Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Michigan Seeking Nominations For Outstanding Senior Advocates

June 27 Is Deadline For Claude Pepper Award Nominations

May 13, 2008

DETROIT -- People who know an exemplary advocate for improving the lives of Michigan's senior citizens have until June 27 to nominate the advocate for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's Claude Pepper Award.

The award is presented annually to two individuals whose professional or volunteer efforts have made significant contributions to improving the lives of Michigan seniors, particularly those whose access to health care services may be hindered by physical, mental, financial or geographical limitations.

"The Claude Pepper Award salutes those who often go unrecognized while giving so selflessly of their time and talent to help seniors," said Diana Jones, vice president of community affairs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. "The company is proud to acknowledge their deep impact on the lives of Michigan's elderly and on the entire state." The award is named
for the late Florida Sen. Claude Pepper, one of the principal sponsors of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and a major force in strengthening Social Security and Medicare.

Nomination forms and additional information are available at bcbsm.com/awards. Forms also can be obtained by phoning 800-733-BLUE (2583) or by writing to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Community Service Awards, Mail Code 0620, 600 E. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226.

Claude Pepper Award nominations are reviewed by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Senior Advisory Council Education Committee. Two winners will be selected: one retiree and one actively employed person of any age. They will each receive a $1,000 donation for their respective nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status. If the winners are associated with a non-qualifying program, a qualifying program related to his or her service may be designated. Runners-up will be recognized with certificates.

The 18th annual Claude Pepper Awards will be presented Friday, Sept. 19 in Traverse City during the annual Senior Advisory Council conference. Themed "Living Well - Celebrate Healthy Aging," the conference is geared toward older adults, service providers, caregivers and others interested in learning more about healthy aging. Featured will be Tai Chi demonstrations and informative sessions on such subjects as living holistically, preventing falls, safe driving and elder law and estate planning, with a keynote presentation by octogenarian Art Holst on living happy and well in retirement. To register, call 800-733-BLUE (2583).

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit organization, provides and administers health benefits to 4.7 million members residing in Michigan in addition to members of Michigan-headquartered groups who reside outside the state. The company offers a broad variety of plans including: Traditional Blue Cross Blue Shield; Blue Preferred, Community Blue and Healthy Blue Incentives PPOs; Blue Care Network HMO; BCN Healthy Blue Living; Flexible Blue plans compatible with health savings accounts; Medicare Advantage; Part D Prescription Drug plans, and MyBlue products in the under-age-65 individual market. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit bcbsm.com.