January 21, 2026
“Never did I think three for the price of one was going to happen,” laughs Carrie Pfluke, a first-time mom in the Rochester area. Carrie welcomed triplets last year and says it was a huge adjustment, but support from the Bright Beginnings Maternal Case Management program at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield made a meaningful difference, especially the direct access to a registered nurse.
“We had monthly check-ins, and knowing she was a nurse with a medical background was incredibly reassuring,” Carrie explains.
“Building rapport and trust with our members over the course of their pregnancy to help them have the healthiest pregnancy possible is so rewarding,” says Claire Mowatt, Carrie’s nurse case manager with Bright Beginnings. “It’s a privilege to be able to help guide our members through the challenging parts of pregnancy and to be there to celebrate their milestones with them.”
More than medical guidance, the program offered consistency and care. “It made me feel truly supported,” Carrie said. “She was my one consistency throughout the whole process.”
"Bright Beginnings is about more than just clinical care—it’s about equity, compassion, and empowerment. Our team of nurses and social workers specialize in caring for members to ensure every mom, no matter her circumstances, has the support and resources she needs for a healthy pregnancy and a strong start for her baby,” says Latoya Mallory, director of case management at Excellus BCBS.
Addressing Maternal Health Disparities with Data
Maternal health outcomes vary significantly across communities, and inadequate access to quality care can put mothers and babies at risk. Excellus BCBS’s Maternal Health Improvement Team is working to change that through collaboration with its Bright Beginnings program.
The team focuses on improving quality and outcomes in key areas, including:
- Prenatal Care: Ensuring moms receive timely and comprehensive care during pregnancy.
- Prenatal Immunizations: Including T-DAP and influenza vaccines to protect moms and babies.
- Postpartum Care: Supporting recovery and health after delivery for both mom and baby.
- Postpartum Depression Screenings and follow-up: Addressing mental health needs early and effectively.
Learn more about Excellus BCBS programs that support healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and strong families by visiting ExcellusBCBS.com.
Watch more of Carrie’s story here:
Contact:
Lynn Wesley Burton
lynn.wesley@excellus.com
