Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas frequently provides company news releases to Kansas media. Listed below are the general releases which have been distributed to media contacts during 2021. These releases are in their original wording as presented to the media. Published versions may have varied.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation to Help Make Schools Healthier Through Grant
August 19, 2021 - School nurses, teachers and administrators can now apply for a Healthy Habits for Life grant at bcbsks.com/hhfl. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation is offering up to $150,000 in grants to assist schools in implementing programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices to their K-12 students. These school-based programs must address at least one of three criteria: reduce cardiovascular risk, increase physical activity or learn healthy eating habits. The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 8.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment to Offer COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine to Travelers
August 12, 2021 - With the increased presence of the Delta variant in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority to offer free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at three Kansas Turnpike service areas. The clinics are available to both Kansans and out-of-state travelers.
Four Members Re-Elected to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Board of Directors
May 14, 2021 - Carolyn R. Banning, Dodge City; Jena K. Lysen, Wichita; Jeffrey R. Thompson, Salina; and Matthew D. All, Topeka, were re-elected to their second four-year term on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Board of Directors at its annual meeting May 13, 2021.
2021 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition
Launched Today by NXTUS, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
April 15, 2021 - This innovation program allows startups from around the region and the world to present their innovative technologies to Kansas organizations. The startups hope to earn pilot tests and gain customers; the organizations hope to access value-added technology solutions and use innovation to ‘work smarter’ to tackle key challenges.
More Kansans qualify for financial assistance during special open enrollment period
April 9, 2021 - Last month, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law and it went into effect on April 1. The ARPA expands the number of people eligible for financial assistance, often called subsidies or premium tax credits, on the Marketplace. This will directly affect approximately 30,000 uninsured Kansans who did not previously qualify for financial assistance and even more Kansans who may now qualify for additional financial assistance. President Biden also extended the special open enrollment period to Aug. 15, giving Kansans even more time to select a plan without the need for a qualifying event such as the loss of a job, marriage, divorce or birth of a child.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Recognizes 17 Contracting Hospitals for Delivering Quality Maternity Care
April 8, 2021 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has designated 17 of its contracting hospitals as Blue Distinction® Centers for Maternity Care as part of the national Blue Distinction Specialty Care program that recognizes hospitals for providing quality and affordable care.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas announces new telehealth grant opportunity
March 24, 2021 - Through Blue Health Initiatives (BHI), a program that works with Kansas communities to establish and sustain healthy environments and lifestyles, doctors and other medical providers can apply to receive grant funds to purchase equipment and secure telehealth platforms to better serve all Kansans. A total of $360,000 will be given through this grant program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas announces statewide partnership
to build free outdoor Fitness Courts® across Kansas
March 18, 2021 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), Kansas Recreation & Park Association (KRPA) and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) have launched a statewide partnership to expand free access to high quality workouts by bringing outdoor Fitness Courts® to communities across Kansas. This partnership was formed to fight obesity, improve quality of life and create equitable access to exercise for communities around the state.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas announces COVID-19 updates
March 17, 2021 - The company announced that it will continue waiving member cost-share (co-pays, deductibles) of COVID-19 treatment for BCBSKS members through June 30, 2021. This applies to fully insured members, along with those who receive their insurance through Medicare Advantage plans. Administrative Service Only (ASO) groups can choose to waive or not waive member cost share. This had been set to expire on March 31, 2021. Coverage for COVID-19 treatment includes services administered via telehealth, at a doctor’s office, urgent care facility and emergency room, as well as inpatient hospital stays.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Joins Other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies in National Commitment
to Protect Employees and Communities from COVID-19
March 5, 2021 - Yesterday, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in the Rally for Recovery Commitment to protect employees, encourage COVID-19 vaccinations and educate staff and local communities on ways to mitigate the spread of the virus. The pledge was launched by the federal government and business leaders to encourage companies to take action to defeat the coronavirus.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation Working to Make Kansans Healthier
February 4, 2021 - The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) Foundation donated $683,022.43 to 212 organizations during 2020, according to Marlou Wegener, chief operating officer of the BCBSKS Foundation. The dollars provided funding for a variety of programs focused on improving the health and well-being of Kansans, which is the overarching goal of the BCBSKS Foundation.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Stormont Vail Health, Healthify and United Way of Greater Topeka Partner to Improve Health Outcomes
January 11, 2021 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), United Way of Greater Topeka and Stormont Vail Health have partnered with Healthify to launch the Northeast Kansas Community Network – a connected network of health care and social service organizations committed to transforming the current system of care and dramatically improving health outcomes in Northeast Kansas. The Northeast Kansas Community Network (network) is being funded through support from BCBSKS.
