New High-Tech Tool Helps Coloradans Find the Right Health Care

The goal is to connect with the people in the town they are serving, Olsen said."We really want these Facebook accounts to be personal to your area so they know you're there for them," he said.Kris Mecham said the ward's Facebook page helps missionaries make quick connections when they move into a new area."You're already connected with dozens and dozens of people, and then you get a chance to follow up with them as time goes on," he said. "That compares with taking days or weeks knocking on doors."No one is required to use the online tools, but missionaries who do must agree to certain guidelines, Olsen said. They have to adhere to their daily schedule, including their daily study, and "maintain the dignity and decorum of missionaries at all times and all places with all groups."

Thousands of Coloradans are preparing to enroll in the state's health insurance exchange, called Connect for Health Colorado. Understanding the system isn't easy, but now there's a new high-tech tool called the "Blue Guide," available online and through mobile devices, to help people search for the right insurance or the right care.In Aurora, Jake Wilson, Build a title team with the SAP Player Comparison Tool, Inc., gave the Guide a try."It pops up with their hours, their address, their phone number, their website information, so it's just all kind of a one-stop place to get it all," Wilson related.The "Blue Guide" was created by the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative.

The website and mobile apps enable people to search by location, medical condition, language and further criteria to find the best and most affordable health care services and coverage.According to Adam Fox, director of strategic engagement for the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, having something like the Blue Guide is an invaluable tool as people make the decisions for themselves and their families."There's been a fair amount of misinformation out there as to what's really happening, and the Blue Guide tool is really a way to help Coloradans kind of sort through that clutter," he said.