Meet Andrea Lindley, 2020 Celebrate Caring honoree

Nurse Andrea Lindley, in full PPE
Now more than ever, Independence Blue Cross recognizes the invaluable role that nurses play in caring for our families and communities. To show our appreciation, we are honoring outstanding nurses in our region through the second annual Celebrate Caring campaign. As part of the campaign, we’re highlighting how our winners and honorees are making a difference in the community through compassion and superior care....
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Preparing for Flu Season in the Age of COVID-19

An older man receives a flu shot from his physician. Both wear masks.
While it may seem like we’ve just packed away our summer clothes, preparations for the 2020-2021 influenza (flu) season are already underway. This year, the flu vaccine is especially important because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health care professionals recommend getting the flu shot early, in September or October, since an early vaccine offers the best protection for the entire flu season....
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4 Questions to Ask Yourself When Comparing Medicare Coverage Options

An older couple speaks with a Medicare advocate
Have you ever heard of the Enneagram personality test? The test presents a series of questions to help you find out which of nine personality types you are. Knowing your personality type, or Enneagram, is said to improve your self-awareness and help you understand your approach to the world. And while your Enneagram type won’t help you shop for a Medicare plan,...
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The Advantages of Telemedicine, Both as a Patient and Caregiver

Peter Panageas helps his mother set up telemedicine on a tablet
Peter Panageas joins his mother Esther Panageas for a virtual doctor’s visit using telemedicine. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries have altered the way they do business. Health care is no exception. We’ve made a lot of changes to ensure that our members have safe and convenient access to the care they need....
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Answering the Call

A young woman looks thoughtfully at a laptop computer
Without a doubt, 2020 has been — and continues to be — a really challenging year for all of us. Communities everywhere are struggling, and organizations of all kinds need support. But what can we do to help, while also minimizing the spread of COVID-19? At Independence Blue Cross (Independence), we truly believe in giving back....
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What is Medicare Part A (Hospital Care Insurance)?

The hand of an older person placing a jigsaw puzzle piece
Like a jigsaw puzzle, Medicare is made of different pieces that fit together to provide health coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. The various pieces of Medicare coverage are Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D, and Supplemental. Each piece covers different types of benefits, and trying to understand all the parts at once can be a daunting task....
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Learning a New Language in Retirement: An IBX Medicare Advantage Member Story

Member Rich Croll, sitting in a cafe
This photo was taken during a conversation with Rich prior to the pandemic. This story was written before the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions. While Rich hopes to continue going on adventures someday soon, such as visiting his grandson in Japan, he has put his plans on hold for the time being....
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Monitoring the FDA Pipeline

Test tubes and a microscope. Science!
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must approve medications and other therapies as safe and effective before they can be sold in the U.S. Back in the late 1980s, it took about three years for a drug to go from submission to FDA approval. Fast forward about 30 years, and the timeline is much more accelerated....
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What is Medicare Part B?

Hands on a desk of a doctor and patient
Original Medicare has two parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). The Part B portion covers two types of medical services — preventive services and medically-necessary services — when provided by doctors and providers who accept Medicare. Preventive services help prevent illness (like the flu) or detect it at an early stage. Medically-necessary services (or supplies) diagnose or treat a medical condition....
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Meet Laetitia Simeral, 2020 Celebrate Caring Honoree

Laetitia Simeral, standing in front of a bookcase
Now more than ever, Independence Blue Cross recognizes the invaluable role that nurses play in caring for our families and communities. To show our appreciation, we are honoring outstanding nurses in our region through the second annual Celebrate Caring campaign. As part of the campaign, we’re highlighting how our winners and honorees are making a difference in the community through compassion and superior care....
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