COVID-19
Helping BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina members find the right care at the right time with helpful conversation starters to have with their doctors.
The Importance of Building a Network During a Pandemic
June 25, 2020: Because of the pandemic, many South Carolinians have found there has been a shift in employment, opportunities and career growth. Business networking remains an important tool for working professionals, whether looking for a new job after losing one, staying updated with business trends or connecting for career advancement. Experts from the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce offer insight into building a professional network today.
10 Tips for Working from Home
April 16, 2020: With the global spread of COVID-19, many employees have been working from home. If you’ve never worked remotely, the prospect can be intimidating. Here are some tips to ease the transition.
Increasing Access to Behavioral Health Care in the Face of COVID-19
Aug. 6, 2020: The pandemic has significantly affected our nation’s mental health, creating new obstacles for people already struggling from a behavioral health condition. As the pandemic continues, Americans are reporting sharply elevated levels of anxiety and stress. This creates new urgency around providing your employees behavioral health care that’s easier to access and more affordable.
For Your Business
Careers
Interning During a Pandemic
July 30, 2020: There’s no doubt that 2020 will be a memorable year for all of us. And for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina’s summer interns, that will be especially true.
How To Clean Up Your Resume
Aug. 20, 2020: Since the start of the pandemic in March, thousands of South Carolinians have lost their jobs. One of the first steps to looking for employment opportunities is to get your resume updated. BlueCross recruiter Sharon Ellington shared some of her top resume tips to get yours to the top of the pile.
Healthy SC
How to Get Outside While Social Distancing
May 21, 2020: Many South Carolinians have spent the last few weeks at home practicing social distancing recommendations. As the weather gets nicer and warmer, people may be thinking about how to get outside to explore our state safely. Here are a few things to think about when planning how to explore South Carolina safely.
How to Ride Blue Bike SC Safely During the Pandemic
July 16, 2020: If you want to get outside and explore Columbia but stay safe while social distancing, look no further than Blue Bike SC. The bikeshare program in downtown Columbia has taken precautions to keep riders safe as they explore the city. Here are a few things to know when riding Blue Bike this summer.
Health Care Insurance 101
I Lost My Job and Health Insurance. What Do I Do Now?
April 23, 2020: For the thousands of individuals filing for unemployment in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, this time may mean a loss of health insurance coverage. BlueCross has responded to make sure those affected have options.
Community
How Can I Help Our Community Right Now?
April 30, 2020: Since traditional volunteer opportunities have been canceled, the BlueCross Community Relations team pulled together some ideas for how you can help your community right now while practicing safe social distancing.
Finding Help in South Carolina
July 10, 2020: The last few months have been hard for many South Carolinians. There may come a time when you or a family member needs access to services. The BlueCross community relations team offers this list of resources that can help.
Health
BlueCross Chief Medical Officer Addresses Coronavirus
Jan. 31, 2020: BlueCross wants you to know that we are closely monitoring the coronavirus epidemic, which has now been classified as a global health emergency. Here is some important information from our Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matthew Bartels.
BlueCross Expands Benefits for Virtual Visits
March 23, 2020: BlueCross is taking steps to increase access to care in response to the Coronavirus. Telehealth visits provide convenience for people to access care using a smartphone, computer or tablet device.
What Should I Do If I Think I’m Sick?
March 27, 2020: If you are starting to feel ill these days you are probably wondering if you have COVID-19. Because confusion and miscommunication are common in situations like this, Dr. Matt Bartels, vice president and chief medical officer for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, answers some of the more common questions for members who think they may have COVID-19.
7 Ways to Stay Healthy During Self-Isolation
April 9, 2020: These days you may be struggling with work/life balance more than usual as you stay at home with family and continue to work. A BlueCross health coach shares some tips to maintain your health during these uncertain times.
COVID-19 Updates
April 9, 2020 (Updated): COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that may cause illness in people. Find answers to some frequently asked questions here.
75 Percent of Americans with Behavioral Health Conditions are Continuing Therapy Services During the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
May 18, 2020: New survey data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) shows that 75 percent of Americans with behavioral health conditions are continuing therapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the prevalence of telehealth and other digital health services.
What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Dental Care During the Pandemic
June 4, 2020: As many businesses and daily activities reopen, many South Carolinians may be rescheduling missed dental appointments or planning for upcoming trips to the dentist. President of the South Carolina Dental Association provides insight into dental care during the pandemic.
Safety Tips for Getting Out During Re-Opening
June 18, 2020: At some point in the past couple of months you’ve probably searched online for answers to all kinds of questions about what is or is not safe during the pandemic. As South Carolina moves to re-open many businesses, BlueCross pulled together some resources to help South Carolinians determine what is best for their families.
What to Consider When Traveling This Summer
July 2, 2020: With summer in full swing, many South Carolinians may be thinking about traveling for vacation. The number of coronavirus cases continues to rise, so it is important to make sure you are following guidelines from your community and government entities. Here are a few things to take into account when deciding how and where to travel this summer.
Children and Covid-19: What to Know
July 23, 2020: There may be a lot of unknowns with novel coronavirus, but BlueCross’ Dr. Matt Bartels, vice president and chief medical officer, provides some answers to common questions parents may have about the pandemic’s effect on children.
A Primary Care Doctor on COVID-19: What to Know
Aug. 13, 2020: The coronavirus pandemic has raised dozens of questions. We spoke with one of BlueCross' doctors to get answers to some common questions.
Protect Yourself and Others: The Importance of Vaccines and the Flu Shot
Dec. 30, 2020 (Updated): Undoubtedly, vaccines have been on everyone’s mind since the start of the pandemic. Several vaccines for COVID-19 are under development. Here are the basics on vaccines and the flu shot and why you should make sure you and your family members are up to date on your vaccines.
Drinking, Substance Use, Mental Health Issues Up During The Pandemic
Sep. 3, 2020: A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found increases in the number of Americans struggling with mental health conditions like depression, substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. BlueCross' Dr. April Richardson discusses the findings and ways to cope during the pandemic.
What to Know About the Flu
Sep. 10, 2020: With the cooler temperatures and the start of fall comes another season — flu season. With COVID-19 in the front of everyone’s mind, here’s what you should know about this year’s flu season.
The Difference Between the Flu and COVID-19
Oct. 29, 2020: Flu season in the United States started in September amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is important to know the differences between the two diseases and when to seek care.
Supporting Your Employees’ Full Health During COVID-19
Nov. 17, 2020: Without a doubt, this has been a uniquely challenging time for us all — and those challenges are only going to continue for employers as more companies begin to explore return-to-the-workplace scenarios. While some of your employees are ready and willing to get back to the workplace, others are going to be remote for several more months. Moving forward, we know recognizing and supporting the overall well-being of your people is job one.
Coping With COVID-19 and Seasonal Depression
Dec. 3, 2020: The days are getting shorter and COVID-19 cases are spiking. Increased stress because of the pandemic and its companions — isolation, the challenges of navigating kids’ education schedules, potential economic hardship, a polarized political climate and the fear of, or reality of, losing loved ones — all add to the mental health burden people are feeling right now. Together, all this may make this winter more difficult.
One Year Later: Looking Back on a Year With COVID-19 and What We Know Now
March 4, 2021: This month marks one year since the coronavirus pandemic reached South Carolina. Now the state nears 8,000 deaths from the virus and almost 500,000 confirmed cases, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. BlueCross’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matt Bartels shares some insight on what we have learned, recommendations for staying safe now and what to expect in the months ahead.
Pandemic Shines Light on Health Care Disparities
March 11, 2021: The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the gap in health care outcomes and access to care faced by minorities. A recent report from a policy group in the state has highlighted the disparities communities of color face in light of COVID-19. BlueCross' Dr. Shawn Stinson serves on the board. He discusses the findings and why it is important the health care community address the issue.
Has the Pandemic Changed Behavioral Health Care Forever?
May 27, 2021: As the world moves to recover as much prepandemic life as possible, the question becomes how the pandemic will change behavioral health care long term. BlueCross' Dr. April Richardson offers insight into the future of behavioral health care.
What to Know About COVID-19
June 3, 2021: It has been more than a year since COVID-19 became part of everyday conversation. As the pandemic wears on, concerns and precautions change. BlueCross' Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matt Bartels gives an update for what is happening with the virus right now.
What You Need to Know This Cold and Flu Season
Sept. 2, 2021: Cooler temperatures bring increases in the common cold and flu cases. Even though COVID-19 is still impacting the health care system, there are plenty of things you can do to help prevent illness and stay healthy this year. One of BlueCross' doctors answers common questions to make sure you are prepared this fall and winter.
3 Things to Know About COVID-19
Oct. 21, 2021: BlueCross' medical expert offers insight on COVID-19 areas of interest such as vaccines, protection for pregnant people, breakthrough cases, the Delta variant and booster shots. Information changes quickly so check back or follow national and local health departments for up-to-date guidance.
COVID-19 Update: Vaccines and Children
Nov. 9, 2021: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 – 11. Our chief medical officer, a pediatrician, gives an update on the state of the coronavirus pandemic and answers some questions parents may have about the vaccine.
COVID-19: Two Years Later
March 24, 2022: Two years ago, the COVID-19 virus became a pandemic and changed the world. BlueCross medical experts have offered insight on everything from children's health, mental health and health disparities. Several of our medical staff looked back on what we have learned in the last two years and what South Carolinians can expect in the next few months with the pandemic.
COVID Update
The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ended May 11, 2023. The COVID-19 national emergency ended April 10, 2023. The standard terms of your health plan or policy now apply to any COVID-19 related services. Please review your schedule of benefits if you have any questions.