The BlueKC Mental Health Show

David Thiessen • November 15, 2025

Host:

Cary Hall, America’s Healthcare Advocate

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By David Thiessen November 15, 2025
Episode 2134 notes My guest Misty Snodgrass and I explore why only one carrier services 103 Kansas counties and even goes below five lives in small group coverage. They are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and they are truly the hometown carrier. Misty is their Director of ACA & Medicaid and is my expert guest. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, community involvement is a key component. Discuss how an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) may be a great option and we’ll contrast PPO Designs, etc. Other carriers pull out of the state when claims go up. Not Blue Cross of Kansas. They are here to stay and in all 103 counties. We’ve been here for 80 years and we aren’t going anywhere. This is episode 2134 of America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall.  Learn more about BCBSKS.com or call (866) 906-5253. And if you need help or have something to share, contact me Cary Hall, America's Healthcare Advocate at https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us And let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns.
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S21 E33 - The BlueKC Mental Health Show


Sportscaster Ryan Lefebvre, the storied broadcaster of the Kansas City Royals baseball team, joins me on this special show along with Kristin Gernon.

Episode 2133 notes


Sportscaster Ryan Lefebvre, the storied broadcaster of the Kansas City Royals baseball team, joins me on this special show along with Kristin Gernon.


Kirstin is a Behavioral Health Training and Development Specialist at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), with over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field, focusing on children and families. She has been involved in initiatives like the "Shut Out the Stigma" campaign and has spoken on mental health topics, including its importance in youth sports.


This is episode 2133 of America's Healthcare Advocate. I'm Cary Hall


The documentary "Not Good Enough" is available at: https://www.shutoutthestigma.com/documentary



And if you need help or have something to share, contact me Cary Hall, America's Healthcare Advocate at https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us

And let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns.


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By David Thiessen November 15, 2025
Episode 2134 notes My guest Misty Snodgrass and I explore why only one carrier services 103 Kansas counties and even goes below five lives in small group coverage. They are Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, and they are truly the hometown carrier. Misty is their Director of ACA & Medicaid and is my expert guest. At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, community involvement is a key component. Discuss how an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) may be a great option and we’ll contrast PPO Designs, etc. Other carriers pull out of the state when claims go up. Not Blue Cross of Kansas. They are here to stay and in all 103 counties. We’ve been here for 80 years and we aren’t going anywhere. This is episode 2134 of America’s Healthcare Advocate. I’m Cary Hall.  Learn more about BCBSKS.com or call (866) 906-5253. And if you need help or have something to share, contact me Cary Hall, America's Healthcare Advocate at https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us And let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns.
By David Thiessen November 7, 2025
Episode 2131 notes JMy guest, Ron Miller is BlueKC’s FEP Senior Sales Consultant & Labor Liaison and Ron and I have all the things to know Right Now and why Federal Employees should consider Blue Cross Ble Shield for their health insurance needs! The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program is the number one health insurance choice for federal employees, retirees, and their families. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been committed to offering federal employees the best healthcare coverage in the U.S. More than 99% of our members stay with us year over year. Our preferred provider network includes 95% of doctors, 96% of hospitals and 65,000 pharmacies nationwide. And you never need a referral to see a specialist. 24/7 care provided by Teladoc Health – treatment for minor injuries and illnesses, mental health support, dermatology care and more by phone or video. Preventive care is always covered when you see a Preferred provider. OPEN ENROLLMENT SEASON runs from Monday, Nov. 11th through Saturday, Dec. 8, 2025. Virtual Fairs: https://www.fepblue.org/events To learn more about the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, visit fepblue.org or call 800-411-BLUE. And if you need help or have something to share, contact me Cary Hall, America's Healthcare Advocate at https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us And let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns.
By David Thiessen November 6, 2025
Episode 2132 notes John Massey and a couple of his friends came together and created a program called Zuzu's Petals. Born out of a great love of Christmas and how each of them were impacted by Chrfistmas when they were young, this non-profit takes care of families that cannot afford to have a Christmas, and they do it in a very unique way. John, Mak and Dan love Christmas so much, they created a way to share it and help local families. John joins us this year in a heartwarming show that you really need to hear. To help them visit: https://zuzus-petals.org/ Or, call John at 816-977-1955 And if you need help or have something to share, contact me Cary Hall, America's Healthcare Advocate at https://www.americashealthcareadvocate.com/contact-us And let me know what's on your mind, issues you are dealing with, or other health, healthcare, and health insurance questions and concerns.