Blue Care Connection^® will welcome in the New Year with two new programs to help those who want to quit smoking and/or lose weight, as well as manage or improve their overall health.

Beginning January 1, 2008, Tobacco Cessation , Weight Management , and Worksite Wellness will be added as the newest Blue Care Connection programs available to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) members.*

Blue Care Connection is the umbrella for a group of condition management and wellness programs that provide BCBSTX members access to outreach, educational resources and health advocacy services. Designed to help members achieve their individual health goals, these Blue Care Connection services are just one more benefit provided to BCBSTX members!

Tobacco Cessation provides resources for tobacco users who want to quit through personal coaching, online tools, an Audio Health Library, and discounts on programs that support tobacco cessation.

Weight Management provides guidance and support for members who want to slim down through behavioral and motivational coaching, personalized goal setting with action plans, online tools, an Audio Health Library and discounts on programs, products and services that encourage weight loss, exercise and good nutrition.

Worksite Wellness enables you, the employer, to provide your employees with monthly Webinars on wellness topics, as well as on-site health education and screening opportunities. BlueResource^SM, a CD-based library of health and wellness electronic communications was designed to share with employees, is also part of this program.

All basic services available through Blue Care Connection are confidential and there is no extra cost to BCBSTX members whose employers have selected this program as part of their health care benefits. Employers also may purchase additional on-site, biometric screening options and flu shot clinics.

Communications
Fliers about all three new programs will be provided to employer groups and members as appropriate.

*These tools are not available to Texas individual Blue Care Connection members.