Blue Companies News Archive

Leading Orthopedic Physician Group Joins Highmark’s Integrated Delivery System ›

Highmark Inc. announced today that Orthopedic Associates of Pittsburgh (OAPGH), a leading orthopedic group in Western Pennsylvania, has chosen to affiliate with its growing Integrated Delivery System. OAPGH surgeons – Arnold S. Broudy, M.D.; Michael Levine, M.D.; David C. Neuschwander M.D.; Robert G. Liss, M.D.; and Gregory L. Hung, M.D. – began working as Highmark providers on April 1.

Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease Associates (ARDA) Physician Group Joins Highmark Inc.’s Integrated Delivery System  ›

Highmark Inc. announced today that Arthritis & Rheumatic Disease Associates (ARDA), a leading rheumatology group in western Pennsylvania, has chosen to affiliate with its growing Integrated Delivery System. ARDA physicians, Leo P. Bidula, M.D.; Paul J. Killian, M.D.; and Lindsay J. Lewich, D.O., began working as Highmark providers on March 12.

Excellus BCBS Offers Free Initial Copay For Expanded List Of Generic Drugs  ›

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield members who take brand-name medicines for pain, heartburn, gout, high blood pressure, overactive bladder and migraine headaches now have an added incentive to ask their doctor if a generic drug might be right for them: A free initial 30-day supply of a generic option to try at no cost, plus lower copays going forward if they continue with the generic.

Christopher Booth Named CEO-Elect For Excellus BlueCross BlueShield ›

Christopher C. Booth, president of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, has been named to become chief executive officer of the health plan and its parent corporation, The Lifetime Healthcare Companies, effective January 1, 2013.

Independence Blue Cross Rewards Cost-Effective, Patient-Centered Primary Care With Enhanced Incentive Program ›

An innovative incentive program introduced by Independence Blue Cross (IBC) in 2010 is leading the way nationally by rewarding high-performing primary care physicians for providing excellent, patient-centered care. The program, which allows primary care doctors to double their base reimbursement and paid out nearly $37 million in 2011, rewards physicians for improving the quality of care and providing care in a more efficient way, which helps control the cost of care -- all part of IBC’s commitment to transforming the delivery of health care in our region.

Florida Blue - New Name Of Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Florida ›

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) is now Florida Blue. The new name, new logo and tagline - ‘In the pursuit of health’ - are all part of the company’s transition to a health solutions company with an overarching mission to help the people of Florida and their communities achieve better health. Consumers will soon see the new Florida Blue brand utilized in signage, sponsorships and advertising.

Highmark Value-Based Benefit Designs Incent Employees To Get Engaged In Health Care ›

Highmark Inc. recently introduced to its group customers a comprehensive package of value-based benefit designs, which are more commonly known across the industry as health insurance plan designs that offer incentives and rewards for employees to become more engaged in their health care.

Blue Cross Foundation Announces Connect For Health Challenge ›

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation today announced the launch of the Connect for Health Challenge, a new grantmaking initiative that will award up to $500,000 to eligible nonprofits, schools and local units of government to support efforts that strengthen social connections in low-income communities across Minnesota.

Telehealth Service Offered By Highmark Gives New Meaning To The Term House Call ›

A cold or upper respiratory infection might need a physician’s attention, but when he or she is not available, the only option might be a visit to the emergency room. With that in mind, Highmark Inc. has launched a pilot program to a select number of members, who can conduct a secure virtual visit with a physician.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Earns Highest National Accreditation For Quality  ›

The managed care plans of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield have again received the highest accreditation status available, a rating of “Excellent,” from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The Excellent rating applies to all Excellus BCBS commercial (HMO/POS combined and PPO), Medicaid (HMO) and Medicare (HMO and PPO) plans.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Names Michael Hudson as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  ›

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) today announced the appointment of Michael Hudson as its new executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective immediately.

No More One Size Fits All In Choosing Health Care Coverage ›

Today Blue Cross evolved their defined contribution solution, Blue Choice, by introducing an online selection and enrollment tool. This tool provides an easy comparison of employer’s health care coverage options and helps employees choose the health plan best fit for them. Blue Choice gives employers a new way to control health care costs while continuing to offer health care benefits to their employees. With Blue Choice, small to large employers can now take advantage of guaranteed rates while ensuring their employees have the peace of mind of knowing not only will they have health care benefits, but also have a choice of the plan that’s not a one size fits all.

Blue Shield of California Foundation Announces $11.4 Million in First-Quarter Grants ›

BCBSNC Announces The 2012 Health Innovation Challenge ›

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) announced today the 2012 Health Innovation Challenge. The challenge, sponsored by BCBSNC and supported by Bull City Forward, Queen City Forward and North Carolina State University’s Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI), invites North Carolina’s entrepreneurs, community leaders, citizens and university students to submit solutions to help reduce obesity across the state and increase the competitiveness of the North Carolina economy. Up to three winners will receive $20,000 and mentoring support to implement their winning idea. In addition, BCBSNC has the option to invest in the winning business idea or company to support them beyond the challenge.

Blue Cross Foundation Videos Feature Grantee Projects  ›

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation has released short videos that highlight the work of five organizations working to improve health across the state.

Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Kansas City Launches Blue365 Website: A Health And Wellness Resource For Members ›

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC), the area’s largest health insurance company, announced the launch of its improved health and wellness website, Blue365, which provides value-added benefits and offers for Blue KC members. The website, www.Blue365deals.com/BlueKC, features discounts, both national and in the Kansas City area, on a variety of health and wellness resources.

Highmark Healthy High 5 Successfully Impacts Children’s Health In Pennsylvania ›

The Highmark Foundation today announced that Highmark Healthy High 5, a five-year $100 million initiative, successfully influenced change regarding children’s health issues in the 49-county region Highmark serves across Pennsylvania.

Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island And Coastal Medical Announce First-Of-Its Kind Shared-Savings Contract  ›

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) and Coastal Medical today announced that they have entered into an innovative, two-year shared-savings agreement aimed at further improving healthcare quality and patient safety, while slowing increases in healthcare costs.

Turning A Blind Eye: New Wellpoint Survey Finds Americans Value Vision Health, But Still Delay Care ›

On average, Americans report having five items on their daily to-do list; however, during this time of the year, the ever-expanding list becomes "supersized" as people focus on projects, errands and tasks they put off for another day. And, with everyone eager to check off items on their daily to-do list, now is the perfect time to prioritize one's vision health.

Anthem Donates $150,000 To GCC Foundation’s Building Campaign  ›

The Gateway Community College Foundation (GCCF) announced today that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Connecticut has donated $150,000 to its “Your College. Your Future” building campaign.