How BCBS companies are helping members who struggle with depression

Published May 11, 2018

Eighty-five percent of people who live with depression have one or more other serious, chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension – which could lead to a loss of 10 years of healthy life, as found in the Health of America Report, Major Depression: The Impact on Overall Health. 

But, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country are using innovative strategies to help people manage all of their health needs.

Major depression affects more than 9 million Americans. Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are pioneering ways to treat the whole person.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan empowers doctors to combine primary care with behavioral health services by providing data and rewarding them for improving overall health.
Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey partners with gastroenterology practices that screen for behavioral health conditions to coordinate care, improve health outcomes, and reduce ER visits.
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program (FEP), launched a pilot that identifies members with major depression and chronic conditions, then engages them through secured video or phone.
Blue Shield of California contacts patients with chronic diseases who may also have depression to help them manage all conditions through counseling, care coordination, and education.