Maternal Health - Better Beginnings®

Having a baby is an exciting time, but it can also be hectic as you prepare for the new addition to your family.  We’re here to help. Enrolling in our free Better Beginnings program is a great way to make sure you and your baby are getting all the care you need. 

Better Beginnings program assists with maternal health needs

When you enroll in our maternal health program, you’ll be partnered with one of our experienced Better Beginnings nurses. The nurse can coordinate your care and provide guidance -- both during your pregnancy and after your child is born. We’re available to answer your questions and give you information to help you make decisions about your pregnancy and growing family. You’ll be able to use our mobile app to communicate directly with your Better Beginnings nurse. The app also includes a personalized health checklist to help you manage your day-to-day activities (see below on how to get the app).

After your baby has arrived, our Better Beginnings nurse can connect you to the support you need, such as a home health nurse, a lactation consultant, or other resources to help you meet your maternal health, wellness, and parenting goals.

Sign up before you are 34 weeks pregnant to take advantage of all the Better Beginnings benefits!

Guidance and Support During Your Pregnancy

While having an experienced nurse to support you is a huge benefit, we don’t stop there. When you join our maternal health Better Beginnings program you’ll also receive:

  • $125 for educational classes. If you take classes on topics like childbirth, parenting, and breastfeeding, we’ll pay you back for class fees up to $125.
  • A free breast pump. Your Better Beginnings nurse will give you the details on how to get a breast pump from us at no cost. 

We’d like you to start partnering with one of our Better Beginnings nurses early in your pregnancy, to make sure you and your baby stay healthy and well as the big day gets closer. To reward you for signing up early, you can choose one of these extra benefits:

  • Fitness classes -- If you take fitness classes while pregnant or up to three months after having your baby, we’ll pay you back up to $150.
  • Car Seat – When you buy a car seat for your baby, we’ll pay you back up to $150.
  • Help at Home – If you’d like some extra help at home after your baby is born, we’ll pay you back for a visiting helper’s services (up to $25 per hour for as much as nine hours).

You can join the maternal health Better Beginnings program in several ways – use one of the following options to enroll (you only need to choose one):

  • From your device, download our mobile app powered by Wellframe (if you’re using an Apple device, click “Allow Paste” when prompted). You can use the app to enroll. The app is available for both Apple and Android mobile devices. You will need your member ID (found on your member ID card. Reminder: only enter the letter "v" on your ID, followed by numbers only). Your access code should autofill, but here it is in case you need it: vtbeginonline
    • Once onboarded in the app, make sure your notifications are enabled. You will receive a message via the app from one of our Health Support Specialists on how to proceed with your enrollment.
    • Important Note: our staff can only send and receive messages during normal business hours, Monday–Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Better Beginnings QR code

    Log into our Member Resource Center. Once logged in, go to My Forms and complete the Better Beginnings enrollment form.

  • Scan the QR code with your mobile device. If you’re using an Apple device, click “Allow Paste” when prompted
  • Complete the enrollment questionnaire. This helps us better understand your overall health and determine if you may be at risk for an early delivery or other pregnancy complications. You can fax the completed form to us at (866) 387-7914 or mail it to this address: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, P.O. Box 186, Montpelier, VT 05601-0186.

We look forward to supporting the health and wellness of you and your baby through our Better Beginnings program. Be sure to enroll today to receive the most benefits! If you have any questions about the program, please call us at (800) 247-2583.

If you’ve already enrolled in the Better Beginnings program, you can use the forms below to receive the maternal health benefits you chose. 

To complete the form, add your personal information, ID number, group number, and employer-based health plan status. Fill in the date of service/purchase and the amount. You can skip the boxes for Physicians and Additional information. 

Type your name on the signature line and include the date, then email the completed form and your receipt to our customer service team at customerservice@bcbsvt.com. You will receive your reimbursement check in about four to six weeks.

If you would like to change the maternal health benefits you’ve selected, please contact your Better Beginnings nurse before sending us any of the above forms.