https://connect.bcbsnm.com/ask-bcbsnm/f/questions-and-answers/195/id-card-without-member-id-number/247Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:01:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c5eb7ca9-951d-4d07-828a-d4e5142bc12eBCBSNM Connect TeamYou can hover over our name and click the button to send a private message. ~ KWhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/ask-bcbsnm/f/questions-and-answers/195/id-card-without-member-id-number/246Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:35:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:ac4b3c2e-784e-4413-8f9a-d7912cd351b0AdrianreaHow do I do that?https://connect.bcbsnm.com/ask-bcbsnm/f/questions-and-answers/195/id-card-without-member-id-number/245Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:27:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:6d656cb9-b76e-4edf-97a8-2be7d709f67bBCBSNM Connect TeamHello Adrianrea, We can help you with this if you'd like to send us a private message. ~ KWhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/ask-bcbsnm/f/questions-and-answers/195/id-card-without-member-id-number/244Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:89c083f4-c714-4727-bd43-9b03d10d4687AdrianreaI don’t have member to id and cannot get access to my id card eitherhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/salud-mental-del-adolescenteMon, 06 Apr 2026 16:52:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:50e2ddf8-d2ac-496b-8de4-fdb680ed34dfEquipoConnectLos adolescentes enfrentan más desafíos que nunca. Sufren presión en la escuela, con los amigos y en las redes sociales. No es de extrañar que su salud mental pueda verse afectada. No tienes que esperar hasta que tu hijo adolescente esté en crisis para hablar sobre el tema. Habla con tu hijo adolescente temprano y con frecuencia. La necesidad es crítica. Según la Alianza Nacional sobre Enfermedades Mentales (NAMI , (en inglés), casi la mitad de los casos de enfermedades mentales comienzan a los 14 años. En Estados Unidos, 1 de cada 6 jóvenes de entre 6 y 17 años experimenta un problema de salud mental cada año. Las enfermedades mentales son un problema de salud común que puede afectar el pensamiento, los sentimientos, las acciones o el estado de ánimo de una persona. Estos problemas de salud afectan profundamente la vida diaria y la relación con los demás. Sin embargo, muchas personas tienen miedo de hablar sobre ellos. Los padres y otras personas pueden apoyar a los jóvenes. La clave es ser intencional sobre cómo interactuar con ellos. Bríndales espacios seguros para que puedan mostrar su verdadera identidad. Dales la oportunidad de hablar sobre cómo se sienten realmente, dice NAMI . Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades señalan que los niños y los adolescentes mentalmente saludables tienen una calidad de vida positiva y pueden desempeñ*** bien en el hogar, en la escuela y en las comunidades donde participan. Alcanzan los hitos del desarrollo y emocionales, y aprenden habilidades sociales saludables y cómo sobrellevar los problemas. La ansiedad y la depresión son problemas comunes para los niños y los adolescentes. Pero a menudo no comparten sus preocupaciones. Por eso, los padres deben estar atentos a los problemas. Presta atención a las señales Mantente alerta para saber cómo se sienten. Conoce las señales de advertencia de los posibles problemas: cambios en el estado de ánimo o la personalidad; evasión de las interacciones sociales; ausencia escolar o cambios en las calificaciones; cambios en los hábitos de alimentación o sueño; alta irritabilidad o estallidos de enojo; mayor número de molestias físicas, como dolores de cabeza o dolores de estómago; conversaciones sobre la autolesión o el intento de suicidio. Ofréceles apoyo Busca la manera de ofrecerles el apoyo que puedan necesitar. Comienza haciendo algunas preguntas abiertas como las siguientes: ¿Cómo te sientes hoy? ¿Qué está pasando que te hace sentir de esta manera? ¿Cuál fue la mejor parte de tu día? ¿Qué fue la peor parte de tu día? ¿Qué es algo que estás esperando? ¿Qué es algo que te preocupa esta semana? Está bien si las respuestas parecen cortas. El objetivo es continuar la conversión. Habla con ellos con frecuencia. Sigue haciéndolo Escucha a tu hijo. Trata de comprender sus sentimientos y mostrarle que le importas. Ten en cuenta lo siguiente: No intentes resolver el problema de tu hijo. Solo muéstrale que lo escuchas activamente. Sé paciente y no juzgues. Evita desestimar los sentimientos de tu hijo. No uses expresiones como "estás loco", "qué dramático" o "quieres llamar la atención". Sé cuidadoso cuando respondas. Las respuestas empáticas pueden ayudar a tu hijo a sentirse comprendido y más cómodo para hablar sobre sentimientos difíciles contigo. También genera confianza. Trata de decirle cosas como las siguientes: Es una sensación difícil de sobrellevar pero estoy aquí para apoyarte. Podemos encontrar la manera de superar esto juntos. Haz todo lo posible para ayudarles a desarrollar la resiliencia y los métodos para sobrellevar la adversidad. Ser capaz de lidiar con los cambios y los desafíos es una señal de buena salud mental. Si los pasos que tomas por tu cuenta no son suficientes, habla con el médico de tu hijo. Tal vez pueda ayudarles o sugerirles un terapeuta, consejero o psicólogo calificado. Pide ayuda Si un niño o un adolescente muestran signos de autolesión o de conductas suicidas, la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis puede ayudarles. Puedes llamar, enviar mensajes de texto o chatear al 988 desde cualquier lugar en los EE. UU. La ayuda está disponible las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana. Otros recursos: Línea directa de prevención del suicidio y casos de crisis: Envía la palabra AYUDA por mensaje de texto al 741741 o visita crisistextline.org National Alliance on Mental Illness: Visita nami.org Fuentes: Mental Health Conditions (problemas de salud mental) , How to Show Up For Teenagers With Record Levels of Sadness (cómo estar presente ante adolescentes con niveles récord de tristeza) , National Alliance on Mental Illness (alianza nacional sobre enfermedades mentales); About Children's Mental Health , Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades, 2025EspañolTu SaludDepresiónMente SaludableQué son la depresión y la ansiedadSalud mentalhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/teen-mental-healthMon, 06 Apr 2026 16:31:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:aaddc7b9-1c2b-4fa8-a4b2-84c77a45522aBCBSNM Connect TeamTeens are facing more challenges than ever. There’s pressure from school, friends and social media. No wonder their mental health can suffer. You don’t have to wait until your teen is in crisis to talk about it. Talk to your teen early and often. The need is critical. Research shows nearly half of all lifetime cases of mental illness start by age 14, says the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) . And in the U.S., 1 in 6 young people ages 6-17 experience a mental health issue each year. Mental illness is a common health problem. It can affect a person's thinking, feeling, actions or mood. These health problems deeply impact day-to-day living and relating to others. But many people are scared to talk about them. Parents and others can help support young people. The key is to be intentional about engaging with them. Give them safe spaces to show their true selves. Give them a chance to talk about how they’re really doing, says NAMI . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says mentally healthy children and teens have a positive quality of life and can function well at home, in school and in their communities. They reach developmental and emotional milestones and learn healthy social skills and how to cope when there are problems. Anxiety and depression are common issues for children and teens. But they often won’t share their worries. So parents need to be on the lookout for issues. Watch For Signs Keep an eye out for how they’re feeling. Learn the warning signs of possible problems: Changes in mood or personality Avoiding social interactions Missing school and/or changes in grades Changes in eating or sleeping habits High irritability and/or outbursts Increased physical complaints, like headaches or stomach aches Talking about self-harm or attempting suicide Offer Support Look for ways to offer the support they may need. Start by asking open-ended questions. Some questions you might try are: How are you feeling today? What’s going on that is causing you to feel this way? What was the best part of your day? What was the worst part of your day? What is something you are looking forward to? What is something you are worried about this week? It’s OK if their answers seem short. The goal is to keep talking. Check in with them often. Keep It Going Listen to your teen. Try hard to grasp their feelings and show you care. Remember: Don’t try to solve your teen’s issue. Just show them you’re actively listening. Be patient and don’t judge. Avoid dismissing your teen’s feelings in any way. Be sure not to use terms like “crazy” or “dramatic” or “attention-seeking.” Be caring when you respond. Empathetic responses can help your teen feel understood and more comfortable talking about difficult feelings with you. It also builds trust. Try to say things like: That’s a hard feeling to cope with, but I’m here to support you through this. We can find a way through this together. Work to help them build resilience and coping methods. Being able to deal with changes and challenges is a sign of good mental health. If the steps you take on your own aren’t enough, talk with your child’s doctor. They may be able to help or suggest a qualified therapist, counselor or psychologist. Get Help If a child or teen is showing signs of self-harm or suicidal behaviors, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can help. You can call, text or chat 988 from anywhere in the U.S. Help is available 24/7. Other resources: Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org National Alliance on Mental Illness: Visit nami.org Sources: Mental Health Conditions , National Alliance on Mental Illness; How to Show Up For Teenagers With Record Levels of Sadness , National Alliance on Mental Illness; About Children's Mental Health , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025Health and WellnessUnderstanding Depression and AnxietyChildren’s HealthMental HealthHealthy MindDepressionhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/ask-bcbsnm/w/frequently-asked-questions/18/view-claimsThu, 02 Apr 2026 21:13:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:03ff2882-9897-497c-9228-2e11b8a63b30BridgettIf you're looking for a way to manage your medical claims, your online member account is the way to go. To get started, log in to your account online or through our free BCBSNM App and click on Claims. You can view claims from the past 18 months. You can also search and filter claims to help find the information you need. Filter by member, claim type, claim status and health service provider. You can also download or print claims information. When you download your claims information, you can select one or more claims and download the information to one spreadsheet. The file will show the type of claim and itemized cost information. Each claim comes with an Explanation of Benefits , a quick guide to help you better understand your claims information. Your EOB will break down the services you received, the cost of the services and what you might have to pay. Want updates about your claims status? Log in to your member account. Go to My Account, Profile and Preferences and open Notification Preferences . Choose alerts by email, text or both.Medical ClaimsBlue Access for MembersBAMOpen Enrollmenthttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/healthy-gut-healthy-lifeThu, 02 Apr 2026 20:50:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:20aee5d9-6012-4321-9800-4926c96faf51BCBSNM Connect TeamYou may have heard that your gut is your second brain. The saying gives a sense of how vital your digestive system is to the rest of your body. But what does it mean? A network of hundreds of millions of nerve cells called neurons line the gut, or your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The gut has the same kinds of neurons as the brain. And there’s also crosstalk between the gut and the brain. The gut doesn’t just control things like our hunger and digestion. It’s a huge part of our immune system. It even contributes to mental well-being, says Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University . GI issues are also often linked to neurological health problems such as Parkinson’s. And 60 percent of people with generalized anxiety also have irritable bowel syndrome. How your gut is working has a big impact on your daily life. And millions of Americans have at least one digestive problem. So how can you keep your gut healthy? Immune Health and What You Eat If you want to boost your immunity, look to the gut, says UCLA Health . That’s because 70 percent of the immune system is found in the gut. Immune cells in the gut interact with all kinds of bacteria and fungi that live there. What you eat and how you take care of your body change the mix. Those gut bugs are healthiest and support strong immunity when you eat plant foods that are high in fiber. A diet high in animal proteins, sugar, processed foods and saturated fat creates gut bacteria that cause inflammation and life-long health problems. A fiber-rich diet, on the other hand, lowers the inflammation response. Think fiber-filled plant foods like apples, broccoli, yams and zucchini. Having extra weight also alters immune function. Fat tissues send out hormones and chemicals that fire up inflammation. There are ways to help your gut help you. The main drivers of gut health change are shifts in stomach acid, gut immunity and the mix of bacteria in your digestive system. When gut health is good, you’re less likely to have harmful inflammation and breaks in immunity, says Johns Hopkins Medicine . To improve your gut health through diet, try to: Pump up the plants. Aim for five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Eat good fats. They support immune function. Use olive oil to cook and add avocado slices to your salads. Eat wild-caught fish; it’s healthier than farmed varieties. Have protein at each meal, instead of only at dinner. Spread it out. The immune system runs better on more regular servings of protein. Your protein can come from animal products. But don’t forget that plant sources like beans and lentils can be healthier choices. Add spices and herbs to your foods. They add flavor and also support gut-bug diversity. Try fermented and pickled foods, like kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut. More Ways to Boost Your Gut Health Taking care of yourself will help your immune system take care of you, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since everything in your body ties together, what you eat is important, but it’s just one part of gut health. There are other important ways to keep your gut, and the rest of you, healthier: Get more sleep. Get more exercise. Get a handle on your stress. Get help for anxiety and depression. Making some changes to your life can charge up your immune system for overall better mental and physical health. Sources: If you want to boost immunity, look to the gut , UCLA Health, 2021; Your gut - the second brain? Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute at Stanford University, 2023; Your Digestive System: 5 Ways to Support Gut Health , Johns Hopkins Medicine; Healthy Habits: Enhancing Immunity , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025Health and WellnessHealthy EatingColon HealthNutritionInflammationhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/seguridad-de-los-medicamentosThu, 02 Apr 2026 20:05:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3a0c68be-548f-4000-a32f-c0a7c60115c4EquipoConnectLos medicamentos pueden ayudar a tu salud de muchas maneras. Desde medicamentos de venta libre hasta medicamentos con receta que tratan enfermedades que ponen en riesgo la vida, la medicina puede tener un impacto positivo importante. Pero solo si se usa y toma de la manera correcta. Más de un millón de estadounidenses acude a la sala de emergencias cada año debido a eventos adversos a medicamentos: daños que resultan del uso o uso incorrecto de medicamentos. Las investigaciones muestran que los medicamentos no se toman como se les recetó la mitad del tiempo y que cada año, millones de recetas ni siquiera se surten. Algunas de las razones incluyen preocupaciones sobre el costo y los efectos secundarios, e incluso simplemente porque se olvidan. Pero a menudo se debe a que las personas no entienden cómo tomar los medicamentos correctamente o el motivo por el que es importante tomarlos. Puede ser difícil tomar medicamentos de la manera correcta, especialmente si tomas más de uno. Pero es importante tomarse el tiempo para entender para qué te recetaron cada medicamento y la forma correcta de usarlo o tomarlo. Vale la pena estar seguro y obtener los resultados positivos que necesitas. A continuación, presentamos algunas cosas que debes tener en cuenta sobre los medicamentos y consejos para tomarlos de la manera correcta. Tómalo o úsalo según las indicaciones. Es importante que continúes tomando los medicamentos según las indicaciones. Por ejemplo, toma todos los antibióticos que necesitas. Si no lo haces, es posible que el medicamento no elimine las bacterias que causan la infección. Hora del día La hora en que tomas o usas un medicamento puede marcar la diferencia. Algunos medicamentos pueden causarte sueño o mantenerte despierto. Algunos medicamentos se toman más de una vez al día con un cierto período de tiempo entre las dosis, por lo que es importante tomar cada dosis en el momento adecuado. Hacerlo a la misma hora todos los días también puede ayudarte a recordar tomarlo. Cada cuándo se deben tomar Los medicamentos duran diferentes períodos de tiempo en el cuerpo. Algunos se rompen y se desgastan rápidamente. Otros pueden durar un día completo o más. Tomarlo según las indicaciones asegura que te beneficiarás por completo del medicamento. También ayuda a prevenir una sobredosis accidental. Si olvidas tomar una dosis, pregúntale al médico o farmacéutico si debes tomarla inmediatamente o esperar a la siguiente dosis. Con o sin alimentos (o ciertos alimentos) Si el médico te indica que tomes un medicamento con alimentos, puede ser para evitar el malestar estomacal. Si se debe tomar con el estómago vacío, puede ser que le sea más difícil al medicamento de tener efecto si tiene que competir con los últimos alimentos que hayas ingerido. Además, algunos medicamentos no deben tomarse con ciertos alimentos debido a sus ingredientes. Con o sin líquidos La mayoría de las personas toman píldoras con una bebida para poder ingerirlas. El agua es la opción más segura. Algunos medicamentos deben tomarse con mucha agua para ayudarles a funcionar mejor. Otros medicamentos no deben tomarse con ciertos tipos de bebidas, como jugos o productos lácteos. Con o sin otros medicamentos (incluidos los medicamentos de venta libre) Presta atención a las interacciones. Algunos medicamentos pueden anularse entre sí o causar problemas si se toman uno tras otro o al mismo tiempo. Algunos medicamentos son menos efectivos si se toman con otros medicamentos que afectan la digestión (antiácidos). Cuánto hay que tomar Es importante tomar la dosis correcta. Eso puede ser más fácil si tomas un medicamento en forma de píldoras en comparación con un medicamento líquido que tiene que medirse. La cantidad exacta que tomas importa. Es posible que tomar muy poco no funcione y que tomar demasiado sea tóxico. Los farmacéuticos suelen proporcionar una taza o cuchara como medidores para un medicamento líquido. Puedes tomar demasiado accidentalmente si tomas medicamentos combinados. Pero a veces es difícil saber exactamente qué medicamento estás tomando solo con ver el nombre de la marca. Por ejemplo, tomar demasiado acetaminofeno puede causar daño hepático. Tylenol es acetaminofeno. Además, muchos otros productos de venta libre también contienen acetaminofeno, incluidos medicamentos para la tos, el resfriado y la gripe. Asegúrate de verificar los ingredientes de los medicamentos de venta libre para asegurarte de que no estás tomando demasiado de un medicamento. El alcohol y los medicamentos no se deben mezclar El alcohol y los medicamentos recetados pueden ser una combinación peligrosa. Además, muchos medicamentos de venta libre también pueden ser peligrosos cuando se toman con alcohol. La forma en que el alcohol interactúa con los medicamentos depende del medicamento. Algunas combinaciones pueden no ser seguras; otras pueden ser mortales. El alcohol suele aumentar los efectos secundarios de los medicamentos. Es posible que te sientas somnoliento o mareado. También puede hacer que los medicamentos sean menos efectivos. En algunos casos, puedes evitar problemas si esperas consumir alcohol después de tomar tus píldoras. Pero las personas que toman algunos medicamentos deben evitar el consumo de alcohol por completo. Lee atentamente las etiquetas. Habla con el médico sobre cualquier riesgo. Si estás tomando cualquier tipo de medicamento, no bebas alcohol a menos que el médico te diga que es seguro. Mantén una lista de medicamentos Una lista de medicamentos puede ayudarte a llevar un registro de todos los medicamentos con receta y de venta libre, vitaminas y suplementos que tomas. Mantener una lista ayuda a los prestadores de servicios médicos y puede reducir las probabilidades de errores e interacciones adversas con medicamentos. La Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos (FDA, en inglés) expresa que puede ser una herramienta para salvar vidas, especialmente durante una emergencia. Es fácil hacer una lista y mantenerla actualizada: Enumera cada medicamento con receta que tomas. Incluye vitaminas y medicamentos de venta libre como la aspirina y los medicamentos para el resfriado. Mantén la lista contigo todo el tiempo. Muéstrasela al médico, enfermero, farmacéutico u otros prestadores de servicios médicos. Mantenla actualizada con cualquier cambio. La FDA ofrece el registro gratuito My Medicines que puedes descargar para ayudarte a comenzar. Considera estas herramientas de seguridad Hay herramientas nuevas disponibles para ayudarte a administrar, de manera segura, medicamentos con receta como los opioides. Estas herramientas pueden reducir el riesgo de exposición accidental, el uso indebido o la dependencia a largo ‑plazo. Tapas de seguridad Estas tapas especiales se unen a las botellas de medicamentos con receta y solo se pueden abrir usando un código de cuatro dígitos‑. Pueden ayudarte a ti y a tu familia a estar seguros si estás tomando opioides para el dolor continuo. Pueden ser especialmente útiles para evitar que otras personas, como niños o invitados, abran la botella de medicamentos. Bolsas para desactivar medicamentos Las personas a las que se les receta opioides para necesidades a corto plazo, como después de una cirugía, pueden usar estas bolsas para deshacerse, de manera segura, de las píldoras que ya no tomarán. También se pueden usar para ayudar a deshacerse de los medicamentos que han caducado o que ya no se necesitan. Cuando se agrega agua, los productos químicos dentro de la bolsa hacen que el medicamento no pueda usarse. Una vez sellada, la bolsa se puede tirar de manera segura sin el riesgo de que alguien la encuentre y use cualquier medicamento sobrante. Es posible que desees considerar una o ambas de estas herramientas si estás tomando opioides u otro medicamento adictivo. Pueden ayudar a reducir la probabilidad de que las píldoras no se usen o se usen a largo plazo al limitar el acceso y al proporcionar una manera segura de deshacerse de las píldoras sin usar. Muchos de estos productos de seguridad se pueden comprar en línea y, algunas farmacias, hospitales y prestadores de servicios médicos ofrecen artículos similares sin costo. Pide ayuda Si tienes dificultades para tomar los medicamentos según las indicaciones por cualquier motivo, pide ayuda. Si te preocupa el costo, es posible que el médico o farmacéutico sepa las maneras de ayudarte a pagar los medicamentos con receta. Si el problema son los efectos secundarios, es posible que haya un medicamento diferente disponible. También pueden ofrecerte consejos para administrar mejor la forma en que tomas los medicamentos. Desecha los medicamentos de la manera correcta Mantener medicamentos que no necesitas o que han caducado puede ser peligroso. Lo mejor es deshacerse de ellos. Pero hazlo de la manera correcta. Para muchos medicamentos, tirarlos a la basura no es una buena opción. Hay diferentes opciones para deshacerse de los medicamentos de manera segura. Además, la mayoría de las zonas tienen lugares donde se pueden dejar. La FDA puede ayudarte a encontrar la mejor opción. Fuentes: Medication Safety and Your Health , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Create and Keep a Medication List for Your Health , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025; 5 Medication Safety Tips for Older Adults , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Use Medicines Wisely , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019; Drug Disposal: Take Back Locations , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Drug and Alcohol Interactions - What to Avoid , Drugs.com, 2025; Buying & Using Medicine Safely , U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2024; Non-dispensed prescriptions – A nationwide descriptive study , National Library of Medicine, 2024; 8 reasons patients don't take their medications , American Medical Association, 2023; Over-the-Counter Medicine , Cleveland Clinic, 2025EspañolTu SaludMedicamentoReceta MédicaSalud y BienestarUna vida con enfermedades cardiovascularesAdherencia a la medicaciónViviendo con cardiopatía y presión arterial altahttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/how-to-save-moneyThu, 02 Apr 2026 19:19:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:a8f42177-7ae7-4a26-8490-950a490f6cd0BCBSNM Connect TeamNo one likes to pay for health care. But we need health care to help us stay healthy, manage health conditions and get care when we need it most. Health insurance protects us from the financial burden of unexpected medical costs. There are a few ways to help lower your out-of-pocket costs. Read on to learn how you can save on doctor visits, prescription medications, fitness equipment and more. Stay Healthy with Preventive Care The best way to save money on health care costs is to stay on top of your health with preventive care. We can’t always avoid illness, but we can do our part to protect our health with annual exams, health screenings and staying up to date on immunizations. It all begins with scheduling an annual visit with your primary care provider . At the visit, you will talk with your doctor about your health history and any changes you may be noticing. You can also find out what screenings are right for you and if you’re due for any vaccines. Visit an In-Network Provider to Save Money Your health plan gives you access to many kinds of health care providers like doctors, therapists, clinics, pharmacies and hospitals. Before you go for care, make sure a provider is in your health plan network. Those who are contracted to provide care for you and other family members in your health plan are called network providers . They may also be called in-network providers or participating providers . Providers who do not have a contract with your health plan are out of your network . To find providers in your network, log in to your account online or through the BCBSNM App and go to Find Care . Then follow these tips to help keep your costs down. Save on Prescription Medicine There are a few easy ways to save on your prescription medicines: By filling your Rx at an in-network pharmacy for your health insurance plan, by checking your plan’s drug list, and by discussing your options with your provider or pharmacists. Preferred Pharmacy Savings If a preferred pharmacy network is part of your benefits, you’ll save the most money when you fill your prescriptions at one. When you use a preferred pharmacy, you pay the lowest out-of-pocket cost on covered prescription drugs. Some medicines have copays as low as $0 at preferred pharmacies. If you need a 90-day supply, you can git it at preferred pharmacies or by home delivery. Learn how to find an in-network pharmacy. Prescription Drug List A drug list is a list of drugs that are covered under your prescription drug benefit. How much you pay out of pocket is determined by whether your drug is on the list and at what coverage level, or tier. A generic drug is often at the lower tier. See if your drug is covered . Some prescription drug plans may require you to pay more if you fill a prescription for a brand name drug when a generic equivalent is available. Members are encouraged to use drugs that are safe, work well and are cost effective. Learn more about pharmacy and prescription plan coverage here. Ask your provider or pharmacist if there are any lower-cost alternatives for your prescription. A generic or lower-tier brand drug may be right for you. Treatment decisions are always between you and your provider. Get Member Perks Blue365 ®* Any member of a participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan is eligible for Blue365, a free health and wellness discount program offered to members. You and your covered family members can save with top retailers on products and services that may not be covered by insurance. There are no claims to file and no referrals or prior authorizations needed. Discounts fall into six categories: Apparel and footwear, fitness, hearing and vision, home and family, nutrition, and personal care. Learn how to create an account and save with Blue365. *Blue365 is a discount program only for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico members. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through this program may be covered under your health plan. You should check your benefit booklet or call the Customer Service number on your member ID card for specific benefit facts. Use of Blue365 does not change monthly payments, nor do costs of the services or products count toward any maximums and/or plan deductibles. Discounts are only given through vendors that take part in this program. BCBSNM does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations about the program’s services or products. You should consult your doctor before using these services and products. BCBSNM reserves the right to stop or change this program at any time without notice.PrescriptionsBenefits and CoverageMember RewardsSave MoneyProvider FinderHealth Care CostsBlue365https://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/minutes-of-movementThu, 02 Apr 2026 19:12:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:c36ce58f-6653-44e6-bc40-647f60261207BCBSNM Connect TeamNot being active can be dangerous for your health. Inactivity raises the chance of getting serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Yet 1 in 2 adults — and 77 percent of high school students — don’t get enough physical activity. The good news: getting more exercise doesn’t have to take a lot of time. You can find ways to add physical activity to your day, no matter how busy you are. The payoff can be a healthier body and mind. Move More for a Better Life People of all ages can benefit from more physical activity. Any amount of physical activity has some benefits, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . People who sit less and do any amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. The health benefits are many : It helps reduce your risk for many chronic diseases, like heart disease, stroke and diabetes. It helps you maintain a healthy weight. That helps avoid many serious health issues. Along with healthy eating, routine workouts can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes. People with arthritis who do “joint-friendly” workouts like walking, biking and swimming can reduce their pain and boost their range of movement and mood. Adding activity helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, which also lowers your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. Being active can even help lower the risk of some types of cancer. It can help reduce pain and inflammation. Regular activity can help keep muscles and bones strong. That helps maintain better function and can help you avoid falls and other injuries. Exercise can improve brain health. In addition to helping prevent illness and injury, being active can make your life better each day. More activity can: Improve your mood Sharpen your focus Lower your stress Help your sleep Increase your energy levels Start Small The key is to just get started. Everyone needs both aerobic and muscle-strengthening movement. You can start by looking for ways to stand a bit more, take a few more steps, add some stretching into your chores. You can find ways to move more throughout your day. Then when you have a few minutes, you can start doing more. Try walking five minutes each hour. You can walk around your home or office. You can even multitask by walking during a phone call or online meeting. You can even get a mini workout when you do your household chores. It all adds up. If you’re planning to start new fitness efforts, talk to your doctor about what is best for you, especially if you have health issues. But basics like walking and stretching are safe for most people. But if you have symptoms like chest pain, unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath during or after activity, call your doctor right away. Try Something Different Doing different types of exercises can keep you from getting bored. More importantly, it can expand the range of benefits you’ll experience . Try to include activities in your routine from these four categories: Aerobic/Cardiovascular activity : Aerobic activity helps improve heart and lung fitness. It includes walking, jogging, swimming and dancing. Muscle-strengthening activity : Helps maintain or increase strength, endurance and power. In addition to training with weights or resistance bands, it includes everyday activities like lifting children, carrying groceries or climbing stairs. You can also do squats, lunges and other exercises that use your body weight for resistance. Flexibility training : Stretching helps joints and muscles, providing a greater range of movement and better posture. It can also help you avoid injury. It’s beneficial to stretch before and after aerobic or strengthening exercise. But you can stretch any time to improve your overall flexibility. Be sure to stretch the right way to get the best benefit and avoid injury. Balance training : Improving balance boosts body control and stability to help avoid injuries. Try standing with your weight on one foot and lifting the other foot. Or walk a straight line, heel-to-toe. Most adults should aim for moderate aerobic movement for at least 150 minutes each week. Activity can be spread out so you can fit it into your schedule. Aim for at least twice a week for strengthening activities. For balance and flexibility training, spend a few minutes several times a week or daily. Get more ideas, including tips for children, seniors and people with physical challenges or medical conditions, from Move Your Way. Get Going Whatever activity you choose to do, just get started now. Even short periods of physical activity done regularly can have a positive impact on your health and your quality of life. Sources: Move Your Way , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Adding Activity as an Adult , CDC, 2025; Adult Activity: An Overview , CDC, 2023; Benefits of Physical Activity , CDC, 2025; Staying Active , Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 2022; Workout Results: 12 Ways Exercise Benefits Your Body , Cleveland Clinic, 2025; Aerobic Exercise , Cleveland Clinic, 2023; What Is Muscular Strength, and What Are Some Exercises You Can Do? , Healthline, 2019; How to improve your flexibility, according to physiotherapists , Live Science, 2022; Six tips for safe stretches , Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2019; Balance Training , WebMD, 2023Health and WellnessExerciseHealthy LivingHealthy MindWeight Managementhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/healthy-pregnancyThu, 02 Apr 2026 18:37:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d37f859f-c898-4bf1-babe-e53422d601d9BCBSNM Connect TeamTaking care of your health is always important. But it takes on a new level of importance when a baby enters the picture. It’s important to step up your self-care while you’re trying to get pregnant, during your pregnancy and after you give birth. Make a before, during and after pregnancy wellness plan. There are a lot of steps you can take, and there are ways your family and friends can help. Preventive care services are available for you and your baby at no added cost to you when you use in-network providers.* Find out more about your maternity care services . And get a list of preventive care services for your baby and the rest of your family . Before Pregnancy Some things are important from preconception until after the baby is born: Good eating habits Regular activity Taking care of your mental health By focusing on good health, you can prepare for a healthy pregnancy. These steps can help while you’re trying to get pregnant : Make sure your health screenings and vaccines are up to date. Avoid being around chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol. Don't take any drugs without talking to your doctor first. Talk to your doctor about supplements you may need during pregnancy. And if you are already taking and supplements or OTC or prescription medicines, ask your doctor if they’ll be safe to take during pregnancy. Download our Perinatal Wellness Guidelines for more information about staying healthy during pregnancy. During Pregnancy Your Health Living a healthy life and visiting the doctor regularly are key before and during pregnancy. You’re more likely to have a healthy birth if you have a healthy pregnancy. Some things to talk to your doctor about: Healthy weight gain What you eat, and what to avoid How much and what types of exercise you can do What drugs and vitamins you take The impact of stress on your health Pay Close Attention to Your Blood Pressure High blood pressure and its complications are among the leading causes of maternal death. If you have high blood pressure, it is critical to get treatment for it. It can put both you and your baby at risk. It can also cause problems during birth. High blood pressure can cause serious problems during pregnancy, including preeclampsia and stroke. Preeclampsia happens when a woman suddenly develops high blood pressure and signs of liver or kidney damage after the 20th week of pregnancy. Signs of preeclampsia include: A headache that doesn’t go away Changes in eyesight, like blurry vision or seeing spots Pain in your upper stomach area Nausea or vomiting Swelling in your hands or face Sudden weight gain Trouble breathing High blood pressure also puts the baby at risk for early delivery (before 37 weeks) and low birth weight. Baby’s Health Your doctor will track your baby at all stages during your pregnancy. This may include: Ultrasound exams to track your baby's growth and organs with images made from sound waves. Nonstress test to electronically track the baby’s heart rate and movements. Other tests may be needed based on your own health and family health history. That can include checking for high blood sugar levels, which could be a sign of gestational diabetes . After the Baby Comes: Mom’s Mental and Physical Health The postpartum period is the first eight to 12 weeks after your baby is born. It’s important to make an appointment with your doctor for a health check during this time. It’s your chance to make sure you’re healing well and to talk your doctor about your physical and mental health. It’s a good idea to bring a list of any questions you have. New moms worry about many things. Being responsible for a baby can be stressful and overwhelming. One of the keys to success during this time is a strong postpartum support network , says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It’s important to have a group of family, friends, and health care professionals you can depend on, and who you can and should ask for help. Some can be there for you in person when you need it. Others may be a phone or video call away. Other important ways to feel better mentally and physically: Get plenty of rest. Allow others to help so that you can rest. Be reasonable about your weight management expectations. It takes time to get your body back to where it was before pregnancy. Ease back into working out, focusing on your core. And try Kegel exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Continue your prenatal vitamins. It’s important to restore the nutrients you may have lost during pregnancy, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Your doctor may also suggest an iron supplement and vitamin D. You may have heard of the “baby blues.” If you feel very sad and anxious, and it doesn’t go away, you might have post-partum depression . If you think you may have post-partum depression, it’s important to get help. Talk to your doctor about how you’re feeling and what kind of help you may need. Start off Right: Get Your Baby’s Vaccinations From babyhood to preschool and beyond, keeping your child healthy means following a vaccine schedule. Vaccines protect against serious diseases, like polio, measles, whooping cough, flu and mumps. Those diseases can result in a hospital stay, or even death. It’s important to make sure your child is fully vaccinated against these vaccine-preventable diseases. That means finishing the whole series of recommended shots at the right time. Studies have shown they are safe. For quick reference on the vaccine schedule for children and more, download our Children’s Wellness Guidelines. *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Sources: Pregnancy , American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Postpartum Depression , ACOG, 2024; After Pregnancy , ACOG; 5 Reasons Why You Need a Postpartum Support Network , ACOG, 2025; Prenatal Care , U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, 2025; Recovering from birth , DHHS, Office on Women’s Health, 2025; Recovering from Delivery (Postpartum Recovery) , American Academy of Family Physicians, 2025; High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Gestational Diabetes , CDC, 2024; Your Body After Baby: The First Six Weeks , March of Dimes, 2023; Routine Tests During Pregnancy , American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2026; Preeclampsia , National Institutes of Health, 2024; Vaccine Safety , Medline Plus, 2021; Have a Healthy Pregnancy , DHHS, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2025Health and WellnessWomen’s HealthMental HealthPreventive CarePregnancyPregnancy Basicshttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/measure-blood-pressureThu, 02 Apr 2026 17:11:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:0afebf18-c07a-4c75-84ef-cb38aae2266eBCBSNM Connect TeamHigh blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a serious health problem that often has no symptoms. Often called "the silent killer" it doesn't always have symptoms. You can have high blood pressure for years and not even know it. It’s important to know if you do. Left untreated, it can cause serious harm to your heart, kidneys and eyes. People with high blood pressure also have a greater risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Since high blood pressure usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, checking your blood pressure regularly is vital — even when you feel fine. Whether you have your blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office or take it at home, it’s important to make sure it’s done right. Your care is based on the results. Measuring your blood pressure with care helps ensure accurate result. Try these tips to get a good reading: Don't exercise, drink caffeine or smoke within 30 minutes of checking your blood pressure. Rest for five minutes before you take your reading. Be still, sit up straight and keep your feet on the ground. Support your arm on a desk or table. Keep it level with your heart. Pull your shirt sleeve up. You may not get an accurate reading over clothes. Make sure the cuff is in the right place. The bottom should be just above the bend of your elbow. Try two or three readings, especially if the first reading is high or low. Wait one to three minutes between readings. If you’re keeping track at home, track your numbers and share them with your doctor. Even if you’re at the doctor’s office, don’t be afraid to speak up if you see your blood pressure isn’t being taken correctly. Ask to have it taken again if the reading is higher or lower than the normal range. Take charge of your health by making sure you get accurate results. If you want to track of your blood pressure at home, get a home device with an arm cuff. Devices that go on the finger or wrist may not be as accurate as an arm cuff. Get one that automatically pumps up the cuff. Make sure the cuff fits right. Make sure the cuff fits right. And take it with you to a doctor’s visit at least once a year to make sure the readings are right. Have the doctor watch you use your device to make sure you’re using it correctly. If you have high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about what changes you can make to keep it under control. Your Blood Pressure and Your Health Read Checking Your Blood Pressure Could Save Your Life to learn more about blood pressure and why it’s so important to know your numbers and keep them in a safe range. Sources: What is High Blood Pressure? , American Heart Association, 2025; Home Blood Pressure Monitoring , American Heart Association, 2025; Track you blood pressure at home the right way , Harvard Medical School, 2026HypertensionHealth and WellnessBlood PressureLiving with Heart Disease and High Blood PressureLiving with HypertensionHealth Conditions and Preventionhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/blood-pressureThu, 02 Apr 2026 14:06:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:f33b4095-caac-4bf6-83df-411bbddbca87BCBSNM Connect TeamKeeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is one of the best things you can do for your health. That’s because high blood pressure is the single biggest risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and other health problems. Nearly half of adults in the U.S., about 120 million people, have high blood pressure, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . And only 25 percent of them have it under control. High blood pressure (HBP) can be deadly. And many people don’t know they have it. That’s why it’s called "the silent killer." The only way to know if you’re at risk is to have it checked often. What Exactly Is It? Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls as it circulates through your body. Blood pressure often rises and falls throughout the day, but it can cause health problems if it stays high. Are You at Risk? Anyone, including children, can have it. Some things that are beyond your control can raise your risk for high blood pressure. These include your age, sex, and race or ethnicity. But you can lower your risk with lifestyle changes . That includes keeping a healthy weight, being physically active, not smoking and eating a healthy diet. Talk with your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk for high blood pressure. What Are the Signs and Symptoms? High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it. That’s why it’s vital to have your blood pressure checked regularly . How Do You Know if It’s High? Checking your blood pressure is the only way to find out if you have high blood pressure. Blood pressure readings measure two things. One is the force that pushes on the walls of your blood vessels as they carry blood and oxygen to your organs. That is called systolic pressure. The second number is the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart rests between beats. That is called diastolic pressure. If either number is too high, it means that your blood vessels are under too much pressure. That can raise your risk for blood clots and other serious health problems. One method of checking is at your doctor’s office. Most often, they’ll check it by wrapping an inflatable cuff with a pressure gauge around your arm to squeeze the blood vessels. Then they listen to your pulse with a stethoscope while releasing air from the cuff. The gauge measures the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart beats (systolic) and when it rests (diastolic). Another method is checking your blood pressure at home. Home blood pressure monitors are easy to find and start about $20. And they’re easy to use. Many store your readings so you can show them to your doctor. It’s a good way to track an important measure of your health. Home blood pressure monitoring can be an important part of managing blood pressure. But many people don’t do it. In a study of adults 50 to 80 years old, less than half of those with high blood pressure (hypertension) regularly checked their blood pressure. Like any other healthy habit, monitoring your blood pressure at home only helps if you do it. Try linking it to something you remember to do regularly. Or aim for the same time each day. Soon you won’t even have to remind yourself. Whether you get your blood pressure measured at your doctor’s office or do it yourself at home, it’s important to make sure it’s being measured correctly . How Is It Treated? If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medicine to treat it. And lifestyle changes can be just as important as taking medicines. Try these tips for lowering your blood pressure from the American Heart Association: Eat a healthy diet. Limit salt (sodium), fat and cholesterol. Maintain a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor if you need help. Avoid or limit alcohol. Make staying active a daily part of your life. Talk with your doctor before starting any type of exercise program. If you smoke, quit. Manage stress and tension. Try walking, writing in a journal, meditation, relaxation techniques or yoga. Get your family involved in your plan. If you have high blood pressure, be sure to check it regularly and take any medicine your doctor orders as directed. If you have any side effects, don’t stop taking it without checking with your doctor first. Sources: High Blood Pressure , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Measuring Your Blood Pressure , CDC, 2024; High Blood Pressure Facts , CDC, 2025; High Blood Pressure Risk Factors , CDC, 2024; High Blood Pressure , American Heart Association; Prevalence and Frequency of Self-measured Blood Pressure Monitoring in US Adults Aged 50-80 Years , JAMA Network Medical News, 2022Hypertension Helpful TipsHypertensionHealth and WellnessBlood PressureHeart Health Tipshttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/an-explanation-of-your-explanation-of-benefitsThu, 02 Apr 2026 12:37:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:da4c836e-b25f-4abb-8789-c23a34ad317aBCBSNM Connect TeamYou’ve been to the doctor and paid your copay. How are you going to know when your claim is filed and finalized? Simple — you'll get your Explanation of Benefits (EOB). Your EOB will break down the services you received, the cost of the services and what you might have to pay. Your EOB is not a bill. What Is an EOB? An EOB is a notice you get when a health care benefits claim is processed by your health plan. The EOB shows the expenses submitted by the provider and how the claim was processed. If you get paper EOBs, an EOB will be mailed to you after a claim has been finalized. If you are signed up for paperless statements , you'll get an email when your EOB is ready to view in your online account account. Below is a sample EOB that explains all of the sections. Keep in mind that every plan is different. The charges on your EOB are according to your plan's coverage and the services you received. Basics of Your EOB Page One A. Your member ID and group numbers B. How to access your claims online C. Helpful contacts and glossary Basics of Your EOB Page Two Top: D. Patient information E. Provider information F. Policy information Details: G. Amount billed by the provider H . Discounts and reductions in compliance with your plan I. Amount covered is the amount billed (G) minus the discounts and reductions (H) J. Health plan responsibility is the portion your health plan pays to the provider K. Deductible amount L. Copay amount M . Coinsurance amount N. Amount not covered O. The amount you’re responsible for. This column provides details about the amount you may owe shown in the claim summary (O 2 ) O 2 . Claim summary J 2 . Total covered benefits approved is the amount that was paid to the provider P. Numbered notes provide additional details Q. Health care plan maximums Always Check Your EOBs Your EOB is an important record of claims for services paid from your benefits. You need to carefully check your EOB . You want to be sure that the services you received match the services you were billed for. If something looks wrong, call us at the number on your member ID card. Or call your provider's office to ask about it. Keep your EOBs in case questions come up later about your claim or your bill. If you’ve registered for BAM, we store your EOBs there for 18 months. You can get more information in your online account . And check out these Health Care Coverage 1-on-1 videos to learn more about EOBs and other coverage information and insurance terms.Benefits and CoverageHow Health Insurance WorksUnderstanding InsuranceBlue Access for MembersMember ClaimsInsurance BasicsExplanation of BenefitsHealth Care Costshttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/what-is-hypothyroidismThu, 02 Apr 2026 11:28:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:3a2951f2-c1db-4ae8-bdd7-13e638f2aa11BCBSNM Connect TeamYour thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that makes and releases certain hormones. Its main job is to control your metabolism, which is how your body uses energy. Sometimes the thyroid doesn’t work as it should. This can lead to an overactive (hyper) or underactive (hypo) thyroid. Both conditions are treatable. The thyroid gland makes two primary hormones – T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). They’re released into the bloodstream and carried to every tissue in the body, affecting almost every organ system. They help the body use energy, regulate your temperature. These hormones also help keep the brain, heart, gut, reproductive organs and other parts of your body working properly. Sometimes, the thyroid doesn’t function as it should. Hypothyroidism When your thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones, the condition is called hypothyroidism . Hypothyroidism is often caused by autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis . Other causes include radiation to the neck, some medications, surgical removal of the gland, a brain injury, pregnancy and low levels of iodine in the diet. A family history of the disease can also mean that you are at higher risk for it. Women have a higher risk for hypothyroidism than men. Women may experience changes in their menstrual cycles and issues with fertility. Common symptoms for men and women include unexplained weight gain, depression, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, feeling cold, a slow heart rate, memory and concentration problems, and swelling in the neck. Hypothyroid disease often progresses slowly. There may be no signs of the disease early on. When symptoms do show up, they may be subtle at first. Common early signs include fatigue and weight gain. People often miss the signs because they think their symptoms are just part of getting older or caused by a different health issue. But if untreated, hypothyroidism can increase your risk for serious health problems like heart disease, infertility, depression and nerve damage. Talk to your doctor if you have any of the symptoms, especially if they are new to you. Your doctor may ask you about your medical and family history to see if you have risk factors for thyroid disease. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed with a physical exam and blood tests. The disease is treated with medicine that replaces thyroid hormones to their correct levels so the body can function properly. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism can be caused by several medical problems, including Graves’ Disease, thyroiditis, and lumps or nodules on the thyroid. Family history, some chronic diseases and pregnancy can raise your risk for hyperthyroidism. There are many symptoms, including unexplained weight loss, hand tremors, dry skin, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, mood swings or anxiety, feeling weak or tired, muscle weakness, swelling in the neck, and trouble sleeping. Women may have changes in their menstrual cycle. Like with hypothyroidism, symptoms may not be obvious at first and can be easily confused with other health issues. And it also causes serious health problems if not treated. It can lead to atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, vision problems and brittle bones. Hyperthyroidism may be treated with medicines that stop the gland from making too much T3 and T4. Beta blockers may also be prescribed to slow hormone production. Sometimes treatment includes surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. If you think you may have any type of thyroid problem, talk with your doctor. Being proactive about your health can make a big difference in your quality of life. Sources: Hypothyroidism , American Thyroid Association; Hyperthyroidism , American Thyroid Association; Hashimoto’s Disease , Mayo Clinic, 2025; Thyroiditis , WebMD, 2022; Hypothyroidism , Mayo Clinic, 2022; Hyperthyroidism , Mayo Clinic, 2022Health and WellnessExerciseCancerWeight ManagementThyroidNutritionhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/learn-about-different-levels-of-careThu, 02 Apr 2026 09:50:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:9c6583a3-ad3d-4e81-8c27-187b033c8027BCBSNM Connect TeamWould you know what to do if a friend or family member needed help with a mental health or substance use issue? What kind of help would they need? Who could help? Not knowing what to do can be scary and confusing. But there are many things you can do to support your loved one. Where to Start? First, take steps to learn about what you are seeing. Ask questions to learn: Are they having thoughts of harming themselves or others? Can they stay safe? Are they struggling with work or school? Are they feeling less connected to family and friends? Next Steps If you’ve found that your loved one needs help, learn about levels of care for mental health or substance use issues. Levels of Care are the types of health care offered based on the patient’s symptoms. Usually, a health care provider recommends a particular level of care based on a person’s specific needs. An acute inpatient hospital is for someone who: Has thoughts of hurting themselves or others. Has challenges with drug or alcohol use and/or difficulty stopping using substances on their own. Can’t function due to an underlying mental health or substance use disorder. Needs urgent help. Hospitals are the most intensive and restrictive level of care. They provide 24-hour treatment and offer medication management, psychotherapy (talk therapy) and withdrawal management. What if a person is not in crisis but needs around-the-clock supervision and structure? They could seek care at a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). RTCs offer mental health and substance use treatment in a residential setting. RTCs have 24-hour nursing help and doctors on call. They help people with long-term or severe mental health issues. They also help people with alcohol and other substance use disorders. RTCs offer a high degree of safety, supervision and structure. They promote healthy habits as well as successful stabilization, withdrawal management and rehabilitation. Some people may go to a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). It is not a residential program with 24-hour supervision. PHP provides intensive mental health and substance use treatment in an outpatient setting. Often, these programs run for at least five hours a day, five or more days a week . People usually go home in the evenings. These programs are highly structured to and offer help in a safe setting. This level of care also gives in-home support or access by phone for after-hours help. What if the person is working or in school full time? Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) are less restrictive than PHPs. They take place three days each week for at least two hours a day, allowing people to get care while still keeping their usual daily routine. These programs offer individual and group therapy to help people learn skills to manage their mental health and substance use needs. Can less frequent care still be helpful? Outpatient (OP) care can take place in an office setting. OP may offer one-on-one, family or group care. It can involve psychotherapy and medication management. The frequency and duration of treatment varies depending on each person’s needs. Which Health Care Providers Can Help? Your loved one may see different types of caregivers in any of these levels of care. Psychiatrist Psychiatrists have a medical degree and can manage medicines in all levels of care. They can provide psychotherapy. They can also admit and treat people in hospital settings. Psychologist They have a doctoral degree in psychology. They can provide psychotherapy. They can give and interpret psychological tests. They can prescribe medicine if licensed in New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa and Idaho. Advanced Psychiatric Nurse (APRN)/Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP) APRNs and ANPs provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In some states, they also prescribe and monitor medications. Physician Assistant (PA) Physician assistants practice medicine on a team under the supervision of physicians or psychiatrists. They examine patients and provide care. Master's Level Behavioral Health Care Provider They have master’s degrees and a professional license to conduct psychotherapy. They cannot prescribe medicine. Common titles: Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT) Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). They provide applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for people with an autism diagnosis. Source: Types of Mental Health Professionals , National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2020Behavioral HealthHealth and WellnessMental HealthHealthy MindUnderstanding Behavioral Healthhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/my-coverage-explained/b/weblog/posts/8-things-deductiblesThu, 02 Apr 2026 09:32:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:311df580-6960-44e6-b4c1-946ede181e85BCBSNM Connect TeamHealth plans can seem complicated. It helps to know what questions to ask and where to find the information you need. Take deductibles, for example. They’re important to your pocketbook, but do you know how they work? To get you started, here are answers to some common questions we get from our members. Q: What is a deductible? A: A deductible is the amount you pay for certain health care services each year before your health plan starts to pay. For example, if you have a $1,500 deductible, you pay the first $1,500 of the covered services you need. Depending on your plan, you may also need to meet this in-network deductible before you pay for covered prescription drugs. This means you will pay the prescription’s full cost upfront until the deductible is met. Then you will pay your copay or coinsurance amount until you meet your yearly out-of-pocket maximum. But some plans do not have a deductible. And some types of medicines may be available at a lower cost (or at no cost), even if the deductible has not been met first. Q: What happens after I meet the deductible? A: Once you’ve met your deductible, you usually pay only a copay and/or coinsurance for covered services. Coinsurance is when your plan pays a large percentage of the cost of care and you pay the rest. For example, if your coinsurance is 80/20, you’ll only pay 20 percent of the allowed amount when utilizing an in-network provider. Your health plan pays the remaining 80 percent of the allowed amount. Q: You said a deductible is the amount you pay each year. Does the deductible reset each year? A: Yes. Since your deductible resets each plan year, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the figures. If you’ve met your deductible for the year or are close to meeting it, you may want to squeeze in some other tests or procedures before your plan year ends to lower your out-of-pocket costs. Q: Is a health insurance deductible different from other types of deductibles? A: Unlike auto, renters or homeowner insurance where you don’t get services until you pay your deductible, many health plans cover the cost of some benefits before you meet the deductible. For example, your plan may cover the cost of annual physicals and many preventive health screenings before the deductible is met. Q: My plan information says I have a family deductible, too. What does that mean? A: If your plan covers your family, there will probably be a deductible for each person and a separate family deductible. As soon as the family deductible is met, your plan starts paying at the coinsurance amount for everyone’s care. That’s the case even if some family members haven’t met their individual deductible. Here’s a good example of how this works: Your family gets in a car accident. You all need to get checked at the hospital for injuries. If each person had to meet an individual deductible, you would pay all the deductible amounts before your coinsurance started paying. With a family deductible, once you met that one family deductible amount, no other individual deductibles are needed. After the family deductible is met, you’ll only pay your copay and/or coinsurance amount for services for each family member. Some plans, like a high-deductible health plan with a health spending account (HSA), may only have a family deductible. Check your benefit details if you aren’t sure. Q: Do all health care services apply to my deductible until it’s met? A: Not always. Some plans fully cover preventive services, which means you don’t pay anything at the time you get them. Because you don’t have an out-of-pocket charge, those services won’t count toward meeting your deductible. If you receive care that isn’t covered by your health plan, it often won’t count toward your deductible. This might include such things as cosmetic procedures or seeing a provider who isn’t in your health plan’s network. Q: What are the pros and cons of a high or low deductible? A: In most cases, the higher a plan’s deductible, the lower the monthly premium. If you’re willing to pay more when you need care, you can choose a higher deductible to reduce the amount you pay each month. The lower a plan’s deductible, the higher the premium. You’ll pay more each month, but your plan will start sharing the costs sooner because you’ll reach your deductible faster. Some people who don’t often need medical care would rather have a smaller premium and pay more up front for care as they go. But it can mean taking a chance that you might end up paying a big medical bill if you have an unexpected illness or injury. Other people like knowing that when they need their insurance, they won’t have to come up with a large sum of money before their plan starts helping with the cost. They’d rather have a higher premium, but a lower deductible. It makes costs more predictable. Q: If I pay so much out of pocket before my insurance kicks in, why should I have coverage? A: Health coverage can lower your costs even when you must pay out of pocket to meet your deductible. Insurance companies negotiate their rates with providers, and you’ll pay that discounted rate when you use those in-network providers. Without that discount, people often pay twice as much — or more — for care. For details about your deductible, log in to your online account. To see your deductible amount, go to Coverage and Benefits in the Coverage section. You can see how much of your deductible you’ve met to date in the Spending section. To find more information about insurance terms, check out our online glossary . Your Health Plan Offers Many Benefits at No Extra Cost Your health plan covers many preventive services, including vaccines for children and adults and yearly wellness exams, at no cost when you get services from a provider in your health plan’s network.* And screenings like mammograms, Pap tests and others are also covered at no cost. Learn more about the preventive services covered under your plan. *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Source: Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025Benefits and CoverageDeductibleInsurance BasicsHealth Care Costshttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/espanol/b/tusalud/posts/que-tanto-conoces-de-tu-colonTue, 31 Mar 2026 13:42:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:d9146a0c-e98c-4609-8176-a561673d12a2EquipoConnectA nadie le gusta hablar sobre el cáncer de colon. Eso está bien, siempre y cuando tomes medidas para protegerte. Después de todo, el cáncer de colon es la tercera causa principal de muertes por cáncer en los Estados Unidos. Además, actualmente, casi la mitad (45%) de los diagnósticos nuevos de cáncer de colon se presentan en personas menores de 65 años. Una buena manera de empezar a tomar acciones de prevención es realizándote un examen de detección. Habla con tu médico para saber cuándo debes hacerte el examen y con qué frecuencia. Tu edad e historial médico familiar jugarán un papel importante para decidir qué es lo mejor para ti. ¿Por qué es importante la detección? Los pequeños crecimientos, llamados pólipos, pueden aparecer a lo largo del revestimiento del colon. Algunos de estos pólipos pueden ser cancerosos o volverse cancerosos si no se tratan. Una colonoscopia puede ayudar a encontrar estos crecimientos y posibles cánceres temprano. La detección temprana ofrece una mejor oportunidad de tratamiento y recuperación exitosos. ¿Existen señales de alerta? El cáncer de colon no suele presentar síntomas, sino hasta que haya crecido o se haya propagado. Sin embargo, puede haber algunas señales de alerta. Pon atención si notas: cambio en los hábitos intestinales o en la forma de las heces durante más de unos días sin estar relacionado con un cambio en la dieta; dolor en el pecho o el estómago; pérdida de peso sin explicación alguna; anemia, que causa síntomas como debilidad, fatiga excesiva y, a veces, dificultad para respirar; sangrado rectal; sangre en las heces o en el inodoro después de haber defecado; heces oscuras o negras; sensación de urgencia para defecar estando el intestino vacío. El médico te puede recomendar un examen de colon si muestras alguna(s) de estas señales de alerta. ¿Cuando y por qué es importante examinarse? Aunque se recomienda que todas las personas de 45 a 75 años se examinen, habla sobre los riesgos y beneficios con tu prestador de atención médica y sobre cuando sea el momento apropiado para ti.* Si tienes antecedentes familiares de la enfermedad o tienes otros problemas de salud que pudieran provocar cáncer colorrectal, el médico podría querer examinarte antes. Consulta a tu médico sobre las mejores opciones de detección para ti y si necesitas hacerte exámenes con más frecuencia. Hay maneras simples y no invasivas para facilitar la realización del examen y que, a su vez, te pueden ofrecer un poco de paz mental. Habla con tu prestador de atención médica (médico, enfermera practicante, asistente médico, etc.) sobre cuáles pueden ser adecuados para ti. Cada examen tiene sus ventajas y desventajas. El examen que, junto a tu prestador de servicios médicos, elijas puede depender de tus preferencias, estado médico y cobertura del seguro médico. La colonoscopía es el examen preventivo más común. El médico utiliza un colonoscopio (un tubo flexible e iluminado con una cámara adjunta) para examinar el colon y el recto entero para detectar señales de cáncer. El médico puede incluso extirpar pólipos precancerosos durante el examen para prevenir que desarrolle cáncer. Algunas personas pueden evitar hacerse una colonoscopía porque piensan que es un procedimiento doloroso. Pero el examen es rápido e indoloro. Durante el examen, que dura menos de una hora, el paciente está dormido. Hay otras opciones disponibles para examinarse, según la recomendación de tu médico: El examen de sangre oculta en las heces : una prueba de laboratorio que examina si hay sangre oculta en una muestra de heces, una posible señal de cáncer. La prueba inmunoquímica fecal (FIT, en inglés): Esta prueba utiliza anticuerpos para detectar sangre en las heces. La prueba inmunoquímica fecal (FIT, en inglés) y el ADN: Esta prueba combina la prueba FIT con una prueba que detecta cambios del ADN en las heces. Sigmoidoscopia : Este método solo examina el recto y la parte inferior del colon. La colonoscopía virtual : Una tomografía computarizada (CT, en inglés) permite ver imágenes detalladas del colon. ¿Se puede prevenir el cáncer de colon? Aun cuando no haya una forma segura de prevenir el cáncer de colon, puedes adoptar medidas preventivas que puedan disminuir el riesgo de padecerlo. Los siguientes consejos para un estilo de vida saludable pueden ayudar a proteger el colon: Sigue una dieta rica en frutas, verduras y fibra. No comas mucha carne roja, a la parrilla y procesada. Evita fumar, consumir mucho alcohol y un estilo de vida sedentario. Haz ejercicio. Mantén tu peso controlado. Obtén más información sobre esta prueba de detección y otros exámenes médicos recomendados en nuestra Guía para el bienestar de los adultos . Como siempre, verifica que tus prestadores de atención medica y las pruebas estén dentro de la red. Ten a mano tu tarjeta de asegurado para ayudarlos a decidir si forman parte de la red de tu plan de salud. Para obtener detalles sobre la cobertura de los servicios médicos, inicia sesión en cuenta de asegurado en línea. * Las recomendaciones pueden variar. Habla sobre las opciones de detección con tu prestador de atención médica, especialmente si tienes un mayor riesgo. Fuentes: Colorectal Cancer Statistics, 2026 , American Cancer Society, 2026; Colorectal Cancer , U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; Colorectal Cancer: Screening , U.S. Preventive Services Task Force 2021; Colon Cancer Mayo Clinic, 2024; Colon Cancer (Colorectal Cancer) Cleveland Clinic, 2025EspañolTu SaludEntendiendo la salud del coloncoloncolonoscopiacáncerhttps://connect.bcbsnm.com/health-and-wellness/b/weblog/posts/advocate-for-own-careTue, 24 Mar 2026 14:18:00 GMT6e104328-2028-43b6-bb31-8401437dc51f:4e9f5ffd-867f-4a1b-8798-92a39d83dac1BCBSNM Connect TeamPrevention is an important part of being healthy. That can mean having a yearly exam. It can mean having routine screening tests that can help spot many potential problems before they become serious health issues. Whether you’re making sure to get the preventive care you need or dealing with an illness, stepping up to help direct your own health care can have life-changing results. Get Involved in Your Care It is vital to be your own health advocate throughout your life. From knowing your family history to understanding changes in your body, you know more about your needs than anyone. What steps can you take to be more actively involved in your health care? Do your own research. For someone with a family history of cancer, that may mean getting genetic testing to find out if you are at risk, too. For others it may mean learning the details of your family health history. Knowing your family history is key. It’s especially important to look at close, blood-related family members, such as parents and siblings — male and female. Finding out about more distant relatives’ health is also important. All of these details will help your doctor decide next steps. Speak up. It’s essential to be involved in your care and get the answers you need. Keep asking questions until you understand. Keep notes on what you’re told. And be sure to share important information like family history and any changes in how you’re feeling with your provider. This information helps your provider give you the best care possible. Find support. Whatever the issue, others have faced similar problems. There are support groups and online forums for just about any health condition. And talk to other family members. You don’t have to go it alone. Expect results. It’s critical to have doctors who listen to you. If you don’t feel you’re being heard, consider changing doctors or getting a second opinion. Catch Breast Cancer Early For women with a family history of breast cancer, screenings are a big part of fighting a cancer diagnosis. Screenings help lower the chances of dying from breast cancer. They can help spot the disease early, when it’s simpler to treat. If you are a woman age 20 or older, talk to your doctor about clinical breast exams. If you are over the age of 40, talk about the benefits and risks of having a mammogram. Decades of research shows that women who have routine mammograms are more likely to find breast cancer early. For many, that means they’re more likely to be cured. If your results are normal, keep getting mammograms according to the plan you’ve set with your doctor. A yearly well-woman exam is a good time to talk about the timing that’s best for you. Many screenings are covered by your health plan at no cost when services are provided by a doctor in your health plan’s network.* That includes mammograms, Pap tests and colorectal cancer screenings. Health plans also often cover genetic counseling and testing for those with certain family histories. Genetic testing and counselors are covered without cost-sharing if you qualify. *Preventive services at no cost applies only to members enrolled in non-grandfathered health plans. You may have to pay all or part of the cost of preventive care if your health plan is grandfathered. To find out if your plan is grandfathered or non-grandfathered, call the customer service number on your member ID card. Sources: Don’t Be Shy: 4 Tips for Talking to Your Doctor , Johns Hopkins Medicine; Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care? , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025; How to Talk to Your Doctor: 8 Tips for Better Communication , Scripps Health, 2026; Breast Cancer Screening , National Cancer Institute, 2025; Bring Your Brave Campaign - Take Action , Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; About Mammograms , CDC, 2024; Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis , American Cancer SocietyHealth and WellnessPreventive CareAdult health