Be Well: Beyond your doctor: Finding local support for your health

From case managers to health coaches, some insurance plans have regional care teams that can help you overcome everyday health challenges.

Keeping on top of your health isn’t just about going to the doctor. It’s also about having the right people in your corner, ready to support you day in and day out.

Sure, doctors can take care of the medical side. But what you do outside of their office—like eating well, exercising, managing stress, or just reaching out for help when you need it—is just as important.

That’s where local care support teams come in. A group of real people, living and working in your area and ready to help, can make a huge difference. They’re not just support—they’re your neighbors, offering care that truly understands and meets the needs of each community.

It’s like driving without a map. You might know where you want to go—like feeling better, getting to appointments, or finding the right kind of help—but it’s a lot easier when you have a team to guide you and make sure you don’t take a wrong turn.

With a care team on your side, you’re not driving alone. And because they know the area, you’re way more likely to get where you want to go.

Support with a personal touch

Did you know that some health insurance plans offer extra support right in your community?

Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) is one of them. CHPW has teams that work to understand unique health challenges their members face in different regions—and they help members overcome them.

These care teams include professionals like:

Case Managers who coordinate your care
Community Health Workers who connect you to local services
Health Coaches and Dietitians to support healthy lifestyle changes
Community Account Managers who help you understand your benefits

Some can meet you in person; others offer support over the phone.

Special support for chronic conditions

CHPW also has special programs to support members with long-term conditions like diabetes– one of the most common chronic conditions in the U.S. People with diabetes have trouble keeping their blood sugar levels in a healthy range.

CHPW’s Diabetes Care Program connects members with nurses, dietitians, and health coaches for one-on-one support over the phone. Together, they create a personal action plan and set goals, like eating healthier or losing weight. The team checks in along the way to make sure members stay on track.

Edie S.
CHPW Health Coach

CHPW diabetes success story

At 69, Susan wanted to make a change. She asked the CHPW Diabetes Care team for help with managing her prediabetes. What she got was more than just advice—she found a support network.

A CHPW dietitian and health coach worked with her one-on-one. They helped her eat healthier, lose weight, and set goals over time. The results? After eight months, Susan lowered her blood sugar level to a healthier range and lost 22 pounds!

Susan said she’s proud of her weight loss and doesn’t need her daily asthma medications anymore. “I can breathe better now,” she said. Another big reward: Susan was able to take her grandchildren on a 6.2-mile walk—something she couldn’t do a year ago.

All thanks to a care team that supported her every step of the way.

“Having a dedicated local care team can transform lives by providing personalized support and guidance,” said Edie S., a CHPW health coach who has worked closely with members living with diabetes. “By leveraging the expertise of registered dietitians and diabetes educators, individuals can make meaningful lifestyle changes that improve their health and overall wellbeing.”

Why regional care teams matter

When it comes to your health, one size doesn’t fit all. Each person’s needs are different. And people in different communities face different challenges.

Regional care teams understand this. They know what it’s like not having a ride to the doctor, needing help with language, or not knowing where to turn for help. And because many of these team members are local themselves, they can often meet you where you are—literally.

“A community-focused approach can lead to significant health improvements and a better quality of life,” said Edie.

Bottom line: When you connect with a local care team, you’re not just getting health care. You’re gaining a local support system.

So if you ever feel like you could use a little extra help, reach out to your health plan. Ask if they have care teams that can support you with your health goals.

You might be surprised by how much they can help.

Learn more about getting help in your community

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