Consumerism

This year has brought many challenges to our industry. But for GuideWell, 2020 is so much more than a story of tribulations. It’s a story of how we’ve overcome adversity in powerful and meaningful ways.

You may recall last December, we highlighted our enterprise’s 10 big wins for 2019. I find it only fitting to carry on this tradition this year by highlighting how we’re staying true to our mission through an unprecedented year.

This is what reimagining the future of health care looks like. And through efforts like these, we will continue driving health care costs down and increasing access for more individuals and families.

In no particular order, here are 10 accomplishments through adversity from 2020:

There’s no more important time to have affordable quality health care coverage than in the midst of a crisis like COVID-19. We kept that in mind as our team prepared for the annual Open Enrollment Period for 2021.

Our members’ needs have changed from even just a year ago. That’s why we expanded myBlue, our most affordable plan, to 36 counties. We made sure our premiums are even more affordable in 2021. We increased the amount members can earn in rewards incentives. And virtual health will play a more prominent role than ever – so we’ve got members covered there, too.

The drug manufacturer Pfizer has announced that early data indicates its coronavirus vaccine is more than 90% effective. They’re seeking emergency use authorization, which could make the vaccine available to some before the end of the year. And the FDA has issued emergency authorization for an Eli Lilly antibody therapy to treat mild to moderate cases.

That said, there has never been a more important time to make sure we’re doing everything possible to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy. It’s up to us to continue our important work to keep our communities safe – from encouraging healthy habits to helping prevent the flu.

By: Sonya Ferris, Enterprise Communications

They’ve been around for a while—and they couldn’t be more proud of that fact.

Offering both high-quality, integrated care and a wide range of affordable health insurance options for individuals, families and groups, Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) has been serving the communities of Central Florida since 1974. In fact, they’re the second oldest HMO in the nation!

But don’t let their age fool you. Now part of GuideWell Health after first being acquired by Florida Blue in 2009, FHCP offers innovative care plans, coupled with cutting-edge health delivery.

Their all-in-one facilities provide state-of-the-art treatment and advanced technology with labs, pharmacies, primary care physician offices, radiology, and extended hours care centers under one roof.

GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care, announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement to acquire WebTPA, an innovative and market leading administrator of self-funded employer health plans.

WebTPA provides integrated and highly customizable administration solutions and products to employers, health systems and insurance companies. Through its technology, operating platform and deep expertise, WebTPA is able to uniquely serve the needs of its customers. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of the year, were not disclosed.

GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care including Florida Blue, Florida’s leading health insurer, announced that it has signed an agreement to become the majority shareholder of New Directions Behavioral Health (New Directions), a leading managed behavioral health care organization.

GuideWell, currently a minority shareholder of New Directions, will acquire all interests from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as part of the transaction. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and BlueCross Blue Shield of Louisiana will remain minority shareholders of New Directions. New Directions will continue to operate as an independent company and retain all exiting and remaining owner plans as customers. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

A South Florida organization dedicated to empowering student health ambassadors has taken top honors in a statewide innovation challenge to address health access and equality. Health Information Project (HIP) was awarded a $40,000 grand prize in the GuideWell Reshaping Health Access Challenge, a statewide competition focused on addressing health disparities in Florida.

Fourteen Florida organizations dedicated to improving health equity will face off in the GuideWell Reshaping Health Access Challenge virtual state finals on Wed., Oct. 28 for an opportunity to win a grand prize of $40,000 in funding to further their efforts to help achieve health access or health literacy in their respective community. The 14 finalists were selected after pitching their solutions to a panel of judges at one of four regional pitch events held virtually in mid-September.

GuideWell issued the statewide challenge to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, innovators and organizations to seek innovative ideas for improving health disparities – an issue that has long existed and that has become more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent civic unrest and racial tension across the country.

Leveraging Teladoc Health’s existing partnership, GuideWell members will have access to Livongo’s end-to-end virtual care experience for diabetes

GuideWell Mutual Holding Corporation (GuideWell), the parent to a family of forward-thinking companies focused on transforming health care, announced a strategic agreement today with Livongo (Nasdaq: LVGO) the leading Applied Health Signals company empowering people with chronic conditions to live better and healthier lives.

Florida Blue, a GuideWell subsidiary and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan of Florida, will provide access to Livongo for Diabetes to select members.

As our country continues taking slow steps towards reopening our economy, it's important to begin easing your way back into your health care routines.

COVID-19 caused many of us to hesitate booking doctor's appointments, and most elective procedures were canceled all together.

Now more than ever, it's important to keep up with your children's checkups and your own annual physicals. Tele-health options are available for much of this care. Medical offices, clinics and other health facilities have made significant strides in ensuring their locations are safe and clean. And you're providing yourself added protection by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and keeping appropriate distance from others.