Engaging With the Executive Wendy Nesmith, Vice President of Compliance With Companion Life 

Each issue of Communiqué will highlight an executive in one of our lines of business. We hope you will get to know the executives a little better, both professionally and personally.

This month, we introduce you to Wendy Nesmith. She is the vice president of compliance for Companion Life. She has been with the company for two years.

1. Tell us about your first job.

I was a receptionist at W.P. Law Inc., an irrigation supply company. I started working the summer before high school and continued working there until my last year in college. Initially, I answered the phone, prepared invoices for mailing, ordered office supplies, assisted with inventory and more. Any time I had a break, I talked to my coworkers to learn more about the business. That helped me understand our customers better and assist when they called. Farmers would occasionally bring in produce to share with us. Tomatoes from Johns Island or peaches from Gilbert were the best!

2. Describe some of your hobbies or interests outside of work. 

I enjoy reading and cooking. I also enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing. Some of my favorite memories are time spent fishing, shrimping and crabbing with my family at Edisto Beach.  

3. What’s your favorite food? If it’s from a restaurant, which one?

I love seafood and am always trying new recipes. Some recipes are the result of a fresh catch and whatever is on hand in the pantry or refrigerator.

4. What’s your favorite movie, and why?

“The Perfect Storm” is one of my favorite movies because I love the water and fishing. I can relate to the opening scene where they head out on calm water. The crew has grit, determination and courage. The movie doesn’t have a happy ending but reminds us of how powerful storms can be and that there are people who risk their lives every day.

5. What’s your favorite book, and why?

This is not a fair question! It is like asking me to pick my favorite child. Seriously, I like southern writers and have read every book by Dorothea Benton Frank. I am currently hooked on books written by her daughter. The one book that I re-read on occasion is “The Coffee Bean” by Jon Gordon. The book is about change and how we are affected by it. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to read it.

6. Tell us about your favorite sports team.

I cheer for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

7. Describe one or more of your pet peeves.

Constant complaining about things is a pet peeve. When my kids do that, I tell them to learn from the past and focus on the future.  

8. Based on your experience, what are three keys to success for employees early in their career?

• Think of yourself as a sponge and seek to learn even beyond your job responsibilities.
• Identify your mentors and cultivate those relationships.
• Establish a solid work ethic. Consider how you show up for work each day and demonstrate engagement.

9. Whom do you admire most, and why?

I admire my grandparents, who were a huge part of my everyday life growing up. They instilled in me the importance of faith and family.

10. Tell us about your greatest achievement.

I love the work I do, but my greatest achievement would be my kids. They are both in high school. My daughter is a senior, and my son is a junior. Both have expressed interest in attending the University of South Carolina, but we’ll see what the future holds — as long as it’s not Clemson.

Open Enrollment Is Almost Here

Fall is a time for change. So make a note and save the date! Benefits open enrollment is Oct. 27 through Nov. 14. This is your chance to make changes to your benefits. That includes health insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, your fitness center membership and more. 

The process hasn’t changed from prior years. It’s simple. You will find an item in your OurHRConnect inbox once open enrollment starts. Select the item and follow the prompts. Please take time to review all aspects of each plan. You will be able to see all the plan selections on one screen and select only those you would like to change.

The choices you make will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026. When enrollment ends Nov. 14, you won’t be able to make changes until the next open enrollment in November 2026. 

The Benefits and Pay hub in OurHRConnect has the most up-to-date Benefits Enrollment Guide. It also has articles on specific enrollment topics and other information for 2026. Under Suggested Links in the Benefits and Pay hub, select 2026 Open Enrollment to see key documents for the coming year.

Life can change fast. Did you get married? Have a new child? Change doctors? Keep that in mind to pick the best plan for your needs. 

If you have questions or concerns about open enrollment or your benefits, please contact the Human Resources Support Center at HR.SupportCtr@bcbssc.com or 800-288-2227, ext. 46654.

Families Helping Families Signup

Get ready for the holidays and the season of giving! At BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, community service is a core value. In November, employees can join our Families Helping Families campaign. 

Families Helping Families is a holiday assistance program run by the nonprofit Palmetto Project. In August, families apply for help through local social service agencies. The agencies screen applicants to make sure the services go to those who need them most. Volunteers then adopt families in need and provide holiday gifts and essential items such as food and clothing. 

Beginning Nov. 3, you can sign up to adopt a family for the holiday or volunteer in the Families Helping Families warehouse in December. It’s a great way to serve your neighbors and spread joy during the season. Make plans now to sign up and pitch in this holiday season. Look for an email on Nov. 3 with details on how to adopt a family. 

You can get more information about Families Helping Families at www.FHFMidlands.org*.

*This link leads to a third-party website. Palmetto Project is solely responsible for the contents and the privacy policy on its site.

From the BlueCross Blog: How Our Benefits Package Works for You

Employees give different reasons why they love working at BlueCross. Our benefits package tops that list.  The list of benefits has something for everyone.
Read the full blog post here.  

Monthly Health: Medication Adherence

Use as Directed

Are you taking medications as prescribed?

Four in 5 American adults take at least one prescribed medication per week. Unfortunately, many don’t take their medicines properly. 

Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor is known as medication adherence. This includes getting your prescriptions filled, taking the medications at the right times and understanding the directions. 

Studies have shown that as many as 50 percent of patients don’t take medications as prescribed for their chronic conditions. This includes medications for diabetes and cardiac conditions such as high blood pressure and COPD. 

Poor adherence can have many negative consequences. It can interfere with treating diseases, leading to complications from the illness and a lower quality of life for patients. In addition, more than $300 billion of avoidable health care costs have been attributed to medication nonadherence in the U.S. 

It’s important to continue taking your medication as directed, even if you feel better and no longer have symptoms. For example, if you have a bacterial infection and you don’t take the full course of antibiotics, some bacteria may survive. This could cause a new strain of resistant germs to develop.

Here are some tips to help you make sure you take your medications as directed:

• Be sure you understand how long to take the medication. Will you need a refill, or can you stop treatment when the bottle is empty?
• Tell your doctor if paying for prescriptions is a problem. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a generic medication or help you find a drug assistance program.
• Set daily routines to take medication. Connect taking the medication with daily routines such as eating or going to bed.
• Keep medications where you’ll notice them. If they must be taken with food, place medications on the dinner table. If they should be taken in the morning, keep them with your toiletries. Remember, however, that many medications should not be kept in the bathroom. High humidity and changing temperatures from the shower and baths can make them less effective. It is best to store most medicines in a cool dry place.
• Use daily dosing containers. Keep medications in compartments labeled with the days of the week.
• Keep a written or digital schedule. Include the medications you take, how often you take them and any special directions.