23:28:53 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Your Health]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=32764</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Who could be feeling blue about a blue moon? We have an affinity for all things blue at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, so our excitement for this rare supermoon is quite high! Although, yes, we are aware that the moon won’t truly be blue – but we’re willing to let that slide […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/">Celebrating a Blue Moon – in Blue Cross Style</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/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/">Celebrating a Blue Moon – in Blue Cross Style</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Who could be feeling blue about a blue moon? We have an affinity for all things blue at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, so our excitement for this rare supermoon is quite high! Although, yes, we are aware that the moon won’t truly be blue – but we’re willing to let that slide since this is the biggest full moon of 2023.</p>
<p>Top five ways to enjoy the 2023 blue supermoon on the evening of Wednesday, August 30, according to Blue Cross associates:</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/">Celebrating a Blue Moon – in Blue Cross Style</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/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/">Celebrating a Blue Moon – in Blue Cross Style</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/celebrating-a-blue-moon-in-blue-cross-style/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>The many benefits of youth sports, for both kids and for parents</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:07:10 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Your Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Doctor's Tips]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[youth mental health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[youth sports]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=32362</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>For parents, watching a child dedicate time and energy to athletics can bring about mixed emotions. On one hand, fostering and encouraging a child’s opportunities to play a sport they love is immensely satisfying. However, that joy can be tempered by the reality that only 7% of high school athletes go on to compete at […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/">The many benefits of youth sports, for both kids and for parents</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/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/">The many benefits of youth sports, for both kids and for parents</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For parents, watching a child dedicate time and energy to athletics can bring about mixed emotions. On one hand, fostering and encouraging a child’s opportunities to play a sport they love is immensely satisfying. However, that joy can be tempered by the reality that only 7% of high school athletes go on to compete at the college level. However, there are multiple benefits to youth athletics aside from the pursuit of elite-level competition or a college scholarship.</p>
<p>In addition to the obvious health advantages that come with sustained physical activity, participating in youth sports can support a well-rounded childhood. We caught up with Dr. Mark Steffen, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Blue Cross, to get a health expert’s opinion – and we identified some opportunities for how parents may want to think differently about the role of sports in their children’s lives.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/">The many benefits of youth sports, for both kids and for parents</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/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/">The many benefits of youth sports, for both kids and for parents</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/the-many-benefits-of-youth-sports-for-both-kids-and-for-parents/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Take 5: Celebrating Women’s History month with Blue Cross SVP Monica Engel</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:08:36 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Business of Blue]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Take 5]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[take 5]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=32054</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>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.   In this edition of “Take 5”, we talk with Monica Engel, senior vice president and president of government markets […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/">Take 5: Celebrating Women’s History month with Blue Cross SVP Monica Engel</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-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/">Take 5: Celebrating Women’s History month with Blue Cross SVP Monica Engel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>Take 5</em></strong><em> 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.</em></p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-32066 size-thumbnail alignleft" src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MicrosoftTeams-image-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>In this edition of “Take 5”, we talk with Monica Engel, senior vice president and president of government markets at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, in honor of Women's History Month.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/business-of-blue/take-5-celebrating-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/">Take 5: Celebrating Women’s History month with Blue Cross SVP Monica Engel</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-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/">Take 5: Celebrating Women’s History month with Blue Cross SVP Monica Engel</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-womens-history-month-with-blue-cross-svp-monica-engel/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Mobile medical clinic brings care to the people</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2023 21:48:19 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Our Communities]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blue cross mn]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Equity]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[health equity]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[mobile clinic]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[odam medical group]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[rural health care]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=31921</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Access to reliable transportation is one of the most common barriers to healthcare in Minnesota, especially in rural areas and among immigrant populations. It’s an issue that Odam Medical Group knew they were uniquely positioned to address with the addition of a mobile clinic to their operations. “The pandemic merely exacerbated existing barriers to care […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/">Mobile medical clinic brings care to the people</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/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/">Mobile medical clinic brings care to the people</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-31924 " src="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Interior-of-Odam-Mobile-Clinic-lab-area-scaled-e1677270716383-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="288" height="384" srcset="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Interior-of-Odam-Mobile-Clinic-lab-area-scaled-e1677270716383-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Interior-of-Odam-Mobile-Clinic-lab-area-scaled-e1677270716383-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Interior-of-Odam-Mobile-Clinic-lab-area-scaled-e1677270716383-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Interior-of-Odam-Mobile-Clinic-lab-area-scaled-e1677270716383-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Interior-of-Odam-Mobile-Clinic-lab-area-scaled-e1677270716383.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 288px) 100vw, 288px" /></p>
<p>Access to reliable transportation is one of the most common barriers to healthcare in Minnesota, especially in rural areas and among immigrant populations. It’s an issue that <a href="https://www.odammedicalgroup.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" class="broken_link">Odam Medical Group</a> knew they were uniquely positioned to address with the addition of a mobile clinic to their operations.</p>
<p>“The pandemic merely exacerbated existing barriers to care including financial strain, childcare challenges and limited transportation,” says Bukata Hayes, vice president, racial and health equity and chief equity officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “This partnership with Odam Medical Group centers culturally concordant accessible care as the number one priority. Patients get the care they need, at times that work for them and delivered in the way they need to receive it.”</p>
<p>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota partnered with Odam Medical Group to make the mobile clinic, which is housed in an RV, become a reality in May of 2022 and it now brings care to homes in sixteen central-Minnesota counties. The clinic team speaks Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Hmong, Vietnamese and English. If other languages are needed, they connect with interpretation agencies.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/our-communities/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/">Mobile medical clinic brings care to the people</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/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/">Mobile medical clinic brings care to the people</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/mobile-medical-clinic-brings-care-to-the-people/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>In Winona, personal support is key to healthy weight management program</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2023 19:01:12 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Your Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Healthy eating]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[weight loss]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[weight management]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[winona health]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=30517</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>For many people, losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way can be frustrating and difficult. For people who have been trying unsuccessfully to lose weight, it can also be painfully isolating. In order to help more people with weight challenges, Winona Health and Blue Plus (the HMO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota) have teamed up to extend the reach of Winona Health’s Healthy Weight for Life program.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/">In Winona, personal support is key to healthy weight management program</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/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/">In Winona, personal support is key to healthy weight management program</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For many people, losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way can be frustrating and difficult. For people who have been trying unsuccessfully to lose weight, it can also be painfully isolating.</p>
<p>“People often know what they need to do, but they need support unraveling the lifelong habits that get in the way,” says Kayla Roland, outpatient registered dietitian with Winona Health, a community healthcare system in southeastern Minnesota.</p>
<p>In order to help more people with weight challenges, Winona Health and Blue Plus (the HMO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota) have teamed up to extend the reach of Winona Health's <a href="https://www.winonahealth.org/resources-2/wellness/healthy-weight-for-life/" class="broken_link" rel="nofollow">Healthy Weight for Life</a> program.</p>
<p>While this type of weight loss therapy has been a covered benefit for Medicare beneficiaries for the past decade, this marks the first time Blue Plus members can participate. To qualify for the program – which is offered at no-cost to participants − Blue Plus members must be age 10 to 64 and have a body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater or a medical diagnosis of obesity.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/">In Winona, personal support is key to healthy weight management program</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/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/">In Winona, personal support is key to healthy weight management program</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/in-winona-personal-support-is-key-to-healthy-weight-management-program/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>High blood pressure basics: Tips on how to help control it and when to follow-up</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 18:14:02 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Longevity]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[blood pressure]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[high blood pressure]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[medicare advantage]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[senior health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[seniors]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=31465</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is extremely common. Nearly half of adults in the U.S. have it, however only 1 in 4 have their condition under control. If left untreated, hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular disease and medical emergencies ranging from heart attack to stroke or kidney disease. If you have had a […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/">High blood pressure basics: Tips on how to help control it and when to follow-up</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/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/">High blood pressure basics: Tips on how to help control it and when to follow-up</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is extremely common. <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nearly half of adults in the U.S.</a> have it, however only 1 in 4 have their condition under control. If left untreated, hypertension can contribute to cardiovascular disease and medical emergencies ranging from heart attack to stroke or kidney disease.</p>
<p>If you have had a blood pressure reading that is over the normal range, it is important to have follow-up checks. Your doctor can help you manage your blood pressure and find the right way to control it.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/">High blood pressure basics: Tips on how to help control it and when to follow-up</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/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/">High blood pressure basics: Tips on how to help control it and when to follow-up</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/longevity/high-blood-pressure-basics-when-to-check-it-and-when-to-treat-it/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Take 5: Expert advice for managing your RX regimen</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:15:17 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Longevity]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Medicare]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=3161</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Prescription drugs can create mixed feelings for many people—they are both life-saving and life-enhancing, but prescribed medications can be expensive, complicated and cause troublesome side effects.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/">Take 5: Expert advice for managing your RX regimen</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/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/">Take 5: Expert advice for managing your RX regimen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong>Take 5</strong> 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.</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.bluecrossmn.com/healthy/public/personal/home/shopplans/shop-prescription-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prescription drugs</a> can create mixed feelings for many people—they are both life-saving and life-enhancing, but prescribed medications can be expensive, complicated and cause troublesome side effects.</p>
<p>Seniors taking multiple medications can benefit from reviewing their medication routine at least once a year. Medicare members with a Part D plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota can meet with a Blue Cross pharmacist for a Comprehensive Medication Review — a practice known in the health care industry as “medication therapy management.”</p>
<p>In this edition of "Take 5," we talk through five questions with Marypat Habermas, PharmD., a medication therapy management pharmacist, about <a class="fui-Link ___m14voj0 f3rmtva f1ern45e f1deefiw f1n71otn f1q5o8ev f1h8hb77 f1vxd6vx f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f9n3di6 f1ids18y fygtlnl f1deo86v f12x56k7 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f50u1b5 fs3pq8b f1hghxdh f1tymzes f1x7u7e9 f1cmlufx f10aw75t fsle3fq" tabindex="-1" title="https://www.bluecrossmn.com/members/shop-plans/prescription-drugs/medication-therapy-management-mtm-program" href="https://www.bluecrossmn.com/members/shop-plans/prescription-drugs/medication-therapy-management-mtm-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" aria-label="Link how Blue Cross helps seniors manage their medications">how Blue Cross helps seniors manage their medications</a> to ensure their best possible health.*</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/">Take 5: Expert advice for managing your RX regimen</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/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/">Take 5: Expert advice for managing your RX regimen</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/longevity/finding-best-mix-blue-cross-pharmacists-help-seniors-manage-rx-regimen/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Open enrollment: how to choose a health insurance plan</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2022 21:46:23 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Your Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Health Benefits]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Open Enrollment]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=2001</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Fall is “open enrollment” season in the world of health insurance. For many of us, this represents the brief window of time at work when your employer allows you to choose your health plan for the next year. After talking to our benefits team here at Blue Cross, we compiled this list of the most […]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/">Open enrollment: how to choose a health insurance plan</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/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/">Open enrollment: how to choose a health insurance plan</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Myq4qoxgJpo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div>
<p>Fall is “open enrollment” season in the world of health insurance. For many of us, this represents the brief window of time at work when your employer allows you to choose your health plan for the next year.</p>
<p>After talking to our benefits team here at Blue Cross, we compiled this list of the most important questions and considerations to help you prepare for <a href="https://www.bluecrossmn.com/healthy/public/personal/home/shopplans/shop-individual-family-plans/when-is-open-enrollment/when-open-enrollment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">open enrollment</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/your-health/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/">Open enrollment: how to choose a health insurance plan</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/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/">Open enrollment: how to choose a health insurance plan</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/open-enrollment-benefits-questions-you-should-ask-your-employer/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Leaving Minnesota for a few weeks or months? Here's how your coverage can travel with you</title>
<link>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/</link>
<comments>https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Sara Mulder]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2022 01:54:33 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Longevity]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/?p=16838</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Tens of thousands of Minnesotans live part time in other areas of the country to ride out cold weather in a warmer climate. Whether you're traveling for a brief vacation or among those we affectionately refer to as "snowbirds" who flock south for the winter, it's a good idea to understand how your health insurance plan works in these situations.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/">Leaving Minnesota for a few weeks or months? Here's how your coverage can travel with you</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/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/">Leaving Minnesota for a few weeks or months? Here's how your coverage can travel with you</a> appeared first on <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com">Blue Cross and Blue Shield MN</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tens of thousands of Minnesotans live part time in other areas of the country to ride out cold weather in a warmer climate. Whether you’re traveling for a brief vacation or among those we affectionately refer to as “snowbirds” who flock south for the winter, it’s a good idea to understand how your health insurance plan works in these situations.</p><p>The post <a href="https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/longevity/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/">Leaving Minnesota for a few weeks or months? Here's how your coverage can travel with you</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/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/">Leaving Minnesota for a few weeks or months? Here's how your coverage can travel with you</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/longevity/leaving-minnesota-for-a-few-weeks-or-months-heres-how-your-coverage-can-travel-with-you/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>