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Battling Burnout
As the pandemic continues, burnout—defined as chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed—is becoming a bigger factor in overall mental health. In a recent survey, 75% of employees said they have experienced burnout at work, with 40% of them saying they’ve experienced it during the pandemic. On top of that, four in five employees say they feel emotionally drained from their work, an early sign of burnout. Battling burnout begins with understanding it’s not a self-care issue, but rather an organizational problem. Check out some do’s and don'ts that can help tackle burnout among the workforce.
The COVID-19 pandemic, now in its second year, has redefined “workday” for millions of employees. Many employers have switched to remote offices to protect their workforce’s physical health and have implemented new policies to safeguard those whose jobs cannot be performed remotely. Be sure to download this mini-white paper that addresses workplace changes and their impact on behavioral health. Your clients need to think big and small when it comes to creating solutions that can help their workforce get the support they need.
The Pulse Live
September 22, 2021 at 2:00 PM ET
Worst-Case Scenarios, Best-Case Solutions: Coordinating Successful Medical Evacuations With Care
 Covering the risk for global travel, whether for work or leisure, must include the possibility for a medically necessary evacuation. While evacuations don’t occur often, when they do, they can be costly and traumatic. Join our next webinar for an inside look into medical evacuations. From the decision-making process to communication needs and logistics, learn how we manage the complexities of medical evacuations with care, and what employers can do to prepare for and support employees during an evacuation.
Compliance Update for Employers with Employees in Chile
 The Chilean congress recently approved a bill that establishes the “safe return” of workers to their jobs after the pandemic, which mandates the following:
- The obligation for private companies to have a “COVID-19 Occupational Health Safety” protocol
- The obligation for employers to contract insurance for their workers, to finance or reimburse hospitalization and rehabilitation expenses associated with the COVID-19 disease, as well as death, for those workers covered by ISAPRE (private medical insurance)
- Preventive sick leaves associated with COVID-19 will be covered by ISAPREs for their full term without considering the first three-day coverage exemption
- Conditions for remote work must be maintained in cases where there is difficulty in attending the workplace
This regulation applies only during the Sanitary Emergency Alert status (expected to remain in force until the end of the year). Please note, this is a separate, standalone mandatory policy, which would need to be held in addition to any other group policy, even if such plan already covers the treatment for COVID-19. Bupa Chile’s Insurance Company, Bupa Compañía de Seguros de Vida S.A., has developed this insurance product which is available in the local market. If you have additional questions, please reach out to your GeoBlue representative.
When Thinking About Network Strength Outside the U.S., Are Formal Contracts a Key Component?
 The short answer is not necessarily. The long answer is that in the U.S., healthcare networks are built around contracting with providers, so that health plans can better manage costs that may ultimately be passed on to the member. By seeking care with in-network providers, insured members enjoy access to quality providers, negotiated contracts and direct settlement (payment by health plans on members’ behalf). This can result in cost savings and a generally cashless transaction at the point of service thanks to direct billing arrangements between the health plan and provider.
Outside the U.S., providers deliver care and get paid in a variety of ways. This makes a direct comparison using U.S.-centric criteria, such as the number of contracted providers, misleading.
Pre-Departure Program for Travelers
 We’re looking forward to a post-pandemic world and optimistic that travel will steadily resume as the world reopens and individuals become more comfortable traveling again, whether for business or leisure.
We know that traveling can be demanding, especially when traveling for business. That’s why last year we added access to our telemedicine service as a standard feature of our Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Traveler product. We’re excited to announce that later this year we’re including our Pre-departure Program as an added service to help travelers prepare before they leave. Travelers can complete a quick questionnaire and opt to speak with a clinician should they have medical questions or concerns and want to address any healthcare needs prior to leaving for a trip. Contact your GeoBlue representative to learn more.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield Global is a brand owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Bupa Global is a trade name of Bupa, an independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. GeoBlue is the trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC (Worldwide Services Insurance Agency, LLC in California and New York), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association: made available in cooperation with Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies in select service areas. Coverage is provided under insurance policies underwritten by 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, NAIC #80985.
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