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Caring for you while you care for them
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), we believe in supporting those who care for others. You can find practical help, details on the programs we offer, and guidance on health insurance information.
From getting access to a member's account to finding the right care and services, we want to be sure caregivers have the support they need to be the best for their loved one.
Navigating health insurance as a caregiver
Get access to protected health information
As their caregiver, your loved one can give permission for you to access their medical information by filling out and signing the Member Authorization Request Form.
Find care
Looking for an in-network primary care provider, doctor, specialist, or prescription medication? You can easily find care for your relative or other care recipient.
Use Blue Connect
Our Blue Connect℠ member portal is the best way to view and manage your loved one's plan. Get access to wellness programs, find a drug or doctor, and view plan documents all from one place.
Programs for Medicare Advantage members
The services and programs members receive with a Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage plan depend on the type of plan they have. You can find available programs by logging in to their member portal. Some key programs we offer to eligible members include:
Personal support
Caregiver support is a supplemental benefit that allows members or caregivers to call, email, or chat with a care advocate for help with senior living, in-home care, financial needs, and more.
Transportation
Medicare Advantage members on select plans have access to no-cost rides to get them to and from non-emergency medical appointments and the pharmacy. Rides can be booked on-demand or in advance, and caregivers are welcome to ride along.
In-home assistance
Many of our Medicare Advantage plans offer access to a network of professionals who can provide extra help around the house, companionship, or respite care for caregivers.
Emergency response
Medicare Advantage plans include a no-cost personal emergency response system (PERS). PERS are wearable devices that connect you and your loved one with help in the event of an emergency.
Healthy meals
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer healthy meals after a hospital stay. Eligible members can get up to 14 days of prepared, healthy meals after being discharged from the hospital.
Virtual care
We know time is precious for people who are juggling work, home, and caregiving responsibilities. Many providers offer virtual visit options to help ensure your loved one gets essential care without leaving their home. Talk to their provider today about virtual visits.
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Avoid caregiver fatigue with self-care
Being a caregiver can be rewarding, but it isn't without challenges. Make sure to prioritize your own well-being while caring for others to prevent caregiver burnout.
Taking breaks, seeking peer support, and finding moments for self-care are crucial practices to maintain your own health and resilience.
Here are some resources to help you along the way:
Additional resources for caregivers
Need more support? Discover additional resources designed to support caregivers, enhance your well-being, and streamline the health care access for your loved ones.
- USA.gov resources on getting paid as a caregiver
- Help from North Carolina's Aging and Adult Services' Family Caregiver Support Program
- Help for Veterans from VA Caregiver Support Program
- Mental Health America's Mental Health Resources for Caregivers
- Family Caregiver Alliance's Caring for Yourself
- Practice caregiver self-care and Find a Respite Provider
- Resources for caring for family members from AARP Caregiving
- Help for those caring for loved ones with dementia at Alzheimers.gov
- Services for older adults and their families from the US Administration on Aging
- Find the public, nonprofit, and private programs and services nearest to your loved one with Family Caregiver Alliance
Disclosures:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina depends on contract renewal.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Senior Health DBA Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an HMO-POS D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a NC State Medicaid Agency Contract (SMAC). Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Senior Health depends upon contract renewal.
Blue Medicare Supplement plans offered: [Plan A: BMS A, 1/24, Plan G: BMS G, 1/24, Plan HI DED G: BMS HDG, 1/24, Plan K: BMS K, 1/24, Plan N: BMS N, 1/24.]
Blue Medicare Supplement is not endorsed by or affiliated with the United States Government or the federal Medicare program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, age, mental or physical disability, health status, claims experience, medical history, genetic information, evidence of insurability, sexual orientation or source of payment. All Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina items and services are available to all eligible beneficiaries in the service area.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers several decision-support tools to aid you in making decisions around your health care experience. These tools are offered for your convenience and should be used only as reference tools. You should consult your own legal counsel, tax advisor or personal physician as applicable throughout your health care experience.
Current as of 07/12/2024 | Y0079_12318_M CMS Accepted 08282024 | U36079, 6/24
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.
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