There are certain things that no one wants to hear in their lifetime. Learning that you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a serious condition is at the top of that list.  

If you do find yourself in this situation, you may feel like your circumstances are out of your control. Here are tips, resources, and programs available to you through your BCBSRI plan that can help you regain control over your well-being.

First, take a moment for your mental health

This is an emotional time, and it can trigger new or existing mental health concerns. You can always consult your care team, including your PCP, to find help. You also can call the BCBSRI Behavioral Health Line at 1-800-274-2958 for support. Consider the following tips from Sarah Fleury, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and BCBSRI Managing Director:

If your loved one has just been diagnosed:

• Be a calm, open listener. Let them share what they’re feeling without trying to fix it or judge it. Remind them you’re there whenever they want to talk, and that it’s completely okay if they’re not ready yet.
• Show you care in simple, sincere ways. Little gestures can mean a lot. If it’s appropriate, offer to give them a ride to an appointment, cook them a meal, tidy their home, or look after their kids or pets when they need it. Avoid comparing them to others you know who have had a similar diagnosis, and focus on encouragement, compassion, and just being present.
• You may need time to work through your own feelings—and that’s okay.  Don’t feel guilty if you feel shocked, scared, or awkward. If you don’t feel ready to help them yet, lean on others who can.  

If you have just been diagnosed:  

• Don’t suppress your emotions. You could feel fear, anger, sadness, or loneliness. You also might have trouble believing that your diagnosis is real. These feelings are all normal and can be navigated.
• Find a support system. Sharing your diagnosis can be difficult, but it's important to inform loved ones so they can support you. Start with your partner or family, and consider telling friends, coworkers, or others who may help. If you're anxious, write out or rehearse what you want to say.
• Stay committed to your well-being. Try your best not to feel defeated. Stay in close contact with your care team and take advantage of available help from them, your support system, and your BCBSRI plan.

We're here to help  

Our team at BCBSRI is always here for you. The programs we offer to our members will support you as a whole person—not just your diagnosis. With personalized care, you’ll have the help you need, every step of the way.

There’s no additional cost for these services, and you don’t need a referral.  

Cancer care support is available through Daymark Health¹

Navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatments that come with it can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Daymark Health partners with your healthcare team to help you coordinate tests and appointments, understand your diagnosis, review care options, manage your symptoms, and connect with mental health or social services when needed—all while helping you access timely care close to home.  

We’re proud to offer this to our members, and we’re proud that the help has been valuable.  See the way Daymark Health helped Steven, a BCBSRI member who navigated a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Manage kidney disease with help from a team

A dedicated team working with Interwell Health² can help you manage your advanced kidney disease. Members get one-on-one support from dietitians, nurses, and other kidney health experts, depending on care needs. Their specialists help you eat well, manage your health, and feel your best. Learn more.

Gain control over your chronic condition

Living with a chronic condition like diabetes, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be exhausting, physically and emotionally. We offer programs that can show you how to manage your conditions and feel more in control of your health. Our care partners will work with you and your providers to get you on the path to a healthier life. Learn more about the conditions that our programs support.

Care that comes to you

BCBSRI members with complex care needs may qualify for HouseCall by Blue³. This program collaborates with your existing care team and provides convenient 24/7 access to a clinical care team, urgent in-home visits when needed, pharmacy support to help manage and refill your medications, and social work and behavioral health support.

Need help with something else?

The BCBSRI Care Management team can help with other conditions like chronic pain, high blood pressure, asthma, anxiety, and obesity. Reach them at: 
1-855-932-5631 (TTY/TTD: 711) 
care@bcbsri.org

Lean on resources

Our caregiver site offers additional resources from BCBSRI and the community, both for caregivers and the loved ones they support.

Get your questions answered

As you navigate this new journey, you’ll likely have a lot of questions. We’re here to point you in the right direction. If you have questions about these programs or your benefits, reach us by calling the phone number on the back of your BCBSRI member ID card.