Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Announces New Services Focused on Women’s Health

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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced a variety of new services focused on providing women and families with necessary health resources and services.¹ This announcement is part of an initiative from the organize to demonstrate its commitment to women’s health.

Sarah Iselin, president and CEO of Blue Cross, said that the goal of the initiative is to be the best plan for women’s health in the country. This includes providing support for caregivers, menopause treatments, and other services.

In a press release, Blue Cross’ clinical director of reproductive health and gender affirming services Dr. Monica Ruehli said, “We want our members to feel supported and cared for during every stage of their health journey, from adolescence through maternity, postpartum and menopause. We're proud of the work we're doing to support both our employees and our members, and these new initiatives are just more ways we can help meet the needs of women and families."

As part of the initiative, Blue Cross launched a pilot program with Accompany Doula Care to address racial inequities in maternal and birthing care. Accompany Doula Care’s interim executive director Adwapa Asenso said, “We are proud and excited to be working with Blue Cross, as our goals align in reaching families who may have less access to doula services but stand to benefit from them the most. By providing culturally sensitive, continuous support throughout pregnancy and postpartum, we aim to empower families, improve birth outcomes, and co-build a path forward to increase access and deliver quality care to underserved communities."

Blue Cross also partnered with Maven Clinic for menopause support. The clinic’s chief medical officer Dr. Neel Shah said, “Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a true champion of innovation in the health care system. As early digital health adopters, they have long recognized the power of technology to meet women and families where they are. We are thrilled to extend our work with them to include menopause and midlife health—ensuring that members can find care on the same platform throughout their entire reproductive lifecycle."

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts also recently announced the launch of the Health Equity Business Accelerator, which will provide five health start-ups with a one-time grant of $50,000 in 2025.²

In a press release, Blue Cross’ chief financial officer Ruby Kam said, “The Accelerator is an important part of Blue Cross' broader commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We're thrilled to be working with MassChallenge to further strengthen the program and to support organizations developing health care solutions that will have an important impact."

Will Magruder, vice president of partnerships at MassChallenge also said, “We're thrilled to expand our partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts to support the next generation of health equity innovators. Through the Health Equity Business Accelerator program, we're providing startups with the tools and resources they need to develop scalable solutions that address critical health disparities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we're working towards a healthier and more equitable future for all."

Sources

1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Continues to Expand Access to Women’s Health Services and Family Support Options. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. November 13, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-massachusetts-continues-to-expand-access-to-womens-health-services-and-family-support-options-302303273.html
2. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Launches Refreshed Health Equity Business Accelerator with MassChallenge. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. November 12, 2024. Accessed November 14, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-massachusetts-launches-refreshed-health-equity-business-accelerator-with-masschallenge-302301800.html