BlueCross BlueShield Member Story

A Man Finds Stability With Blue Cross Blue Shield

While attempting to retake control of mental health following a history of substance abuse, one man’s journey on his road to recovery has overcome numerous obstacles. Barriers to achieving health and wellness are different for every individual.

In the past, Jacob Williams, has self-medicated his schizophrenia with alcohol, which has led to various health problems due in part to risky behavioral health patterns. Now that he has achieved one year of sobriety, Jacob a 45-year-old Illinois resident, still had many challenges that hindered his mental health success.

Once assigned to care coordination for behavioral health needs, an assessment revealed a major factor to Jacob’s success was a precarious and inconsistent housing situation going between his parents and hotels. To find more stability, Jacob considered the idea of entering into a long-term care facility where he’d have access to join the “Moving On Program.” Instead, through the assistance of a care coordinator, Jacob was connected to a community support team where he was introduced to a community Chaplain.

With the development of natural supports within his community, an action plan was put in place to secure a stable living situation for Jacob. Through the efforts of the community support team case manager, care coordination, and the Chaplin, Jacob was assisted with the application for subsidized housing.

After successfully obtaining a subsidized apartment, with assistance of startup expenses, Jacob was able to settle and stabilize within his community. He remains well engaged with his newfound community supports team, care coordinators, and his providers. This steady environment has even increased Jacob’s compliance with his medications and health plan. He has remained sober and recently obtained an emotional support cat to improve his overall wellbeing.

For privacy and HIPPA reasons, the names of the member and his family in this story have been changed.