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June 2011 Moms
Pockety
member
BCBS Special Beginnings program
Pockety
member
I just learned about the Blue Cross Blue Shield Special Beginnings program and think it sounds awesome, so I thought I'd send it along.
I only heard about it because I called BCBS to find out if an NT scan was covered under my policy; I wouldn't have known about it otherwise. If you have BCBS through your employer (or DH's employer), you might have access to this program. It will be free to enroll if you have it.
From what I gather, it's a 24-hour nurse line that you can call with questions, and I think there's also a website, with many of the same tools as are on the Bump. It also says that there are online videos talking about pregnancy, giving birth, and newborn care. They also schedule 2 calls for you to chat with a nurse - one around the beginning of the 3rd trimester, and one about a week after you deliver. (Not sure if I care - would rather talk to my doctor, but it's nice to have this available...)
But the best part - they send you a welcome packet with a baby book of some sort, and then after your delivery, they send you a $50 gift certificate to Babies R Us or Toys R Us!
The phone number (if you don't feel like calling the # on the back of your insurance card) is 888-421-7781.
Is anyone else enrolled? Since I just made the phone call, and haven't actually gotten the welcome packet, etc., I may not have my facts straight at all.
Finally updating my signature and avatar, August 29, 2011 (better late than never!)
Jake! (born July 3, 2011 - 6 days past due)
December Siggy Challenge: Favorite Holiday Movie
December Siggy Challenge: Favorite Holiday Movie
This discussion has been closed.
Re: BCBS Special Beginnings program
Glad you posted about this! Blue Cross sent me a mailer about it but I threw it away - it didn't mention the service being free, so I figured it cost $$ and wasn't something I wanted THAT badly.
Good to know, I need to call them anyway so I'll see about joining. Thanks!
Been away from theBump for a while, getting active again for all the good advice
Here - in Illinois - it is Baby BluePrints and I love it! We got our packet and chose/ordered our book before Thanksgiving; it arrived yesterday.
While he 24-hour nurse number is awesome, I lie even more that a nurse is assigned to be "your" nurse throughout. She nurse called me a few weeks ago to check in. She was super helpful and friendly and left me with a few different numbers to reach her at if I ever have any questions (or if my Sweetheart does). They will also reimburse a large chunk of the cost for childbirth classes.
*So* happy we found out about the program and that we're able to take advantage of it!
peace,
katharine
Book-Kitten blog
I'm in Illinois too - but it's definitely Special Beginnings for me.
Who knows...
That's cool that you get to choose the book - it sounded on the phone like they were just going to send one. I'm excited - I don't have any baby books yet!
Hm, I have BCBS of MN and they haven't mailed it to me, nor did they mention it when I called them a couple of times about my prenatal care/billing.
I'll have to call and see if they have something similar- mostly for the goodies, my clinic has a 24 hour phone line
When I called before I was pregnant to see what was covered, they mentioned it to me and they called it Special Beginnings too. They may have different braches even in the same state or with certain plans. I forgot about it, but now I'll have to call and check it out. Thanks!
FYI for any PA girls, it's called Baby Blue Prints
1-866-918-5267
Photos from Libby Hilf Photography
Jake - 1.15.08
Liam - 5.17.11
In CA, the program through Anthem BC is called Future Moms. They sent the book Your Pregnancy Week by Week. They've called once and I missed the call.
Next time I call and have a question, I'm going to ask about the reimbursement for prep classes.
Jealous! My policy makes it really clear the prenatal education classes are not covered. They are pricey through the hospital and don't fit with my work schedule at all- it's a huge bummer!
Maybe it's because my husband works in Indiana and the insurance is through his employer? Anyway, in my packet, I got a flyer that described a handful of books (maybe 7-8; I am not sure where I put it right now) and I was able to choose which one I wanted. We checked the amazon reviews for every book before choosing. There were no options that were directed toward dads, which is a shame...
peace,
katharine
Book-Kitten blog