High blood pressure often develops without warning, quietly increasing your risk for life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. That is why the NALC HBP offers eligible members access to Hello Heart®, a digital heart health program that provides an FDA-cleared blood pressure monitor along with personalized coaching and easy-to-use tracking tools at no cost.
Additionally, the Hello Heart program allows you to discuss your progress with your healthcare professional and manage your health proactively to prevent hypertension, kidney damage and aneurysms, conditions often linked to uncontrolled blood pressure.
Continue reading to learn who qualifies for the program, how to get started, how to use it effectively, and additional preventative benefits covered by your plan.
Why check blood pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects millions of adults and is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, stroke, and other serious conditions. Because you often can’t feel elevated pressure, regular monitoring is essential for early detection and ongoing management.
Monitoring your blood pressure at home allows you to:
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Capture real-time data outside the clinic,which can help you identify trends.
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Improves accuracy by reducing “white-coat” effects that can distort single readings.
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Supports partnership with your provider by sharing date-stamped records.
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Motivates lifestyle changes when you see how diet, stress, and activity affect your numbers.
The Hello Heart program complements in-clinic care by enabling consistent measurement and secure tracking from home. Studies by the American Heart Association show that patients participating in structured blood pressure monitoring programs often achieve significantly better control compared with standard care alone.
Who qualifies for the free blood pressure monitor?
The Hello Heart program is included in both the High Option Plan and the Consumer Driven Health Plan.
Eligible members include:
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NALC HBP members and adult dependents (age 18 and older).
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Members with blood pressure readings at or above 130/80 mmHg.
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Members taking prescribed blood pressure medication.
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Pregnant individuals with issues such as preeclampsia and those who have or have gone through menopause.
This broad eligibility reflects the importance of targeted preventive care for those at increased risk of hypertension-related complications. Even if you’ve never been diagnosed with hypertension, if recent measurements meet criteria or you’re taking medication, you qualify to enroll.
Who doesn’t qualify?
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Dependents under age 18.
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Members without qualifying blood pressure readings or treatment status.
If you aren’t sure whether you qualify, check your most recent readings or talk with your primary care provider to confirm.
What is the process to receive your free digital blood pressure monitor?
Step 1: Sign up online or by text
Visit www.join.helloheart.com/NALCHBP to start registration and enter your plan information. Then, download the Hello Heart app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Create your Hello Heart account
Follow the prompts to set up your Hello Heart account with your smartphone or tablet.
Step 3: Qualification verification
Hello Heart will review your eligibility based on the criteria above (blood pressure levels, medication use, etc.). Once verified, your free monitor will be shipped to your home.
Step 4: Receive and activate your monitor
When your monitor arrives:
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Open the Hello Heart app.
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Pair your device via Bluetooth.
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Follow in-app setup instructions.
From there, every reading you take is tracked automatically and can be reviewed within the app or shared privately with your doctor.
How long does it take to receive the monitor?
Delivery timelines vary, but most members receive their monitor within a few weeks after successful enrollment and verification through Hello Heart.
How to use your blood pressure monitor
First, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit with your feet flat on the floor and your back supported. Rest for five minutes before taking a reading to get the most accurate result. Place the cuff on your upper arm, making sure it fits snugly but not too tight, and position it according to the instructions provided with your device.
When you start the monitor, remain still and avoid talking or moving during the measurement. Take readings at the same time each day to track trends accurately.
If you get unusually high or low readings, don’t panic. Take a few minutes to relax and try again. Consistent monitoring over time gives you and your healthcare provider the best information to manage your heart health effectively.
Additional wellness resources to check your health
Your NALC HBP benefits include a wide range of preventive and chronic disease management tools beyond free blood pressure monitoring:
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Annual wellness exams and routine screenings at no cost with in-network providers.
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Counseling, immunizations, and condition-specific preventive services as part of covered care.
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Chronic condition management resources for hypertension, diabetes, and heart health.
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Digital health tools and coaching benefits, including telehealth options.
Remember, preventive care continues to be one of the most impactful parts of your plan, and technologies like Hello Heart bring that care into your daily life.
