Regence Enhances Member Online Resource With Comprehensive Rx Guide

Regence Engine now includes tools that allow consumers to compare prices, learn about drug interactions and understand formulary information

September 12, 2006

BOISE - Regence BlueShield of Idaho members can now access pharmacy-related information on the Regence Engine (myregence.com), an online interactive environment designed to help advise, navigate and reward members to better understand how to take charge of their health.

This "one-stop shop" offers members the opportunity to research specific health issues, evaluate annual health care costs and plan healthy activities for themselves and their families.

The new Health & Rx Guide in the Engine further enhances members' experience with a comprehensive set of resources and tools, including a newly improved search function that makes it easier to find new medication information, including medication descriptions, generic options, formulary status or options and costs. Other tools available are an Rx Article Library, a Medication Interaction Tool and a Medication Identification Tool that can help people identify a particular pill by physical characteristics. The Interaction Tool, in particular, can be customized so members can see if their personal medications have possible interaction risks.

"As medications are one of the key drivers of escalating health care costs, one of the cornerstones of RegenceRx is our extensive clinical review of the safety and effectiveness of current medications," said David Clark, vice president of Pharmacy Services for Regence. "The integration of this information into the Regence Engine gives members a single, streamlined source where they can find the information they need to make more informed medication, benefits and health care decisions."

The Regence Engine also gives members access to fitness, weight-loss and smoking cessation programs. Members who choose to participate in these programs and lead healthier lifestyles will receive Regence Rewards - points redeemable for gift certificates to a wide variety of restaurants and retailers.

"We are proud to offer the Health & Rx Guide and other tools to our members through the Engine, so they can make effective decisions about their health care," said Will McKinney, vice president of Consumer-Directed Health Systems for Regence. "It is one more way we are helping advise, navigate and reward members to help them take charge of their health."

About Regence BlueShield of Idaho
Regence BlueShield of Idaho has more than 700 employees statewide and is headquartered in Lewiston and maintains offices in Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello and Twin Falls. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of 38 independent, locally operated Blue Shield and/or Blue Cross companies that collectively provide coverage to 88.8 million people - nearly one in three Americans. Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest/Mountain State Region, which operates Blue Shield/Blue Cross plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington. For more information, visit our Web site at www.id.regence.com.