Engaging With the Executive Toni Hankins, Vice President of Operations for BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina

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 Toni Hankins. She is the vice president of operations for BlueChoice HealthPlan. She has been with the company for 42 years.

1. Tell us about your first job.
   I worked at a Stuckey’s during high school when I was 15. I did not like dealing face-to-face with the public and feel for anyone who has to do that in today’s world, as well.
2. Describe some of your hobbies or interests outside of work.
   My hobbies include reading and collecting vintage dolls, old toys and sports memorabilia, mainly baseball.
3. What’s your favorite food? If it’s from a restaurant, which one?
   I honestly don’t have a favorite food or restaurant.
4. What’s your favorite movie, and why?
   I have many favorite movies! Just to name a few: I like ”The Equalizer” because justice is served hot by Denzel Washington. I like “The Outlaw Josey Wales” because … well … it’s Clint Eastwood. “Big Business”
   is just fun with Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler. And I like “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” — the original made in 1934 with Leslie Howard — because it was inspired by real daring rescues during the French Revolution.
5. What’s your favorite book, and why?
   My favorite book is “The Scarlet Pimpernel” by Baroness Emmuska Orczy.
6. Tell us about your favorite sports team.
   My favorite team is the Los Angeles Dodgers, with the Kansas City Royals close behind.
7. Describe one or more of your pet peeves.
   My main pet peeve is not being on time. If you are late to a meeting, dinner or other engagement without a really good reason, it basically shows a lack of respect for other people’s time. Invest in a watch. My second pet peeve is leaving a fork in the sink when you have to walk by the empty dishwasher to get to the sink.
8. Based on your experience, what are three keys to success for employees early in their career?
   In my career, I have found these are the keys to success:
    
   • Show up on time every day. If you are late or out, you miss an opportunity to learn.
   • If you have a difficult time learning the job functions you were hired for, talk to your management. Every can has a lid. There is something you can do well. Once you find that niche, you will be a much happier employee, which will show in your productivity.
   • Learn all you can about every area of the company, not just your area. There should be nothing that is “outside your job description” if it gives you the opportunity to learn. Gather as much knowledge as you can. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question if you don’t know the answer or are confused.
9. Whom do you admire most, and why?
   I have to say my mother is the person I have most admired. My dad died young, and Mom was left with six kids (five boys and one girl) to rear on her own. She always made sure we had food, a roof over our heads, school clothes and school shoes. If you are from the older generation, as I am, you had school clothes and shoes you had to change as soon as you got home.
10. Tell us about your greatest achievement.
    I consider my greatest achievement to be my children. Chris has been a manager in a local company for more than 20 years. Steven is a BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina employee for 20 years as of 2025. Russ is a BlueCross employee for 30 years as of 2025. Joy is a teacher of children with special needs in the Upstate. I am very proud of all of them.

Sports+ Registration Is Now Open

Staying active is key to good health. We all like to move in different ways. Is there something you have wanted to try but have not yet? Sometimes cost can hold you back. Now there is an easy way for your family to join local events, have fun and stay active: Get a Sports+ membership from the Wellness department.

Sports+ helps you and your family stay active while having fun together. The program offers options for everyone — whether you are an athlete or simply curious to try something new. A membership gives you and your family access to more than 30 local events and activities, such as:

• Casual group hikes.
• Road races.
• Bowling events.
• Water activities.
• Triathlons.

You can find a full calendar of events in the Wellness app in OurHRConnect. Your membership includes all 2026 calendar events. It also gives you discounts on other local activities and events.

Joining Sports+ is simple. Fees come out of your paycheck. Sign up by Feb. 28 for a rate of $25 per person. After that, it is $40 per person. Visit the Wellness app in OurHRConnect or use this form to sign up.
Do not wait. Get active and join Sports+ today.

Doing Good Works: Support March of Dimes This March

March of Dimes® has been leading the fight for the health of moms and babies since 1938. Today, it focuses on preventing preterm birth and infant death, improving maternal health, and closing the health equity gap so every family has the best possible start.

March of Dimes supports families through programs such as NICU Family Support®, Supportive Pregnancy Care®, and Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers®. It also drives research and advocates for policies that protect maternal and infant health nationwide.

Why This Work Matters
South Carolina faces some of the most severe maternal and infant health challenges in the country, making the work of March of Dimes critical here.

• South Carolina has scored a failing grade in preterm birth. The preterm birth rate is 11.6 percent. We rank 43rd out of 52 jurisdictions. In 2024 alone, 6,844 babies in the state were born preterm.
• The state ranks among the top 5 nationally for maternal vulnerability and is eighth in maternal mortality. Pregnancy-related deaths have risen notably in recent years.
• Nearly 90 percent of pregnancy-related deaths in South Carolina were found to be preventable.
• Since 2021, 13 labor and delivery units have closed. More than half of South Carolina counties are medically underserved, leaving many families with limited access to maternity care.

How You Can Help
Throughout March, we invite you to join us in raising awareness and funds to support March of Dimes’ mission to improve maternal and infant health.

Look for more details on Monday, March 2, in the Community Relations section of my e-Work.
 

From The BlueCross Blog: What to Know About ID Cards

Some of the most common questions members ask our customer service team center around ID cards. Here are important things everyone should know about their ID cards.

Read more here.

Four Keys to a Strong Heart

A healthy heart helps you feel your best. Many people skip simple steps that can help. Taking your medicine and making smart choices each day can keep your heart strong. Here are four ways to care for your heart.
Medication Adherence
If you have been prescribed medications, be sure to take them. Missing doses can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Studies show that not taking medicine the right way leads to thousands of deaths each year. Sticking to your medicine plan helps prevent heart disease and keeps you healthy. To stay on track:

• Use a pill organizer.
• Set reminders.
• Talk to your doctor if you have side effects.

Regular Routine Checkups

Regular checkups help find problems early and stop them from getting worse. Heart disease can grow without warning. Tests for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes can spot issues before they become serious.
The American Heart Association® says to check your blood pressure every year and test your cholesterol every few years. This helps your doctor look at your habits and give advice to stop heart disease.

Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Good habits help keep your heart strong. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Walking, swimming and biking are great choices. Eat a healthy diet with:

• Fruits.
• Vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Lean proteins.

Cut back on salt, sugar and processed foods. Do not smoke. Drink little or no alcohol. It is also important to manage stress and get enough sleep. These habits can:

• Lower your blood pressure.
• Improve your cholesterol.
• Help you stay at a healthy weight.
   

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease. It is called the “silent killer” because it sometimes shows no symptoms.
Nearly half of adults have hypertension. This makes regular blood pressure checks important. The goal for most people is below 130/80 mmHg. To lower your blood pressure:

• Reduce sodium intake.
• Exercise.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

If needed, medications can help. Keeping blood pressure under control is one of the best ways to prevent heart disease.

The American Heart Association is an independent organization that provides health information you may find helpful.