The University of Nebraska is pleased to offer a valuable new health service called BluePartners, a disease management program provided by your health plan in conjunction with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska. The program is available at no additional cost and applies to you and your covered family members if you are dealing with any of four chronic medical conditions: diabetes, heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease and asthma.

The BluePartners disease management program is the next step in the University’s wellness initiatives for faculty and staff. The goal is to assist people who are dealing with the chronic conditions above to decrease the risk of complications, provide better access to health care information, improve the quality of health care and, at the same time, contain health costs through avoiding costly hospitalization.

Why were these particular conditions chosen as the first step in this program? These conditions represent almost one-third of all payments made by the health plan. By more effectively managing these conditions, we can make an impact on the health of faculty and staff and in the long run, keep costs lower.

The BluePartners program offers personalized attention – from a team of health care professionals - custom-designed to fit individual needs, lifestyles, and doctor’s instructions. BluePartners strives to educate and empower covered plan members by providing a wide variety of support: personal phone contact with a registered nurse, educational materials and internet tools. Health care professionals can answer your questions about specified chronic conditions, as well as consult with you and your doctor regarding treatment plans. Program participants also receive educational materials and newsletters on topics related to their specific condition, as well as reminders about important tests and exams.

The University and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska are working together to reach those who would benefit most from this program, identifying potential participants through medical and prescription drug claims. However, as always, your privacy will be respected and your records kept strictly confidential.

If you or your family members are dealing with diabetes, a heart condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma, a BluePartners registered nurse will contact you in early January. When the nurse phones, your caller ID will read, “Your Health Plan.”

Enclosed is a brochure with additional information. If you have further questions, please contact your Campus Benefits Office.

The University is excited to make BluePartners available as part of your health insurance coverage. Working together, we can make a difference.

BluePartners Program Brochure