Myth: Eating healthy can be expensive. Fact: Being unhealthy can be expensive.

While no one would choose to have a chronic health condition, they do happen for a number of reasons. The State’s health plan has programs in place to help members manage and even improve their chronic conditions which also helps them manage their costs for healthcare related expenses.

New this year, members can take advantage of the Living Well with High Blood Pressure [PDF] self-guided workshop.

Members also have access to the Blue Cross Disease Management Program whose goal is to empower members and/or caregivers, in concert with their physicians and other care providers, to effectively manage disease and prevent complications through adherence to medication regimens, regular monitoring of applicable labs/vital signs, a healthy diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices. The program offers support to members and dependents who are managing an acute or complex illness or are at risk for or have a chronic condition such as:

• diabetes,
• asthma,
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• coronary artery disease, or
• heart failure.

Type 2 diabetes makes up 90-95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. The good news is that you can take simple steps to lower your risks with a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking and keeping your blood pressure in check. #BestInHealth #DiabetesAwareness

Haven’t set up your Blue Cross of Idaho member portal account? Have your Member ID handy and visit members.bcidaho.com.