1 00:00:00,600 --> 00:00:02,969 Let me tell you a little bit about this upcoming show today. 2 00:00:02,969 --> 00:00:04,537 You know, I'm going to define the difference 3 00:00:04,537 --> 00:00:05,905 between the hometown carrier 4 00:00:05,905 --> 00:00:08,908 and the national carriers that you hear me use that phrase a lot. 5 00:00:08,975 --> 00:00:10,677 We're main Street, not Wall Street. 6 00:00:10,677 --> 00:00:12,278 Well, I'm going to tell you why. 7 00:00:12,278 --> 00:00:13,747 I'm going to tell you why. 8 00:00:13,747 --> 00:00:18,118 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is the only carry that services 103 counties. 9 00:00:18,351 --> 00:00:19,319 I'm going to tell you why. 10 00:00:19,319 --> 00:00:20,453 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of 11 00:00:20,453 --> 00:00:24,190 Kansas is the only carry that goes below five lives on small group. 12 00:00:24,290 --> 00:00:26,459 I'm going to tell you that and a lot more. 13 00:00:26,459 --> 00:00:29,729 And my guest is Misty Snodgrass, and she's going to explain it all. 14 00:00:31,264 --> 00:00:35,301 And now America's Healthcare Advocate, Cary Hall. 15 00:00:35,802 --> 00:00:36,603 Hello, America. 16 00:00:36,603 --> 00:00:39,906 Welcome to America's Healthcare Advocate show broadcasting coast 17 00:00:39,906 --> 00:00:43,810 to coast across the USA here on the HIA Radio Network. 18 00:00:43,843 --> 00:00:45,011 You can find out more about us 19 00:00:45,011 --> 00:00:46,479 by going to the website AmericasHealthcareAdvocate.com. 20 00:00:46,479 --> 00:00:51,017 AmericasHealthcareAdvocate.com. 21 00:00:51,017 --> 00:00:53,186 You have a question or comment? Send me an email. 22 00:00:53,186 --> 00:00:54,120 I'm happy to help you. 23 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:57,023 We had a young man the other day who needed a wheelchair. 24 00:00:57,023 --> 00:00:58,491 He couldn't get it. 25 00:00:58,491 --> 00:01:01,227 We were able to step in and help them make that happen. 26 00:01:01,227 --> 00:01:03,029 With the good folks over at United Health Care. 27 00:01:03,029 --> 00:01:05,698 So we're happy to help anytime we can. 28 00:01:05,698 --> 00:01:09,469 Also, we are on 16 podcast platforms and our YouTube channel, 29 00:01:09,869 --> 00:01:12,605 604,000 views. 30 00:01:12,605 --> 00:01:13,339 Thanks to Mr. 31 00:01:13,339 --> 00:01:17,610 David Thiessen, my producer that handles all of our podcast, the YouTube channels 32 00:01:17,610 --> 00:01:19,179 and also films 33 00:01:19,179 --> 00:01:20,847 all of these shows and puts them up there 34 00:01:20,847 --> 00:01:22,882 for all of you to see and watch and listen to. 35 00:01:22,882 --> 00:01:24,717 We thank all of you and the listening audience 36 00:01:24,717 --> 00:01:26,319 and our audience in general 37 00:01:26,319 --> 00:01:29,722 for pushing those numbers up, because they are better than anything 38 00:01:29,722 --> 00:01:30,490 we've ever seen. 39 00:01:30,490 --> 00:01:32,692 So we're very happy with what's going on. 40 00:01:32,692 --> 00:01:35,228 Once again, the website is AmericasHealthcareAdvocate.com. 41 00:01:35,228 --> 00:01:37,597 If you have questions in studio with me, 42 00:01:37,597 --> 00:01:41,334 Misty Snodgrass, she is the director of ACA Obamacare, 43 00:01:41,334 --> 00:01:45,238 if you will, and Medicaid for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. 44 00:01:45,238 --> 00:01:46,639 Back for another show. 45 00:01:46,639 --> 00:01:49,576 You like it so much the first time you came back to do another one, I. 46 00:01:49,576 --> 00:01:51,778 I know it was a great show. Thank you so much for having me. 47 00:01:51,778 --> 00:01:53,446 It was a great show and we got a lot. 48 00:01:53,446 --> 00:01:55,315 We got a lot of response after that show. 49 00:01:55,315 --> 00:01:58,284 Great, because I think we explained to people, 50 00:01:58,284 --> 00:02:01,254 you know, information that they didn't know and didn't have. 51 00:02:01,254 --> 00:02:03,456 And that's the whole idea behind this. 52 00:02:03,456 --> 00:02:07,527 So today's show, you know, you hear me use this phrase a lot, okay. 53 00:02:07,527 --> 00:02:09,762 When it you know, I work with Blue Cross, the Kansas 54 00:02:09,762 --> 00:02:12,765 City Blue Cross of Kansas, that blue cross of Nebraska. 55 00:02:12,832 --> 00:02:16,669 So I work with three different Blue Cross plans on the radio and marketing, etc. 56 00:02:16,903 --> 00:02:20,206 and I use that term hometown carrier with all three of those plans. 57 00:02:20,406 --> 00:02:22,175 And there's a reason for that. 58 00:02:22,175 --> 00:02:24,911 You know, one of the things that I learned in the last show I did with Misty 59 00:02:24,911 --> 00:02:28,348 was this 103 counties in Kansas. 60 00:02:28,715 --> 00:02:31,885 You know how many carriers are in all 103 counties. 61 00:02:32,252 --> 00:02:33,720 How many Misty? Just one. 62 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:35,655 That's right, and who would that be? That would be us. 63 00:02:35,655 --> 00:02:37,524 That would be Blue Cross of Kansas. 64 00:02:37,524 --> 00:02:41,060 So when I say hometown carrier, that's because I'm talking about the carrier 65 00:02:41,294 --> 00:02:42,962 that's going to service you 66 00:02:42,962 --> 00:02:46,733 wherever you are, whether you're in Hays, whether you're in Scott City, 67 00:02:46,933 --> 00:02:49,903 whether you’re in Emporia, it doesn't matter. 68 00:02:49,903 --> 00:02:52,238 Blue Cross of Kansas is going to have a plan, 69 00:02:52,238 --> 00:02:55,441 whether it's a individual plan or small group plan. 70 00:02:55,475 --> 00:02:57,443 Now we're going to talk a lot about those today 71 00:02:57,443 --> 00:02:59,546 or a group health insurance plan of some kind. 72 00:02:59,546 --> 00:03:01,915 They're going to have a plan in your area that they can offer you. 73 00:03:01,915 --> 00:03:05,919 Unlike a lot of the national carriers who kind of pick and choose 74 00:03:05,919 --> 00:03:07,287 where they want to be. 75 00:03:07,287 --> 00:03:08,354 And then you have carriers 76 00:03:08,354 --> 00:03:11,357 and pull out of the marketplace like Aetna did this year. 77 00:03:11,357 --> 00:03:15,728 1 million people on ACA lose their coverage as of December 31st. 78 00:03:15,962 --> 00:03:18,932 So the hometown carrier means they live here. 79 00:03:18,932 --> 00:03:19,465 They work here. 80 00:03:19,465 --> 00:03:22,535 They're in our community and they cover the entire state. 81 00:03:23,269 --> 00:03:26,206 And that's, you know, yeah, I was going to show notes this morning. 82 00:03:26,206 --> 00:03:28,641 I was looking at some of the things that you wrote, and I'm like, 83 00:03:28,641 --> 00:03:30,009 they're really dedicated to this. 84 00:03:30,009 --> 00:03:32,278 This is a big deal to you guys. 85 00:03:32,278 --> 00:03:33,513 It’s part of our mission 86 00:03:33,513 --> 00:03:37,150 it’s to the core of who we are, we want to serve as many Kansans as we can. 87 00:03:37,183 --> 00:03:38,718 That is our pure mission. 88 00:03:38,718 --> 00:03:43,323 And so we are, you know, they we work here, we play here, we spend our time. 89 00:03:43,323 --> 00:03:44,657 We we grow our families here. 90 00:03:44,657 --> 00:03:48,428 And we want to help support the employers and our communities that are, 91 00:03:48,461 --> 00:03:51,064 you know, trying to make find their way in this world right now. 92 00:03:51,064 --> 00:03:53,733 And so and also any individual members that are trying to 93 00:03:53,733 --> 00:03:54,867 find health care coverage. 94 00:03:55,835 --> 00:03:57,070 It's confusing. 95 00:03:57,070 --> 00:03:58,304 Oh, yes. 96 00:03:58,304 --> 00:04:01,107 Yes. She says, oh yes. 97 00:04:01,107 --> 00:04:03,743 And this year it's really confusing. 98 00:04:03,743 --> 00:04:04,244 It is. 99 00:04:04,244 --> 00:04:07,647 And so, you know, when when we tell you that 100 00:04:07,647 --> 00:04:12,885 if you want to call and talk to somebody that's not calling to get a sales pitch, 101 00:04:13,253 --> 00:04:16,422 that's explained when they call and you have award winning customer 102 00:04:16,422 --> 00:04:19,726 service and great people out there that do a great job. 103 00:04:19,726 --> 00:04:23,162 So talk a little bit about that, because if you just want to call up 104 00:04:23,162 --> 00:04:26,065 and talk to somebody about, well, what should I do? 105 00:04:26,065 --> 00:04:28,701 You know, 106 00:04:28,701 --> 00:04:30,370 that to me is really important. 107 00:04:30,370 --> 00:04:32,105 So talk a little bit about this. Yeah, absolutely. 108 00:04:32,105 --> 00:04:36,276 I mean, this health insurance is complex for even those of us that work in it. 109 00:04:36,309 --> 00:04:39,512 You know, it's not even just people that are trying to figure out in 110 00:04:39,512 --> 00:04:40,680 they're open enrollment, period, 111 00:04:40,680 --> 00:04:43,216 whether it be for individual or their small group plans. 112 00:04:43,216 --> 00:04:45,451 And so it really is challenging. 113 00:04:45,451 --> 00:04:48,021 What does co-insurance mean. What do all these terms mean? 114 00:04:48,021 --> 00:04:49,122 How does it impact me? 115 00:04:49,122 --> 00:04:51,457 That's the bottom line is how does it impact me. 116 00:04:51,457 --> 00:04:55,361 And so we have great teams throughout the entire state of Kansas 117 00:04:55,662 --> 00:04:57,830 that are just focused to answer those questions for you. 118 00:04:57,830 --> 00:05:01,100 You're not going to get some, you know, you have to push one to talk 119 00:05:01,100 --> 00:05:04,103 to two people, you know, all of those things or talk to a robot. 120 00:05:04,304 --> 00:05:07,707 You actually talk to real life people in Kansas that know 121 00:05:07,940 --> 00:05:10,143 your health system at Hays Medical Center. 122 00:05:10,143 --> 00:05:12,679 They know you know Wichita Via Christi. 123 00:05:12,679 --> 00:05:16,282 They know, what those providers are in your communities 124 00:05:16,282 --> 00:05:17,717 to make sure that they're covered 125 00:05:17,717 --> 00:05:19,986 and they'll stay on the phone call as long as they can. 126 00:05:19,986 --> 00:05:23,556 Their goal is not to get you off like a lot of places is like, what can I 127 00:05:23,556 --> 00:05:26,893 you know, answer right now and quickly get you off and move on to my next call. 128 00:05:27,193 --> 00:05:29,862 Their actual focus is first call resolution, 129 00:05:29,862 --> 00:05:31,764 so they will stay on the call with you 130 00:05:31,764 --> 00:05:34,233 as long as they need to to answer your questions. 131 00:05:34,233 --> 00:05:34,767 And they're not 132 00:05:35,702 --> 00:05:37,904 pitching you, any sort of products they're asking you. 133 00:05:37,904 --> 00:05:39,205 You know, what is your concerns? 134 00:05:39,205 --> 00:05:41,441 What are you concerned about out-of-pocket costs? 135 00:05:41,441 --> 00:05:44,143 Are you concerned about prescription drug co-pays? 136 00:05:44,143 --> 00:05:45,445 And so they're happy 137 00:05:45,445 --> 00:05:48,481 to answer those questions and help walk through kind of the scenarios 138 00:05:48,481 --> 00:05:51,451 to look and see if your medications covered on your formulary, 139 00:05:51,451 --> 00:05:53,519 you know, is your doctor in network. 140 00:05:53,519 --> 00:05:55,922 And it is a real person that answers. 141 00:05:55,922 --> 00:05:57,557 And we love our customer service team. 142 00:05:57,557 --> 00:06:00,026 They are award winning because they really are focused 143 00:06:00,026 --> 00:06:02,395 on doing the good work and very passionate about it as well. 144 00:06:02,395 --> 00:06:02,662 Yeah. 145 00:06:02,662 --> 00:06:05,398 And so those are some things that are really... 146 00:06:05,398 --> 00:06:07,800 let’s, kind of dissect that a little bit. Right. 147 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:11,204 You see a lot of commercials on television this time of year on the Medicare side. 148 00:06:11,204 --> 00:06:15,074 And the rest of it, and most of those are for call centers, national call centers. 149 00:06:15,541 --> 00:06:16,843 And yeah, I used to make a joke. 150 00:06:16,843 --> 00:06:18,544 In fact, I still do, 151 00:06:18,544 --> 00:06:21,414 especially in Kansas City, that when you call one of those numbers, 152 00:06:21,414 --> 00:06:24,417 you asked about the hospital north of the river and they ask 153 00:06:25,485 --> 00:06:26,652 you what river? 154 00:06:26,652 --> 00:06:29,188 You know, you're not talking to somebody in your own community. 155 00:06:29,188 --> 00:06:29,689 Okay. 156 00:06:29,689 --> 00:06:33,393 So you know, when you call and you ask, well, tell me about Via Christi. 157 00:06:33,393 --> 00:06:35,261 They go, well, what is Via Christi? 158 00:06:35,261 --> 00:06:37,630 You probably know they don't know the hospitals in Wichita 159 00:06:37,630 --> 00:06:39,599 and Via Christi, being a large hospital system. 160 00:06:39,599 --> 00:06:42,368 Wichita. Absolutely. That's the point. Okay. 161 00:06:42,368 --> 00:06:46,172 When you're talking to people there and the people that work for Blue 162 00:06:46,172 --> 00:06:48,474 Cross of Kansas work all over the state of Kansas. 163 00:06:48,474 --> 00:06:52,278 So when you're talking to people that work at Blue Cross of Kansas, 164 00:06:52,512 --> 00:06:57,984 they know every one of those communities and they know they know the providers. 165 00:06:57,984 --> 00:06:59,552 They know what's available and all the rest of it. 166 00:06:59,552 --> 00:07:02,021 And you're talking to people that live and work in your community. 167 00:07:02,021 --> 00:07:04,757 And that's really the whole point of this thing, isn't it? Absolutely. 168 00:07:04,757 --> 00:07:07,860 Well, and I think it's just not only, is it 169 00:07:07,860 --> 00:07:11,397 that we, you know, know those we live in those communities, right? 170 00:07:11,397 --> 00:07:13,399 So we know where Hoxie, Kansas is. 171 00:07:13,399 --> 00:07:15,601 And, you know, our kids are playing on the soccer fields 172 00:07:15,601 --> 00:07:19,472 and they may get injured and need to go to the local health system there. 173 00:07:19,472 --> 00:07:20,106 And so 174 00:07:20,106 --> 00:07:23,810 we really are knowing our communities that we are embedded in our communities 175 00:07:23,810 --> 00:07:25,311 and we give back to our communities. 176 00:07:25,311 --> 00:07:27,680 I think that's really important as we are. 177 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:29,949 You know, your tax dollars are staying here. 178 00:07:29,949 --> 00:07:32,084 Your, premium dollars are staying here. 179 00:07:32,084 --> 00:07:35,955 And so it's really important because it helps to reinvest in Kansas. 180 00:07:35,988 --> 00:07:38,191 It's just like every small business owner. 181 00:07:38,191 --> 00:07:39,692 My dad's a small business owner, 182 00:07:39,692 --> 00:07:41,994 and everybody wants to reinvest in their communities 183 00:07:41,994 --> 00:07:43,729 because they know it just helps everything. 184 00:07:43,729 --> 00:07:45,331 And so it helps to uplift it. 185 00:07:45,331 --> 00:07:47,934 So we're there. We're volunteering. 186 00:07:47,934 --> 00:07:50,636 You should see how many volunteer hours we do in our communities. 187 00:07:50,636 --> 00:07:52,672 We're working at local zoos in Topeka. 188 00:07:52,672 --> 00:07:55,842 We're putting backpacks together for kids, for school 189 00:07:56,042 --> 00:07:58,211 or helping at trunk or treats all around the state. 190 00:07:58,211 --> 00:08:02,181 And so we really are wanting to give back every single day to our communities 191 00:08:02,381 --> 00:08:03,950 as well as serve them. 192 00:08:03,950 --> 00:08:07,320 See, and, again when I talk about hometown carrier, 193 00:08:07,353 --> 00:08:11,357 you hear me use the phrase a lot of times we’re Main Street, not Wall Street. 194 00:08:11,757 --> 00:08:13,893 But that's because they're not for profit. 195 00:08:13,893 --> 00:08:16,963 They're not looking at what the next quarterly earnings report is going to say. 196 00:08:17,163 --> 00:08:18,364 What they're doing 197 00:08:18,364 --> 00:08:21,234 is they're talking to you about what's going on in your community. 198 00:08:21,234 --> 00:08:23,503 They are putting back in your community? 199 00:08:23,503 --> 00:08:26,506 They're creating an opportunity to connect with the community 200 00:08:26,672 --> 00:08:29,942 and support people that live and work in Kansas. 201 00:08:30,076 --> 00:08:30,910 They're the same people 202 00:08:30,910 --> 00:08:34,614 you go to church with, the same people you go to PTA meetings with. 203 00:08:34,881 --> 00:08:36,716 I mean, they are the same folks. 204 00:08:36,716 --> 00:08:39,719 They're there every day to serve. And again, 205 00:08:39,719 --> 00:08:41,153 they live and work in your community. 206 00:08:41,153 --> 00:08:42,822 So that's the difference. 207 00:08:42,822 --> 00:08:45,758 And so that was the first thing I wanted to talk about today was this. 208 00:08:45,758 --> 00:08:48,060 What is this whole idea of hometown carrier? 209 00:08:48,060 --> 00:08:49,262 Why does it make a difference? 210 00:08:49,262 --> 00:08:50,763 When I come back from the break, 211 00:08:50,763 --> 00:08:53,032 I'm going to talk about some of those charities 212 00:08:53,032 --> 00:08:56,035 and the communities that they're involved in and what they're doing here. 213 00:08:56,302 --> 00:08:58,437 And let you hear what they're doing. 214 00:08:58,437 --> 00:09:02,174 And then you might want to ask yourself, you know, are any of the national carriers 215 00:09:02,174 --> 00:09:04,377 doing this? Good question. 216 00:09:04,377 --> 00:09:05,745 We'll be right back after the break. 217 00:09:05,745 --> 00:09:09,782 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate Broadcasting here on the HIA 218 00:09:09,782 --> 00:09:11,183 Radio Network. 219 00:09:11,183 --> 00:09:12,852 Coast to coast across the USA. 220 00:09:12,852 --> 00:09:15,221 If you're looking for information and you want to talk to somebody 221 00:09:15,221 --> 00:09:20,760 at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, you can call them at (866) 906 5253. 222 00:09:21,060 --> 00:09:24,063 That's (866) 906-5253 223 00:09:24,096 --> 00:09:28,534 or go up on the website bcbsks.com. 224 00:09:28,534 --> 00:09:29,735 That's the website go up. 225 00:09:29,735 --> 00:09:32,104 All these plans are up there. You can explore these. 226 00:09:32,104 --> 00:09:34,707 And then if you want to pick up the phone and call, 227 00:09:34,707 --> 00:09:37,143 they'll be happy to chat with you, walk you through it. So you know what? 228 00:09:37,143 --> 00:09:39,245 Maybe this one's a better fit than this one is. 229 00:09:39,245 --> 00:09:41,948 Or let's look at your formulary for your prescription drugs. 230 00:09:41,948 --> 00:09:44,383 They'll do all that for you. When we come back from the break. 231 00:09:44,383 --> 00:09:45,918 We're going to continue the show with Misty. 232 00:09:45,918 --> 00:09:49,522 I want to talk about what they're actually doing in some of the communities. 233 00:09:49,522 --> 00:09:51,090 Where they actually involved 234 00:09:51,090 --> 00:09:54,093 and what's happening in the communities that Blue Cross and Blue 235 00:09:54,093 --> 00:09:57,129 Shield of Kansas is supporting right here in the state of Kansas. 236 00:09:57,129 --> 00:09:58,397 We'll be right back after the break. 237 00:09:58,397 --> 00:10:01,400 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate 238 00:10:01,467 --> 00:10:04,303 broadcasting coast to coast across the USA. 239 00:10:04,303 --> 00:10:05,104 Stay right there. 240 00:10:15,848 --> 00:10:16,616 Welcome back. 241 00:10:16,616 --> 00:10:19,819 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate show broadcasting coast 242 00:10:19,819 --> 00:10:23,389 to coast across USA here on the HIA Radio Network. 243 00:10:23,589 --> 00:10:27,793 Shout out to our affiliate up in Salina, Kansas KSAL 244 00:10:27,793 --> 00:10:31,330 NewsRadio 1150 a happy to have us as part of the family. 245 00:10:31,397 --> 00:10:35,101 They're broadcasting to all the folks in and around Salina, Kansas. 246 00:10:35,101 --> 00:10:39,071 In studio with me today, Misty Snodgrass from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. 247 00:10:39,271 --> 00:10:41,907 We're talking about the theme of Hometown Carrier. 248 00:10:41,907 --> 00:10:43,876 What does it mean to be that hometown carrier? 249 00:10:43,876 --> 00:10:46,245 Why is that different than the national carriers? 250 00:10:46,245 --> 00:10:47,546 We're talking about what they do. 251 00:10:47,546 --> 00:10:51,651 We're also going to talk about the plans that they offer, where they service them. 252 00:10:52,051 --> 00:10:53,853 You know, this is the only carrier 253 00:10:53,853 --> 00:10:57,590 that services is all 103 counties in the state of Kansas. 254 00:10:58,024 --> 00:11:00,326 It's a big deal if you're out in Hays or Scott City. 255 00:11:00,326 --> 00:11:04,296 Emporia, you know where maybe the national carriers don't participate. 256 00:11:04,296 --> 00:11:06,265 So we're exploring all of that. 257 00:11:06,265 --> 00:11:09,268 If you want information on any of their plans, 258 00:11:09,268 --> 00:11:12,571 bcbsks.com is the website. 259 00:11:12,571 --> 00:11:15,408 Or you can call their customer service folks. 260 00:11:15,408 --> 00:11:16,742 They're happy to talk with you. 261 00:11:16,742 --> 00:11:19,211 Just explore options about what you've got or what 262 00:11:19,211 --> 00:11:24,684 maybe you think you might want to change to once again, (866) 906-5253. 263 00:11:24,850 --> 00:11:28,254 A lot of turmoil in the ACA Obamacare market, right now. 264 00:11:28,254 --> 00:11:30,656 Open enrollment is here on November 1st. 265 00:11:30,656 --> 00:11:34,026 Obviously, now's the time to call and do a consultation. 266 00:11:34,293 --> 00:11:36,962 This is not a hard sale or anything like that. 267 00:11:36,962 --> 00:11:38,497 You heard Misty describe it. 268 00:11:38,497 --> 00:11:39,965 They're there to help you. 269 00:11:39,965 --> 00:11:43,502 (866) 906 5253. 270 00:11:44,003 --> 00:11:44,336 All right. 271 00:11:44,336 --> 00:11:47,606 So let's talk a little bit about community involvement because 272 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:52,411 this is something you do that national carriers just don't do, okay. 273 00:11:52,945 --> 00:11:55,881 They're not equipped to handle it frankly across the country. 274 00:11:55,881 --> 00:11:58,851 So you know to the you folks that's important. 275 00:11:58,851 --> 00:12:01,087 So talk a little bit about some of that 276 00:12:01,087 --> 00:12:04,090 what you do and how does all that work in the state. 277 00:12:04,156 --> 00:12:07,093 Yeah I think it's really, really important because like I said, 278 00:12:07,093 --> 00:12:09,295 we're not only investing in 279 00:12:09,295 --> 00:12:10,730 and health care, but we're also 280 00:12:10,730 --> 00:12:13,632 investing in other initiatives that are important in our community. 281 00:12:13,632 --> 00:12:15,234 So one great example. 282 00:12:15,234 --> 00:12:18,137 We actually have a Blue Health Initiatives team that's dedicated to this. 283 00:12:18,137 --> 00:12:21,140 We have an entire team of folks that are dedicated to working in 284 00:12:21,140 --> 00:12:25,244 community, helping support community based organizations, local nonprofits, 285 00:12:25,611 --> 00:12:29,014 Where can we plug in and not, you know, take over, 286 00:12:29,014 --> 00:12:31,417 but be a supplement to be able to assist them. 287 00:12:31,417 --> 00:12:34,520 Sometimes it's financially, sometimes it's just time and energy, 288 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:35,888 sometimes is volunteer work. 289 00:12:35,888 --> 00:12:39,291 And so that work is really important to us as the core 290 00:12:39,291 --> 00:12:42,294 of who we are is fundamentally important to our board. 291 00:12:42,495 --> 00:12:46,565 They actually report all the information activity to our board of directors. 292 00:12:47,133 --> 00:12:49,735 That's how important this is a strategic initiative 293 00:12:50,903 --> 00:12:51,704 for our company. 294 00:12:51,704 --> 00:12:53,139 And it's a high priority. 295 00:12:53,139 --> 00:12:56,142 And so some of the things that we're doing in community is we're building 296 00:12:56,175 --> 00:13:00,546 local fitness courts in areas where there may not be a local gym or a YMCA. 297 00:13:00,813 --> 00:13:02,615 They're able to, you know, go to a park. 298 00:13:02,615 --> 00:13:06,152 It's an outdoor facility, and they're able to go lift weights. 299 00:13:06,152 --> 00:13:07,953 They're able to play on tennis courts. 300 00:13:07,953 --> 00:13:11,490 It's just to help encourage fitness and community and also to create community. 301 00:13:11,690 --> 00:13:14,260 And in some of these communities, they don't have 302 00:13:14,260 --> 00:13:15,795 a gym in a rural community. 303 00:13:15,795 --> 00:13:17,630 They've got a community park. 304 00:13:17,630 --> 00:13:19,698 If they can go in there and add to that and make that, you know, 305 00:13:19,698 --> 00:13:21,567 workout stations or walking stations, what ever it is. 306 00:13:21,567 --> 00:13:24,670 But it doesn't sound like it but you know what? 307 00:13:24,670 --> 00:13:26,539 It's really important to people who live in that community. 308 00:13:26,539 --> 00:13:28,774 Absolutely. And it's focused on wellness. 309 00:13:28,774 --> 00:13:30,609 Overall physical wellness. 310 00:13:30,609 --> 00:13:30,843 You know, 311 00:13:30,843 --> 00:13:34,346 we know physical health and mental wellness are a key and and tied together. 312 00:13:34,613 --> 00:13:35,548 And some of the other things 313 00:13:35,548 --> 00:13:37,049 that we're doing is like I mentioned, 314 00:13:37,049 --> 00:13:39,251 we do some backpack events around back to school. 315 00:13:39,251 --> 00:13:43,322 We’re stuffing backpacks with school supplies. 316 00:13:43,322 --> 00:13:47,193 We're doing trunk or treats with, you know, candy and so forth. 317 00:13:47,193 --> 00:13:49,628 And we're really focused on being in community. 318 00:13:49,628 --> 00:13:51,463 We support other initiatives. 319 00:13:51,463 --> 00:13:55,501 One great example in Wichita is called Baby Talk, and it's to help 320 00:13:56,035 --> 00:13:59,338 pregnant moms that need resources 321 00:13:59,338 --> 00:14:02,975 while they're pregnant, they may not have information. 322 00:14:03,542 --> 00:14:06,011 I've been a pregnant mom before and it's really nerve racking. 323 00:14:06,011 --> 00:14:09,815 And so we support that initiative in Wichita to help 324 00:14:10,950 --> 00:14:12,117 moms throughout the state. 325 00:14:12,117 --> 00:14:14,620 So it's virtually and in person in Wichita. 326 00:14:14,620 --> 00:14:18,190 It also provides that people go through the classes and kind of learn 327 00:14:18,858 --> 00:14:20,993 some tricks of the trade. 328 00:14:20,993 --> 00:14:25,097 You also get a gift card for childcare or your car seat carrier. 329 00:14:25,331 --> 00:14:28,100 Or you could get a crib, you know, it's a it's a gift card 330 00:14:28,100 --> 00:14:29,702 that can go towards those kind of purchases. 331 00:14:29,702 --> 00:14:31,403 And so it's really important 332 00:14:31,403 --> 00:14:36,141 that we invest in various initiatives that we're doing in local communities. 333 00:14:36,141 --> 00:14:37,009 And I could go on and on. 334 00:14:37,009 --> 00:14:40,112 I could spend days because I'm so proud of the work that our Blue Health 335 00:14:40,112 --> 00:14:43,115 Initiatives team is and how intentional they are. 336 00:14:43,182 --> 00:14:44,750 You know, they're very, very focused. 337 00:14:44,750 --> 00:14:48,821 One other thing we're working on is how can we make our language access better 338 00:14:48,821 --> 00:14:53,192 so individuals that may not have English as their first language Speaking Spanish. 339 00:14:53,192 --> 00:14:55,194 Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. 340 00:14:55,194 --> 00:14:58,197 And so we're working to make sure that with our materials 341 00:14:58,731 --> 00:14:59,965 that they know the rights. 342 00:14:59,965 --> 00:15:01,634 Because whenever you go into a health care provider, 343 00:15:01,634 --> 00:15:04,503 you have rights to have access to language access. 344 00:15:04,503 --> 00:15:07,306 So we're working on that right now to improve language access. 345 00:15:07,306 --> 00:15:11,577 And we know that that's important because if it's not your your first language. 346 00:15:11,577 --> 00:15:14,647 I mean, we think health insurance is confusing. 347 00:15:14,647 --> 00:15:16,215 Well, you know I'll tell you a story. 348 00:15:16,215 --> 00:15:19,451 I was in Scott City, Kansas doing radio probably ten years ago. 349 00:15:20,119 --> 00:15:20,786 And I'm like, 350 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:23,489 what are all these feedlots out here? 351 00:15:23,489 --> 00:15:26,125 Well, the biggest slaughterhouses in Kansas, JPL 352 00:15:26,125 --> 00:15:28,861 and the rest of them are just outside of there over toward Dodge. 353 00:15:28,861 --> 00:15:29,662 Yeah. 354 00:15:29,662 --> 00:15:32,865 I heard there were more Mexican restaurants in that town, 355 00:15:32,865 --> 00:15:36,502 and I love to eat mexican, and I was like, this is like amazing. 356 00:15:36,902 --> 00:15:39,038 And I'm like, well, why are there so many Mexican restaurants? 357 00:15:39,038 --> 00:15:42,942 Because our entire population here, working population is 80% Hispanic. 358 00:15:43,175 --> 00:15:44,076 So absolutely. 359 00:15:44,076 --> 00:15:48,314 You think in Kansas, you know, Dorothy's going to click her heels and she and Toto 360 00:15:48,514 --> 00:15:49,381 ride off? 361 00:15:49,381 --> 00:15:51,250 It's not quite like that. Yeah. 362 00:15:51,250 --> 00:15:54,787 We have we have a large community of people here that are 363 00:15:54,787 --> 00:15:57,823 non-English speaking community primarily, and that's a big difference. 364 00:15:57,823 --> 00:16:00,526 So you guys are moving to help those folks do what they do? 365 00:16:00,526 --> 00:16:03,429 Absolutely. And we're partnering with organizations. 366 00:16:03,429 --> 00:16:05,497 And also, one of the things that we are hoping to do 367 00:16:05,497 --> 00:16:09,601 next year is go into those communities and help explain what their benefits are, 368 00:16:09,601 --> 00:16:13,138 because we know if people don't know what their benefits are, they don't use them. 369 00:16:13,138 --> 00:16:16,208 And so we want to make sure that they're aware that we have telehealth 370 00:16:16,208 --> 00:16:19,578 available in Spanish, that we do have resources available in Spanish. 371 00:16:19,912 --> 00:16:21,747 And what does health insurance really mean? 372 00:16:21,747 --> 00:16:23,148 What does a coinsurance mean. 373 00:16:23,148 --> 00:16:26,051 That doesn't always translate very well, 374 00:16:26,051 --> 00:16:30,022 which is very complex for if it or isn't our first language? 375 00:16:30,022 --> 00:16:33,058 And so we want to be really intentional and thoughtful 376 00:16:33,058 --> 00:16:36,862 to serve all Kansans regardless of what language they choose. 377 00:16:36,862 --> 00:16:40,432 And when we go to break, I have to ask you on the baby talk 378 00:16:41,400 --> 00:16:43,535 plan that you've got those classes. 379 00:16:43,535 --> 00:16:46,372 You do not have to be a Blue Cross and Blue Shield policy holder? 380 00:16:46,372 --> 00:16:48,540 I want to make that point because 381 00:16:48,540 --> 00:16:51,810 BlueKC offers something similar to that on the behavioral side. 382 00:16:52,077 --> 00:16:55,447 So those classes are available for anybody in the state of Kansas. 383 00:16:55,447 --> 00:16:58,851 Any mom that wants to do those classes, where do they go? 384 00:16:58,851 --> 00:17:00,853 Do they go on your website for this? 385 00:17:00,853 --> 00:17:02,454 We're going to have it on our website. We don't. 386 00:17:02,454 --> 00:17:05,824 But I will get you the website and you can put it up and share that out 387 00:17:05,824 --> 00:17:07,426 with your listeners, 388 00:17:07,426 --> 00:17:11,730 because it is a really important program to help educate on prenatal. 389 00:17:11,730 --> 00:17:14,199 It's really important to make sure you're getting going to your doctor's 390 00:17:14,199 --> 00:17:17,569 visits, make sure you know kick counts, all of those important things. 391 00:17:18,037 --> 00:17:20,506 And when it comes to prenatal and pregnancy. 392 00:17:20,506 --> 00:17:21,640 I've got six grandchildren. 393 00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:23,275 Trust me, I know what my daughters went through. 394 00:17:23,275 --> 00:17:26,979 So I can assure you this is a welcome thing to have in the community. 395 00:17:27,012 --> 00:17:29,381 There are a lot of women out there that will be able to participate in this. 396 00:17:29,381 --> 00:17:33,185 So as soon as we get this information, we'll put it in the broadcast, 397 00:17:33,185 --> 00:17:36,422 we'll put it up on the podcast and on the YouTube so you all can see it. 398 00:17:36,989 --> 00:17:38,490 Anywhere in the state of Kansas enrolled. 399 00:17:38,490 --> 00:17:40,025 They don't cost anything. 400 00:17:40,025 --> 00:17:43,195 It's what they're doing to help folks in Kansas do what they need to do. 401 00:17:43,462 --> 00:17:47,733 If you want help, if you want to, if you want the policy explained, 402 00:17:47,733 --> 00:17:49,802 if you want to understand what your benefits are, 403 00:17:49,802 --> 00:17:51,470 if you're looking for a policy 404 00:17:51,470 --> 00:17:54,740 and you don't know what to do, especially during this turmoil with the ACA. 405 00:17:55,074 --> 00:17:58,077 (866) 906-5253. 406 00:17:58,377 --> 00:18:01,380 (866) 906-5253 407 00:18:01,547 --> 00:18:07,386 or BCBSKS.com, bcbsks.com. 408 00:18:07,386 --> 00:18:11,223 If you want to just go up and explore but are open and then call them, do 409 00:18:11,223 --> 00:18:14,226 that, they'll be happy to chat with you and make it work for you. 410 00:18:14,226 --> 00:18:16,695 We'll be right back after a break. Welcome back to the break. 411 00:18:16,695 --> 00:18:18,263 I'm going to get into some plans now. 412 00:18:18,263 --> 00:18:21,266 I'm going to start talking about what are they offering on the small group side. 413 00:18:21,300 --> 00:18:22,468 You know it's interesting. 414 00:18:22,468 --> 00:18:24,303 And we'll get into this in a minute. 415 00:18:24,303 --> 00:18:27,873 How many carriers offer plans to small group below five? 416 00:18:28,474 --> 00:18:31,043 That's the question we're going to answer when we come back from the break. 417 00:18:31,043 --> 00:18:32,911 Stay tuned. I'll be right back after the break. 418 00:18:32,911 --> 00:18:36,782 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate broadcasting. 419 00:18:36,815 --> 00:18:41,220 Coast to coast across the USA here on the HIA radio network. 420 00:18:43,222 --> 00:18:44,089 So the website for 421 00:18:44,089 --> 00:18:47,092 Baby talk is babytalkict.com. 422 00:18:47,092 --> 00:18:50,095 That's babytalkict.com. 423 00:18:58,470 --> 00:18:59,171 Welcome back. 424 00:18:59,171 --> 00:19:00,305 You're listening to America's 425 00:19:00,305 --> 00:19:04,109 Healthcare Advocates Show broadcasting coast to coast across the USA. 426 00:19:04,109 --> 00:19:07,379 My producers day Mister Dave Thiessen behind the cameras posting 427 00:19:07,379 --> 00:19:12,551 all these shows up on our podcast YouTube platform 604,000 views. 428 00:19:12,851 --> 00:19:14,219 Thanks to all of you. 429 00:19:14,219 --> 00:19:17,589 It's kind of amazing and Garner Cowdrey, he's on the board here working. 430 00:19:18,123 --> 00:19:21,326 All the audio here at Cumulus at our hometown flagship station 431 00:19:21,660 --> 00:19:24,730 here in Overland Park, Kansas, in studio with me, Misty Snodgrass 432 00:19:24,730 --> 00:19:28,100 once again here to talk about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. 433 00:19:28,100 --> 00:19:29,468 We're talking about 434 00:19:29,468 --> 00:19:32,137 how unique they are to this state and what they do in the state 435 00:19:32,137 --> 00:19:34,206 that's very different than the national carriers. 436 00:19:34,206 --> 00:19:36,875 If you want help, call them. 437 00:19:36,875 --> 00:19:38,677 Just have a discussion. 438 00:19:38,677 --> 00:19:41,580 You know, ACA is upon us open enrollment. 439 00:19:41,580 --> 00:19:43,282 There are a lot of premium increases. 440 00:19:43,282 --> 00:19:46,652 People pulling out of the market like Aetna did, you know that kind of thing. 441 00:19:46,852 --> 00:19:49,855 (866) 906-5253. 442 00:19:50,155 --> 00:19:54,960 (866) 906-5253 no, high pressure sales tactics. 443 00:19:55,194 --> 00:19:58,997 This isn't some number on television that you're going to call 444 00:19:58,997 --> 00:20:01,133 some national call center. Okay. 445 00:20:01,133 --> 00:20:02,301 That's not how this works. 446 00:20:02,301 --> 00:20:05,304 These are folks right here in our community that live and work 447 00:20:05,304 --> 00:20:05,904 in Kansas. 448 00:20:05,904 --> 00:20:11,109 The website BCBSKS.com, BCBSKS.com. 449 00:20:11,343 --> 00:20:14,112 So what I'm going to the show notes this morning. 450 00:20:14,112 --> 00:20:14,813 I see this 451 00:20:15,781 --> 00:20:17,115 down to one life. 452 00:20:17,115 --> 00:20:20,852 And I remember when I was a broker, the major carriers, 453 00:20:20,852 --> 00:20:23,855 the national carriers would not go below five lives. 454 00:20:24,289 --> 00:20:27,859 So you there are more small businesses out 455 00:20:27,960 --> 00:20:31,063 there are one, two, three, four and five employees 456 00:20:31,430 --> 00:20:35,701 than you can shake a stick at it and they won't even offer them coverage No. 457 00:20:35,968 --> 00:20:38,870 Well, so why is that first of all? 458 00:20:38,870 --> 00:20:40,872 Well, I think is it's a lot of work, right. 459 00:20:40,872 --> 00:20:42,307 You know, it is a lot of work. 460 00:20:42,307 --> 00:20:44,509 It's as much work to enroll five as it is 50. 461 00:20:44,509 --> 00:20:45,410 100%. 462 00:20:45,410 --> 00:20:48,714 And so I think that you know, we're not focused on margins. 463 00:20:48,714 --> 00:20:49,982 So that's the difference. 464 00:20:49,982 --> 00:20:54,686 And we are focused on really helping all Kansans be covered. 465 00:20:54,686 --> 00:20:57,956 And so we believe small businesses, regardless of size, 466 00:20:58,257 --> 00:21:01,159 are the backbone of our economy and the backbone of Kansas. 467 00:21:01,159 --> 00:21:04,663 And so whether you're a small employer, a family owned business, 468 00:21:04,830 --> 00:21:09,001 or a company with 50 employees, we have plans that are designed for you. 469 00:21:09,001 --> 00:21:11,103 And, you know, it's we believe every job matters. 470 00:21:11,103 --> 00:21:14,840 And we believe if you have one employee, two employees 471 00:21:14,840 --> 00:21:17,809 to 500, you're just as important and we'll treat you. 472 00:21:17,809 --> 00:21:20,178 And we have a team dedicated for those size. 473 00:21:20,178 --> 00:21:21,680 So it's not just like you're going to 474 00:21:21,680 --> 00:21:25,217 you know, we're going to give you preference to the ones that are 500 and. 475 00:21:25,284 --> 00:21:28,487 You’ve got a whole segment of your customer service people 476 00:21:28,487 --> 00:21:29,921 and your sales reps. 477 00:21:29,921 --> 00:21:31,890 They represent just ten and below. 478 00:21:31,890 --> 00:21:32,958 That's it. 479 00:21:32,958 --> 00:21:35,127 So they understand that space intimately. 480 00:21:35,127 --> 00:21:35,527 They do. 481 00:21:35,527 --> 00:21:37,362 They do. And the complex needs around it. 482 00:21:37,362 --> 00:21:38,964 Right. Like it's 483 00:21:40,532 --> 00:21:42,768 whenever your employer is deciding what 484 00:21:42,768 --> 00:21:45,537 health coverage to select,it's a really nerve-Racking thing. 485 00:21:45,537 --> 00:21:47,506 They're wanting to keep their employees for retention. 486 00:21:47,506 --> 00:21:49,107 They know how important it is. 487 00:21:49,107 --> 00:21:52,210 And every time every employer, including us, you know, 488 00:21:52,210 --> 00:21:55,247 we went through our open enrollment, there's questions are related to it. 489 00:21:55,547 --> 00:21:58,050 What does this mean for me? What does this out-of-pocket cost me? 490 00:21:58,050 --> 00:21:58,750 And for me. 491 00:21:58,750 --> 00:22:01,119 And it's unique based upon the needs of every employer. 492 00:22:01,119 --> 00:22:03,188 And so it's a lot of work trying to figure out, 493 00:22:03,188 --> 00:22:05,624 you know, do you have individuals in your plan 494 00:22:05,624 --> 00:22:09,061 that are going to be high utilizers folks that are going to have complex 495 00:22:09,061 --> 00:22:11,763 chronic conditions? And so we work through that. 496 00:22:11,763 --> 00:22:14,966 We listen and then we try to reflect back and find the plan 497 00:22:14,966 --> 00:22:16,068 that actually works for them. 498 00:22:16,068 --> 00:22:20,372 So it's it's customized based upon and tailored, our suggestions 499 00:22:20,372 --> 00:22:24,409 and recommendations based upon the needs of you as an employer versus 500 00:22:24,409 --> 00:22:26,712 you call on a call center and they say, and here's our plans, 501 00:22:26,712 --> 00:22:28,347 here's what we have to offer here. 502 00:22:28,347 --> 00:22:30,349 And we actually will go out and meet with you. 503 00:22:30,349 --> 00:22:31,883 We'll go into your offices. 504 00:22:31,883 --> 00:22:34,519 Five lives and they’ll go out to meet with you less than that. Yeah, absolutely. 505 00:22:34,519 --> 00:22:37,155 And that is, you know, we love what we call them, our micro groups. 506 00:22:37,155 --> 00:22:38,223 We love our micro groups. 507 00:22:38,223 --> 00:22:42,227 There are the heart of Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Kansas because we also know 508 00:22:42,361 --> 00:22:43,562 those micro groups. 509 00:22:43,562 --> 00:22:46,565 Sometimes they grow to be 100 employees, 510 00:22:46,698 --> 00:22:48,834 and we were there for them when no one else was. 511 00:22:48,834 --> 00:22:51,870 And also sometimes they just want to be at five employees and four employees. 512 00:22:52,170 --> 00:22:53,205 And we are okay with that. 513 00:22:53,205 --> 00:22:56,975 We want them to grow and thrive in the way that's best for them and support them 514 00:22:56,975 --> 00:22:57,943 for their health care needs. 515 00:22:57,943 --> 00:23:00,011 So when I'm going to show notes 516 00:23:00,011 --> 00:23:03,682 this morning and I see down to one life and it triggers in my mind, 517 00:23:04,082 --> 00:23:07,052 a question I used to see, but why would they offer a plan to one life? 518 00:23:07,586 --> 00:23:11,223 Well, the answer is you got a mom and pop shop, okay? 519 00:23:11,356 --> 00:23:14,526 And one of them is going to retire because they're turning 65. 520 00:23:15,227 --> 00:23:17,295 What happens to the other person? 521 00:23:17,295 --> 00:23:19,097 Well, they lose her coverage, right? 522 00:23:19,097 --> 00:23:21,733 No, they don't explain that. Yeah. 523 00:23:21,733 --> 00:23:24,336 So they're they're able to stay on as a group. 524 00:23:24,336 --> 00:23:28,273 There are certain qualifying criteria, but they're able to stay on 525 00:23:28,273 --> 00:23:29,808 as part of our groups. 526 00:23:29,808 --> 00:23:30,809 And you know they're not going 527 00:23:30,809 --> 00:23:34,746 to go get priced astronomically because they're in the metallic plans. 528 00:23:34,746 --> 00:23:37,749 And so they're able to go get that coverage for them 529 00:23:37,783 --> 00:23:40,652 if they want to be a part of a group, because sometimes it's more affordable 530 00:23:40,652 --> 00:23:42,654 than for them being in the individual market, 531 00:23:42,654 --> 00:23:45,390 or the plans may be more advantageous to them. 532 00:23:45,390 --> 00:23:48,393 And so we look at it is we want to cover every 533 00:23:49,127 --> 00:23:52,464 Kansan and every small employer matters regardless of size. 534 00:23:52,564 --> 00:23:55,834 So let's talk a little bit about EPO and PPO. 535 00:23:55,901 --> 00:23:58,570 So this is how we kind of get in the weeds a little bit here. 536 00:23:58,570 --> 00:24:01,473 So these are two separate group plans. 537 00:24:01,473 --> 00:24:03,875 I think most people out there know what a PPO is. 538 00:24:03,875 --> 00:24:06,411 That's the network the largest network. 539 00:24:06,411 --> 00:24:09,448 But let's talk about difference between that and EPO. 540 00:24:09,614 --> 00:24:10,582 And there is a difference. 541 00:24:10,582 --> 00:24:11,783 And there's a cost saving. 542 00:24:11,783 --> 00:24:14,286 Absolutely. And I think it's really important. 543 00:24:14,286 --> 00:24:18,156 And I know when I first started learning about EPO because they came on kind of 544 00:24:18,723 --> 00:24:21,993 out of right after the ACA passed, 545 00:24:21,993 --> 00:24:24,529 it was kind of where they started to rise to prominence. 546 00:24:24,529 --> 00:24:27,899 And an EPO is called an Exclusive Provider Organization, 547 00:24:28,166 --> 00:24:30,869 you know, and it's typically a lower premium. 548 00:24:30,869 --> 00:24:32,904 And it's a real simple network design. 549 00:24:32,904 --> 00:24:36,475 And so it's perfect for businesses that are centered primarily in Kansas, 550 00:24:36,475 --> 00:24:37,809 that they're not going to have 551 00:24:37,809 --> 00:24:40,912 a lot of people traveling or employees outside of the region. 552 00:24:41,146 --> 00:24:42,848 So in other states, 553 00:24:42,848 --> 00:24:47,052 because it is more affordable to not have a national wide network. 554 00:24:47,085 --> 00:24:50,722 Now, that doesn't mean if you're traveling and you have an emergency, 555 00:24:50,889 --> 00:24:52,491 that you’re not going to be In-Network, you're not going to get 556 00:24:52,491 --> 00:24:53,658 some out of network costs. 557 00:24:53,658 --> 00:24:55,560 It's a lot of confusion around that. 558 00:24:55,560 --> 00:24:57,329 They think, oh, I can't leave the state. 559 00:24:57,329 --> 00:24:58,330 Oh my gosh, I'm in Oklahoma. 560 00:24:58,330 --> 00:25:00,966 I got to go drive back to Kansas and I have a medical emergency. 561 00:25:00,966 --> 00:25:03,668 No, we want you to go to the hospital. 562 00:25:03,668 --> 00:25:04,903 It’s Covered just like anything is. 563 00:25:04,903 --> 00:25:06,471 It is. 564 00:25:06,471 --> 00:25:09,474 We have that focus. 565 00:25:09,474 --> 00:25:14,346 And so it's really advantageous for kind of your local regional employers 566 00:25:14,479 --> 00:25:15,514 that are in the state. 567 00:25:15,514 --> 00:25:17,382 We also have a PPO design. 568 00:25:17,382 --> 00:25:20,852 And you know, as a remote work kind of blew up during Covid in the pandemic. 569 00:25:21,186 --> 00:25:23,688 We have employees that are in multiple states, right. 570 00:25:23,688 --> 00:25:26,791 There's employers that have people 571 00:25:26,791 --> 00:25:30,729 that are close to the Kansas border that are actually living in Missouri. 572 00:25:30,729 --> 00:25:34,599 We have people that are on the southern border of our state 573 00:25:34,599 --> 00:25:37,636 that live in Oklahoma, but they work in Kansas. 574 00:25:37,636 --> 00:25:40,472 And so and vice versa around all of our surrounding states. 575 00:25:40,472 --> 00:25:43,942 And so we have what's called a PPO so that they're able to leverage 576 00:25:43,942 --> 00:25:45,510 what's called our blue card network. 577 00:25:45,510 --> 00:25:48,980 So you basically are a host member on a different, 578 00:25:52,183 --> 00:25:53,118 so you'd be on, 579 00:25:53,118 --> 00:25:55,053 you know, Blue Cross Blue shield in Nebraska's network 580 00:25:55,053 --> 00:25:56,821 when you're still a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas member. 581 00:25:56,821 --> 00:25:58,757 And so it gets a little bit complicated, 582 00:25:58,757 --> 00:26:01,760 but you're able to access all the local providers in your community. 583 00:26:01,760 --> 00:26:04,429 And so you're able to leverage that nationwide network 584 00:26:04,429 --> 00:26:05,730 as part of your In-Network. 585 00:26:05,730 --> 00:26:07,432 So I want to go back to the EPO thing for you 586 00:26:07,432 --> 00:26:10,168 and just kind of drill home something here. 587 00:26:10,168 --> 00:26:13,171 So let's say you're in Wichita and you're listening to this. 588 00:26:13,338 --> 00:26:13,972 You know what? 589 00:26:13,972 --> 00:26:18,476 I need to find out about that EPO, I'll bet you that 90% of your care 590 00:26:18,710 --> 00:26:21,813 would be at Via Christi hospital or Via Christi providers. 591 00:26:21,813 --> 00:26:23,582 Because that’s Wichita. 592 00:26:23,582 --> 00:26:25,116 I used to do a lot of work in Wichita. 593 00:26:25,116 --> 00:26:27,552 We’re on the radio down there on KNSS. 594 00:26:27,552 --> 00:26:29,220 I know it very, very well. 595 00:26:29,220 --> 00:26:32,591 Well, then, how much of a need are you going to have to go outside of network? 596 00:26:32,591 --> 00:26:36,661 Well, if you're going to go to KU for cancer treatment or heart or whatever 597 00:26:36,661 --> 00:26:37,362 it is. 598 00:26:37,362 --> 00:26:41,399 That's in-network, if you're going to go to Via Christie, that's in-network.I mean, 599 00:26:41,900 --> 00:26:44,135 what was the name of the hospital? Hayes, you mentioned. 600 00:26:44,135 --> 00:26:45,604 Hayes Medical Center. Hayes Medical Center. 601 00:26:45,604 --> 00:26:47,372 They’re in-network. 602 00:26:47,372 --> 00:26:51,209 So when I'm when I ask you to look at this EPO thing, 603 00:26:51,209 --> 00:26:54,446 and if you look at the value that's being offered 604 00:26:54,946 --> 00:26:58,249 and the value is it, you're in the whole Blue Cross of Kansas 605 00:26:58,316 --> 00:27:03,488 network in all 103 counties and you can save money. 606 00:27:04,155 --> 00:27:06,257 It would make a lot of sense to take a look at that 607 00:27:06,257 --> 00:27:08,960 and go to your employees and say, here's what we're going to do. 608 00:27:08,960 --> 00:27:10,862 We're going to cut costs by X 609 00:27:10,862 --> 00:27:13,064 because we're going to go on this new plan with this EPO. 610 00:27:13,064 --> 00:27:17,535 You've got all the hospitals in Kansas, but you're not going to go to MD Anderson. 611 00:27:17,535 --> 00:27:20,138 Okay? I mean, there you go. Okay. 612 00:27:20,138 --> 00:27:21,740 You know, you're going to go to KU. 613 00:27:21,740 --> 00:27:25,110 Well, interestingly enough, KU has a partnership with MD Anderson. 614 00:27:25,410 --> 00:27:28,713 So you can get a lot of those treatments at KU that you can get it M.D. 615 00:27:28,713 --> 00:27:30,482 Anderson, because they're already there. 616 00:27:30,482 --> 00:27:33,852 My point in telling you that is it's worth exploring. 617 00:27:33,918 --> 00:27:34,719 That's okay. 618 00:27:34,719 --> 00:27:38,790 So that's why when she talks about that dedicated team of ten and below, 619 00:27:39,824 --> 00:27:41,493 give them a call. 620 00:27:41,493 --> 00:27:44,829 Now we have 90 over 90% of the providers in Kansas in-network. 621 00:27:44,829 --> 00:27:48,800 So it's a broad network even for an EPO. 622 00:27:48,800 --> 00:27:51,569 So it's fantastic coverage. 623 00:27:51,569 --> 00:27:53,672 So if you're even traveling the state you're able to access 624 00:27:53,672 --> 00:27:56,041 that which is not like other EPO’s out there. It's not. 625 00:27:56,041 --> 00:27:58,510 And it's very, very different because they're offering coverage 626 00:27:58,510 --> 00:27:59,911 across the state near where we go. 627 00:27:59,911 --> 00:28:01,913 This is what I'm talking about when I say, 628 00:28:01,913 --> 00:28:05,116 you know, pick up the phone and call one of their folks at that team. 629 00:28:05,350 --> 00:28:06,351 It's dedicated. 630 00:28:06,351 --> 00:28:08,286 All they do is ten and below. 631 00:28:08,286 --> 00:28:09,888 They know what it means to have a three life. 632 00:28:09,888 --> 00:28:12,023 Four life, six life case. All right. 633 00:28:12,023 --> 00:28:15,794 And they're happy to talk with you and show you this is what the plan looks like. 634 00:28:15,794 --> 00:28:17,062 Here's what we can do. 635 00:28:17,062 --> 00:28:19,664 And, oh yeah, all you people have access. 636 00:28:19,664 --> 00:28:21,833 All hospitals and doctors throughout the state. 637 00:28:21,833 --> 00:28:23,068 They're inside that network. 638 00:28:23,068 --> 00:28:24,202 So do it. 639 00:28:24,202 --> 00:28:27,138 (866) 906-5253. 640 00:28:27,138 --> 00:28:30,942 (866) 906-5253 their website. 641 00:28:30,942 --> 00:28:32,944 You can go look at the plans on the website. 642 00:28:32,944 --> 00:28:34,713 bcbsks.com. 643 00:28:34,713 --> 00:28:36,448 bcbsks.com. 644 00:28:36,448 --> 00:28:39,150 When come back from the break. 645 00:28:39,150 --> 00:28:42,620 We're going to talk about what's going to happen in the marketplace this year. 646 00:28:42,787 --> 00:28:46,291 How many national carriers are coming in here with aggressive new plans? 647 00:28:46,858 --> 00:28:50,028 How does that compare with what Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is doing, 648 00:28:50,295 --> 00:28:53,098 and how does that compare for what you're looking for? 649 00:28:53,098 --> 00:28:54,432 What's the stability of that? 650 00:28:54,432 --> 00:28:56,401 We'll talk about all that when I come back from the break. 651 00:28:56,401 --> 00:28:59,671 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate broadcasting 652 00:28:59,671 --> 00:29:03,875 here on the HIA Radio Network coast to coast across USA. 653 00:29:03,875 --> 00:29:05,343 We've got more. Don't go anywhere. 654 00:29:11,649 --> 00:29:12,317 Welcome back. 655 00:29:12,317 --> 00:29:14,252 You're listening to America's Healthcare Advocate 656 00:29:14,252 --> 00:29:17,021 broadcasting here on the HIA Radio Network. 657 00:29:17,021 --> 00:29:19,023 Coast to coast across the USA. 658 00:29:19,023 --> 00:29:19,424 The show 659 00:29:19,424 --> 00:29:23,561 today is focused on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the hometown carrier. 660 00:29:23,561 --> 00:29:24,996 And you know, I did that on purpose 661 00:29:24,996 --> 00:29:28,266 because I really wanted to get you to understand the difference 662 00:29:28,266 --> 00:29:32,437 between what they do in this state, where I live, where you all live. 663 00:29:32,437 --> 00:29:33,104 Okay. 664 00:29:33,104 --> 00:29:36,040 And what how that contrasts with the national carriers do. 665 00:29:36,040 --> 00:29:37,742 We're going to dive a little more into that. 666 00:29:37,742 --> 00:29:40,745 But once again we talked about that EPO, PPO. 667 00:29:40,812 --> 00:29:42,781 There are a lot of different plan designs out there 668 00:29:42,781 --> 00:29:45,116 they can help you with, if you want information. 669 00:29:45,116 --> 00:29:48,419 (866) 906-5253. 670 00:29:48,820 --> 00:29:50,822 You're not going to get high pressure sales tactics. 671 00:29:50,822 --> 00:29:53,825 You're going to get somebody who wants to talk to you, explain their options. 672 00:29:53,825 --> 00:29:56,694 They've got a whole team of people on ten and below. 673 00:29:56,694 --> 00:30:00,398 So employers with ten or fewer lives, national carriers 674 00:30:00,532 --> 00:30:03,401 don't even go below five lives. They do. 675 00:30:03,401 --> 00:30:06,137 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas goes down to one life. 676 00:30:06,137 --> 00:30:06,838 Okay. 677 00:30:06,838 --> 00:30:12,210 Also, the website BCBSKS.com, bcbsks.com. 678 00:30:12,577 --> 00:30:12,811 All right. 679 00:30:12,811 --> 00:30:15,280 So let's talk about this because this kind of this is 680 00:30:15,280 --> 00:30:18,917 what actually triggered me doing this show today was you and I were having 681 00:30:18,917 --> 00:30:22,086 a conversation after the last show, and I knew this was coming. 682 00:30:22,086 --> 00:30:26,257 I didn't know was already here that a certain national carriers 683 00:30:26,257 --> 00:30:29,260 are coming in here this year, and they do this from time to time. 684 00:30:29,427 --> 00:30:32,430 They'll come in with very aggressive pricing in the marketplace. 685 00:30:32,997 --> 00:30:37,035 And then two years later, when the claims numbers start going up 686 00:30:37,035 --> 00:30:40,038 and they're catching up with where they are, they pull out. 687 00:30:40,238 --> 00:30:43,274 Now as an example of that was what happened with Aetna. 688 00:30:43,641 --> 00:30:47,245 They lost $2 billion on ACA. 689 00:30:47,545 --> 00:30:49,080 And they finally said we've had enough. 690 00:30:49,080 --> 00:30:51,216 And they pulled, not, they didn’t just pull out of Kansas. 691 00:30:51,216 --> 00:30:53,852 They pulled out of every state that they were in okay. 692 00:30:53,852 --> 00:30:55,353 So it does happen. 693 00:30:55,353 --> 00:30:59,691 So the point there is you guys are always here. 694 00:30:59,691 --> 00:31:00,058 Yeah. 695 00:31:00,058 --> 00:31:03,027 It's steady okay. Let's talk about. That. 696 00:31:03,027 --> 00:31:04,262 Yeah I think it's a great comment. 697 00:31:04,262 --> 00:31:04,696 And you know 698 00:31:04,696 --> 00:31:08,099 and Cary if you remember this a few years back, this happened again right? 699 00:31:08,099 --> 00:31:11,903 When things didn't get as profitable, when there was kind of the, the you know 700 00:31:11,903 --> 00:31:14,906 claims got a little bit tumultuous. 701 00:31:14,973 --> 00:31:17,942 Other carriers pulled out of the market and it just kind of happens 702 00:31:17,942 --> 00:31:18,776 over and over again. 703 00:31:18,776 --> 00:31:20,945 If they're not hitting their margins, they have shareholders. 704 00:31:20,945 --> 00:31:23,514 We don't. And we have 705 00:31:24,749 --> 00:31:26,284 our members that we're focused on. 706 00:31:26,284 --> 00:31:30,955 And so I think that we're always here, we want to serve this market forever. 707 00:31:30,955 --> 00:31:34,459 It is a passion of ours, is our CEO. 708 00:31:34,459 --> 00:31:37,262 It's probably one of his favorite markets, actually. 709 00:31:37,262 --> 00:31:39,430 If he said he had a favorite child, he’d probably say It was. 710 00:31:39,430 --> 00:31:40,865 I don't know that, you know, I'm just kidding. 711 00:31:40,865 --> 00:31:44,469 But he he really is passionate about serving small employers. 712 00:31:44,769 --> 00:31:48,373 And individuals as well and making sure they have access to care, 713 00:31:48,373 --> 00:31:51,276 because a lot of folks will go after the big, 714 00:31:51,276 --> 00:31:53,444 the national careers will go after the big employers, 715 00:31:53,444 --> 00:31:55,947 but a lot of them won't stick around for the smaller 716 00:31:55,947 --> 00:31:58,216 or the individuals and So they won't even offer coverage. 717 00:31:58,216 --> 00:31:59,651 Absolutely, absolutely. 718 00:31:59,651 --> 00:32:01,719 And so we we want to be the stable carrier. 719 00:32:01,719 --> 00:32:04,455 We have been the stable carrier. We've never left. 720 00:32:04,455 --> 00:32:05,790 We've been around for 80 years. 721 00:32:05,790 --> 00:32:07,592 We've been here since the ACA began. 722 00:32:07,592 --> 00:32:09,394 We have no intention of leaving. 723 00:32:09,394 --> 00:32:14,032 We're actually a part of my role is what can we do to even enhance our ACA market? 724 00:32:14,032 --> 00:32:17,869 What can we do to actually serve our members and our employers more and better 725 00:32:17,869 --> 00:32:18,736 and provide, 726 00:32:18,736 --> 00:32:22,473 you know, help improve the total cost of care, and our affordability, but also help 727 00:32:22,707 --> 00:32:25,310 what other tools can we bring that are innovative to help, 728 00:32:25,310 --> 00:32:28,513 you know, both impact the individual from a quality of life perspective. 729 00:32:28,513 --> 00:32:31,683 So we're having conversations about mindfulness tools 730 00:32:31,683 --> 00:32:34,686 for employers because we know behavioral health is a major concern. 731 00:32:34,686 --> 00:32:39,457 And so what can we do to help improve and reduce. 732 00:32:39,457 --> 00:32:42,093 Employee productivity help improve that. 733 00:32:42,093 --> 00:32:45,396 Missed days because of whether it be physical or mental illness. 734 00:32:45,396 --> 00:32:47,732 And so it is a high priority. We're here to stay. 735 00:32:47,732 --> 00:32:50,902 And we're very passionate about the work and serving all 103 counties 736 00:32:50,902 --> 00:32:51,469 that we're in. 737 00:32:51,469 --> 00:32:53,905 Yeah. It's not a come and go situation. 738 00:32:53,905 --> 00:32:56,641 We're here this year and two years to now. 739 00:32:56,641 --> 00:33:01,179 And it's believe me, we've got multiple examples of this that happens okay. 740 00:33:01,446 --> 00:33:04,449 You know these folks at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, 741 00:33:04,682 --> 00:33:06,751 there's no quarterly earnings report. No. 742 00:33:06,751 --> 00:33:08,252 It's all a little different. 743 00:33:08,252 --> 00:33:10,321 You know when I say main street, not Wall Street. 744 00:33:10,321 --> 00:33:12,690 That's what I'm talking about okay. 745 00:33:12,690 --> 00:33:14,258 And that's what's important. 746 00:33:14,258 --> 00:33:17,261 And when you talk about your CEO 747 00:33:17,528 --> 00:33:21,599 actually focusing and acknowledging that, that's pretty significant. 748 00:33:21,632 --> 00:33:22,266 Absolutely. 749 00:33:22,266 --> 00:33:25,269 That means he understands as you said, 750 00:33:25,903 --> 00:33:28,406 how many small businesses out there 751 00:33:28,406 --> 00:33:31,442 have five employees or ten employees. 752 00:33:31,442 --> 00:33:33,811 It's the cornerstone of our economy and our communities. 753 00:33:33,811 --> 00:33:38,883 Small businesses are donating to the local high school football teams 754 00:33:38,883 --> 00:33:39,784 and it just trickles down. 755 00:33:39,784 --> 00:33:42,153 And so we understand how important. 756 00:33:42,153 --> 00:33:44,122 And it's a cornerstone and we're here to stay. 757 00:33:44,122 --> 00:33:46,024 So talk a little bit about some of the product lines 758 00:33:46,024 --> 00:33:47,492 that are going to be offered this year 759 00:33:47,492 --> 00:33:50,461 on the group side both small group and the larger group side. 760 00:33:50,595 --> 00:33:51,696 Yeah absolutely. 761 00:33:51,696 --> 00:33:53,598 So we have small group. 762 00:33:53,598 --> 00:33:57,068 We have EPOs and PPOs available. 763 00:33:57,068 --> 00:33:59,037 We have various metal tiers. 764 00:33:59,037 --> 00:34:01,472 So I think I talked about that in our last program. 765 00:34:01,472 --> 00:34:05,910 We have in small group a platinum, gold, silver and bronze. 766 00:34:05,910 --> 00:34:09,180 And we're the only one in market with a bronze plan. 767 00:34:09,180 --> 00:34:12,450 And I think there is going to be a new entrant on the platinum plan. 768 00:34:12,450 --> 00:34:15,153 But we have most of our small groups are in gold 769 00:34:15,153 --> 00:34:18,623 because they want to have a richer benefit, lower predictable 770 00:34:18,890 --> 00:34:22,393 out-of-pocket costs from deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket. 771 00:34:23,127 --> 00:34:25,830 And we also offer a predictable co-pays. 772 00:34:25,830 --> 00:34:29,167 A lot of carriers will have co-insurance, and that's 773 00:34:29,167 --> 00:34:30,535 when it gets really messy, right? 774 00:34:30,535 --> 00:34:32,203 Like people are like, what is this going to cost me 775 00:34:32,203 --> 00:34:35,606 when I go to the pharmacy counter on this particular drug I'm on? 776 00:34:35,606 --> 00:34:39,510 And so co-insurance is, I always say it's kind of fuzzy math. 777 00:34:39,510 --> 00:34:42,046 It's very it's very hard to predict. 778 00:34:42,046 --> 00:34:43,347 We have a predictable copay. 779 00:34:43,347 --> 00:34:45,783 You know, if this is your medication, you're going to go pay this amount. 780 00:34:45,783 --> 00:34:48,619 Tier 1, tier 2, tier 3 or whatever it is, that’s it. 781 00:34:49,987 --> 00:34:52,990 So here's what she’s saying, it's not that plus 20%. 782 00:34:53,157 --> 00:34:55,993 Well, you take Jardiance, and my wife takes it. 783 00:34:55,993 --> 00:34:57,395 I've actually paid for it. 784 00:34:57,395 --> 00:34:59,197 It's $700. 785 00:34:59,197 --> 00:35:01,099 Okay. Now you got your copay. 786 00:35:01,099 --> 00:35:04,802 Let's say your co-pay is tier three or tier four, it’s $75 or a 100 bucks. 787 00:35:05,069 --> 00:35:08,439 Oh, and you owe 20% of the total cost of that med. 788 00:35:09,073 --> 00:35:10,741 That's a little different deal. Yes. 789 00:35:10,741 --> 00:35:13,711 And we do have caps on our high costs specialty drugs as well because 790 00:35:13,978 --> 00:35:16,247 on what you have to pay out of pocket so that you'll know what you're paying. 791 00:35:16,247 --> 00:35:18,116 Because we do want people to take their medications. 792 00:35:18,116 --> 00:35:19,784 We know when people are on their medications... 793 00:35:19,784 --> 00:35:20,451 It kinda helps, doesn’t it? 794 00:35:20,451 --> 00:35:21,853 They’re staying out of the hospital. Right. 795 00:35:21,853 --> 00:35:24,989 And in the emergency rooms, which are higher cost of care alternatives. 796 00:35:24,989 --> 00:35:29,894 And so we do have a priority on prescription drugs predictability, 797 00:35:30,461 --> 00:35:33,764 your co-pays for your doctor, we actually incentivize you to go to the doctor. 798 00:35:33,764 --> 00:35:39,704 So we have your first five visits are like basically in some of our plans free. 799 00:35:39,704 --> 00:35:43,207 Or they may be a $35 copay, depending on what metal tier you're on. 800 00:35:43,441 --> 00:35:45,443 And so we want folks to go to the doctor. 801 00:35:45,443 --> 00:35:46,911 We're not wanting you not to get care 802 00:35:46,911 --> 00:35:49,914 because we know you're going to stay with us for a while. 803 00:35:49,914 --> 00:35:53,651 Usually, most of our employers have stayed with us for 40 plus years. 804 00:35:53,951 --> 00:35:56,521 And so we want to make sure we're taking care of folks, 805 00:35:56,521 --> 00:35:59,590 because those that national carriers will come in and have aggressive pricing 806 00:35:59,824 --> 00:36:01,792 and then two years, they'll they'll increase it. 807 00:36:01,792 --> 00:36:03,494 And then all of a sudden they're gone. 808 00:36:03,494 --> 00:36:04,996 They're gone. And you're no longer in it. 809 00:36:04,996 --> 00:36:06,430 And you come back to us usually. 810 00:36:06,430 --> 00:36:10,968 And then you know that we want to focus on making sure you're well both physically 811 00:36:10,968 --> 00:36:11,569 and mentally. 812 00:36:11,569 --> 00:36:12,870 We got about 45 seconds 813 00:36:12,870 --> 00:36:15,873 left talking very quickly about virtual because all the rural counties. 814 00:36:16,007 --> 00:36:17,875 Yeah. The big deal. Absolutely. 815 00:36:17,875 --> 00:36:19,243 And we think that's a big deal. 816 00:36:19,243 --> 00:36:22,113 So we have telehealth for physical and mental health. 817 00:36:22,113 --> 00:36:25,349 So instead of going to, you have an ear infection. 818 00:36:25,349 --> 00:36:26,484 You know it's an ear infection, right? 819 00:36:26,484 --> 00:36:28,252 You don't want to go sit in a waiting room at 820 00:36:28,252 --> 00:36:30,421 or I don't for sure an emergency department. 821 00:36:30,421 --> 00:36:32,256 You don't want to go pay for that copay. 822 00:36:32,256 --> 00:36:33,658 We provide. 823 00:36:33,658 --> 00:36:35,226 Typically some of our plans 824 00:36:35,226 --> 00:36:38,129 there is some variability but usually free telehealth services. 825 00:36:38,129 --> 00:36:41,065 And so you're able to go in and access 826 00:36:41,065 --> 00:36:43,901 it's Amwell is our current vendor that we use. 827 00:36:43,901 --> 00:36:46,137 And you're able to go access that 24/7. 828 00:36:46,137 --> 00:36:48,439 Be able to go get that, get your prescription. 829 00:36:48,439 --> 00:36:49,907 You don't have to go sit in a waiting room. 830 00:36:49,907 --> 00:36:51,242 And so you're able to have that. 831 00:36:51,242 --> 00:36:54,178 And so that helps especially in areas when there aren't providers. 832 00:36:54,178 --> 00:36:56,480 Or you're in a rural community, you have to drive 45 minutes 833 00:36:56,480 --> 00:36:58,649 to get to an urgent care center or something. 834 00:36:58,649 --> 00:36:59,483 This is great. 835 00:36:59,483 --> 00:37:00,585 It's the online. 836 00:37:00,585 --> 00:37:03,821 You go on, you're on the screen, you're talking to the doctor, nurse practitioner. 837 00:37:04,021 --> 00:37:06,691 You get what you need is one of the many things that they do. 838 00:37:06,691 --> 00:37:07,592 Thank you. 839 00:37:07,592 --> 00:37:09,160 This is a wealth of information. 840 00:37:09,160 --> 00:37:10,761 It's like drinking from a firehose. 841 00:37:10,761 --> 00:37:13,864 But I'm telling you, I think a lot of you learned a lot today 842 00:37:14,098 --> 00:37:17,068 about what Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas does. 843 00:37:17,068 --> 00:37:19,904 Now, you know why I say the hometown carrier? 844 00:37:19,904 --> 00:37:21,606 Because that's really what they are. 845 00:37:21,606 --> 00:37:24,609 And now I leave you with this thought from Doctor Martin Luther King. 846 00:37:24,909 --> 00:37:28,412 Americans must learn to live together or they are surely going 847 00:37:28,412 --> 00:37:30,481 to perish together as fools. 848 00:37:30,481 --> 00:37:32,750 I don't think truer words were ever spoken. 849 00:37:32,750 --> 00:37:35,686 Thank you for listening to America's Healthcare Advocate show, 850 00:37:35,686 --> 00:37:40,858 broadcasting coast to coast across the USA here on the HIA Radio Network. 851 00:37:41,192 --> 00:37:42,526 Goodbye America.