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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Expands Healthcare Options for Medicare Advantage Members With Genesis HealthCare System

Kyle.Norton
Submitted by Kyle.Norton on

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is expanding healthcare options for its Medicare Advantage members in southeastern Ohio with the addition of Genesis HealthCare System to its network. Starting January 1, 2026, Genesis will be an in-network provider for all Anthem Medicare Advantage plans as well as for Ohioans who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid healthcare coverage under the Next Generation MyCare Ohio program.

 

“We are proud to welcome Genesis HealthCare System into our network,” said Angelica Jewett, Medicare president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio. “This collaboration means our Medicare Advantage members in southeastern Ohio will have greater choice and access to care close to home. Together, we’re working to make healthcare more affordable, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.”

 

“We are excited to provide for our community through this partnership with Anthem,” said Michael Norman, Chief Strategy Officer at Genesis HealthCare System. “Ensuring that patients have access to the care they need is a part of our mission.”

 

Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period runs October 15 through December 7, 2025, when eligible individuals can review and select their health plan coverage beginning January 1, 2026.

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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) is expanding healthcare options for its Medicare Advantage members in southeastern Ohio with the addition of Genesis HealthCare System to its network.

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Ready to roll up your sleeve?

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Donating blood is a generous act that can save lives, but it's important to be prepared before you get your arm in the game. From what you eat beforehand to how you’re feeling on the day of donation, small decisions can make a big difference in your experience.  

 

Feel ready to donate? This short quiz covers facts about blood donation. 

 

 

 

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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Feel ready to donate? This short quiz covers facts about blood donation. 

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Genesis HealthCare System Receives Stroke Awards

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Demonstrates High-quality Stroke Care for Patients

Genesis HealthCare System recently received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll as well as Get With The Guidelines® Rural Stroke Gold Award. These awards recognize Genesis’ commitment to ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized standards and research-based guidelines. 

 

"Providing high-quality, rapid stroke care is crucial in saving lives and minimizing the risk of disability," said Keela Barker, director of Rehabilitation & Ambulatory Services at Genesis HealthCare System. "Our community greatly benefits from the exceptional care our award-winning stroke team delivers. Our mission is to help more people enjoy longer, healthier lives."

 

High-quality stroke care takes the dedication and teamwork of physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses and staff across many departments at Genesis. To learn more about stroke care at Genesis, visit genesishcs.org/neurosciences.

 

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Genesis HealthCare System recently received the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll as well as Get With The Guidelines® Rural Stroke Gold Award. 

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How to prevent back injuries

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

A guide to standing tall and sitting pretty 

Back pain is the silent saboteur of productivity, comfort and your ability to reach the top shelf without wincing. Fear not. With a few simple habits, you can keep your spine in line and your back feeling great. 

 

1. Lift like a pro 

When lifting, channel your inner weightlifter. According to the National Institutes of Health, you should bend your knees, not your back. Keep the load close to your body and avoid twisting. If it's too heavy, ask for help or use mechanical aids like carts or forklifts. 

 

2. Stretch and strengthen 

Regular stretching and strengthening exercises, especially for your core, can prevent back pain. Aim for at least two days a week of muscle-strengthening and stretching exercises.  

 

3. Mind your posture 

Whether sitting or standing, maintain good posture. Sit with your back straight and shoulders back. You should also stand tall with your head up and shoulders back. 

 

4. Stay active 

Regular physical activity can help keep your back muscles strong. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity. 

 

5. Maintain a healthy weight 

Being overweight can strain your back. Getting regular physical activity and choosing healthy foods can help you get to and stay at a healthy weight. 

 

6. Take breaks 

If your job requires long periods of sitting or standing, take frequent breaks. Short, frequent breaks about every 20-30 minutes allow muscles to stretch and relieve stress on the back. 

 

7. Use ergonomic equipment 

Adjust your workspace to fit your body. Use chairs with proper lumbar support. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while sitting, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your hips and knees at or slightly greater than a 90-degree angle. Avoid working on a couch or a soft chair. Varying your posture regularly is also good for you. Position your computer screen at eye level to avoid straining your neck and back. 

 

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can keep your back healthy and pain-free. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in avoiding back injuries. 

 

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Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

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Back pain is the silent saboteur of productivity, comfort and your ability to reach the top shelf without wincing. Fear not. With a few simple habits, you can keep your spine in line and your back feeling great. 

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Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute Celebrates Milestone

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Genesis HealthCare System’s Heart & Vascular team members recently performed their 1,000th structural heart procedure, marking a major milestone in their commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and improving lives in the community. Structural heart disease refers to a problem with the physical parts of the heart that affects how the heart works. It can occur at birth or develop later in life and can often lead to serious health consequences, such as heart failure, stroke or reduced quality of life. Structural heart disease includes irregularities that affect the heart’s valves, walls, chambers or muscle. Common structural heart conditions include aortic stenosis and mitral valve regurgitation.

 

“Reaching the 1,000-case milestone is humbling,” said Kinan Kassar, M.D., FACC, Director of Structural Heart Disease at the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute. “We are grateful to our patients for trusting us with their care. It shows we are making a difference and motivates us to continue bringing new innovative procedures to our community.”

 

Genesis Heart and Vascular doctors utilize a variety of advanced treatment options to treat structural heart disease. The goals are to use minimally invasive procedures that reduce risks, limit recovery time and usually enable patients to return home the day of the procedure or the next day. One common procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that closes the left atrial appendage in the heart. It reduces the risk of having a stroke for people with atrial fibrillation.

 

This achievement underscores Genesis Hospital's role as a regional leader in structural heart disease treatment and the ongoing dedication to innovation, excellence and compassionate care. For more information on the Genesis Heart & Vascular Institute, visit genesishcs.org/heart.

Genesis Heart & Vascular team photo

Genesis HealthCare System’s Heart & Vascular team members recently performed their 1,000th structural heart procedure, marking a major milestone in their commitment to advancing cardiovascular care and improving lives in the community. 

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Hold the salt. Why your body isn’t a pretzel.

emily.griffin
Submitted by emily.griffin on

Let’s talk about salt. That magical mineral that turns bland vegetables into delicious side dishes, makes popcorn addictive and lurks in pretty much everything you are eating. Salt is so sneaky, it could moonlight as a magician. 

But while it may make your fries taste like heaven, your heart might have other opinions. Spoiler alert. Your heart is not a fan of salt.

 

So, how much is too much? 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most adults should aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. That’s about one teaspoon of salt. Yes, one. As in, you probably hit that limit before lunch just by breathing near a fast-food combo meal. 

Unfortunately, the average American consumes over 3,400 milligrams per day. That’s enough sodium to season a small lake, or at least make your kidneys cry salty tears. 

 

Why should you care? 

Your body needs some sodium. It helps muscles contract, nerves function and fluid balance stay, well, balanced. But too much can raise blood pressure, which raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association, who we trust to know what hearts like, says high blood pressure is the leading cause of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths in the U.S. 

In case your heart wasn’t already mad enough about last weekend’s bacon cheeseburger, it turns out high sodium intake is a global public health concern. The World Health Organization recommends limiting sodium to less than 2,000 milligrams a day. That's even less than what the U.S. allows. Great, now even the WHO thinks we're salty. 

 

How to cut back without crying 

Good news. You don’t need to start licking celery sticks in sadness. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests a few simple strategies like reading nutrition labels, cooking more at home and flavoring food with herbs, spices or even a dash of lemon juice instead of the salt shaker. 

Pro tip. Just because it doesn’t taste salty doesn’t mean it isn’t. Bread, deli meat, cheese and even breakfast cereal can contain surprisingly high amounts of sodium. Check the label. Be the sodium sleuth your arteries deserve. 

 

Bottom line 

Salt is great in moderation, but when consumed like it’s going out of style, it can lead to real health issues. Keep it flavorful, not fatal. And remember, your body is not a pretzel. It doesn’t need to be covered in salt to function. 

 

 

Ready to get healthy?

Sign up for our digital newsletters to receive health tips, recipes, success stories for inspiration and information about new doctors to help you on your journey to better health.

 

 

Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.

close up photo of pink salt

Let’s talk about salt. That magical mineral that turns bland vegetables into delicious side dishes, makes popcorn addictive and lurks in pretty much everything you are eating.

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