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December 11, 2023

When it comes to our health, navigating the unexpected can be challenging and a little scary. After Juana Frias was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare and painful disorder similar to Lupus, she was overwhelmed. She needed a health care advocate to guide her as she adjusted to her new normal. That’s when she met registered nurse Betty and licensed clinical social worker Cheryl from the Florida Blue Care Team.

When she first met Betty shortly after her diagnosis, Juana was still in the hospital. Betty quickly put Juana’s mind more at ease, teaching her how to manage her symptoms, the importance of working closely with her primary care doctor for referrals to specialists, and how her Florida Blue benefits work to support her care needs. And the fact that Betty was able to speak to Juana in English or Spanish made her comfortable right from the start. Betty also connected Juana with Cheryl, a licensed clinical social worker on the care team, who helped find doctors to support her mental well-being.

Betty quickly became one of Juana’s trusted care advisors. “When I was first in the hospital, I was in bad shape,” Juana said. “I don’t remember much from that time, but I remember nurse Betty. She was my angel.”

Support when you need it

When Juana went home from the hospital, she needed a convenient way to stay connected to her Florida Blue care team. Betty introduced her to secure messaging, where Juana could send her messages and questions about symptoms, medications, community resources, help with next steps in her treatment, and more.

Juana said, “I get reminders about when to take medications and good information on things like diet, stress, and tracking steps. I especially enjoyed reading the article called ‘You are the Boss.’ This one motivated me, and I thought, ‘This disease won’t take me down.’”

Moving forward with confidence

Today, Juana is confident about where to go when she needs medical care and support. And she feels like she has a new lease on life. “I got a second chance. Time and health are gifts from God,” she said. “I didn’t see it that way before, but now I do.”

She added, “I want people to know that there are a lot of tools available through Florida Blue, including the care team. And it doesn’t cost more. It’s just extra help that’s there for you when you need it.”

Care and support at no extra cost

The Florida Blue Care Team nurses work side by side with our members and their doctors on every part of their health care journey. Florida Blue members can call our Care Team directly to ask for support.

“We’re here for members to lean on. We’re their advocates,” Betty said. “Our mission at Florida Blue is to help people and communities achieve better health, and I’m proud to be part of a team that lives that mission every day.”

Read more about our care teams or call them directly based on the type of health coverage you have: