Program Expands To Help Members Improve Overall Health

April 12, 2022

In 2021, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina launched My Health Novel℠ with a weight management chapter. It focuses on providing members with the tools and support to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This chapter demonstrates the positive effect digital and in-person offerings can have on member satisfaction, engagement and outcomes.

In 2022, My Health Novel is expanding to include two new chapters: musculoskeletal (MSK) health and behavioral health. The MSK and behavioral health programs give members even more resources to improve their health through a personalized approach. These new chapters include tools and resources from eMindful, Headspace® and Ginger for behavioral health and Hinge Health, Kaia Health and Sworkit for MSK.* As they do in the weight management program, members take an assessment and are matched with a provider to help them achieve their goals and meet milestones. 

“Health is not one-size-fits-all, so our health care solutions must be as unique as our members,” says Matt Shaffer, senior vice president of Major Group at BlueCross. “My Health Novel provides personalized solutions for each member that fit their lifestyle and health goals.”

The virtual network of resources provides members with a solution that works for the individual. 

Why these chapters? 

The health benefits of losing weight are greater physical mobility and lower risk for Type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea and depression. Even modest weight loss is helpful to improve overall health. Another aspect of overall health is behavioral health. When members address behavioral health issues, they can reduce anxiety and depression. Behavioral health affects physical health, as well. For example, depression carries increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Lastly, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons** says 10 to 28 percent of primary care visits are for MSK complaints. With the new MSK chapter, My Health Novel aims to help people increase mobility, reduce pain and avoid surgery. 

Can it help employers save money on medical costs?  

My Health Novel helps employers who provide health coverage and this program to their employees lower their health care costs. In addition to enjoying improved health, members save money when they take steps to reduce their risks. For example, medical costs increase by about $8,010 during the first three years of a person’s diabetes diagnosis, but with a diabetes prevention program in place, an employer’s cost per member may decrease by as much as 20 percent.

Who can benefit from these chapters?

My Health Novel is available to program subscribers, spouses and covered dependents who are 18 or older. Employers who are interested in offering this program to their employees should contact their BlueCross representatives.

Learn more about the weight management chapter here

*eMindful, Headspace and Ginger are independent companies that provide behavioral and mental health support services on behalf of BlueCross. Hinge Health, Kaia Health and Sworkit are independent companies that provide musculoskeletal care and workout programs on behalf of BlueCross.


**The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is an independent organization that provides health information you may find helpful. 

image of smartphone with My Health Novel app open Hover image

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