IBC Press Releases

Independence Blue Cross merges healthful eating with convenient, farm-fresh shopping

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Hosts new farmers' market location at 19th and Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA - May 18, 2012 - Say goodbye to the cellophane-wrapped carrots, frozen beans, and canned fruit cup, and say hello to the IBC Farmers' Market, the new initiative from Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and Farm To City that brings farm-fresh produce to 19th and Market streets in Center City on Thursdays starting May 17.

"Offering a convenient way for our associates, local businesses, and neighbors to buy fresh fruits and vegetables through the new IBC Farmers' Market is just one innovative way we're accomplishing our mission: enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve," Kimberly Eberbach, vice president of wellness and community health at IBC. "Eating the recommended five to eight servings every day of fruits and vegetables isn't easy with our busy lives, and this open-air market will bring fresh farm goods close to where our associates, local businesses' employees, and area neighbors work and live."

Buying local from the weekly IBC Farmers' Market is good for the economy and the environment, and it also yields the freshest, healthiest fruits, vegetables, and other goods from area farmers. Like many farmers' markets, it will last through the autumn, offering seasonal items from spring asparagus and strawberries to summer corn and tomatoes, to apples, squashes, and root vegetables in the fall.

"IBC associates are exclusively offered participation in a farm share program where, for an upfront fee, fruits, vegetables, and other goods are packaged for easy pickup each week," said Sumit Sethi, IBC manager of associate wellness. "Fresher fruits and vegetables have more nutrients and taste better, and buying from local farmers is important to our local economy. I'm looking forward to shopping there myself."

The IBC Farmers' Market is located in the courtyard adjacent to IBC headquarters at 1901 Market Street, and is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., starting Thursday, May 17.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@ibx.

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Independence Blue Cross Gears Up to Step Out

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

IBC is fifth-year presenting sponsor of diabetes walk

Philadelphia, PA - May 15, 2012 - In April, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) marked the company's fifth-year presenting sponsorship of Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes, the American Diabetes Association's community fundraising event, by hosting a corporate kick off breakfast for the region's business leaders. American Diabetes Association (ADA) representatives and other guest speakers urged local executives to take action against this growing health crisis where one in nine residents in the Philadelphia region and 26 million people nationally are afflicted by diabetes.

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes has been taking place throughout the country for more than 20 years and has raised over $150 million toward diabetes prevention, education, advocacy, and ultimately a cure. Locally, the 2011 event raised over $575,000 and boasted 3,600 participants, making it the number one Step Out event in the country. This year, Step Out will be held Saturday, October 6 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The ADA looks to inspire 4,500 participants and raise $615,000.

Speaking from IBC corporate headquarters on Market Street, NBC 10 news anchor Lori Wilson welcomed representatives from more than 30 local businesses, and introduced guest speaker Chris Cashman, IBC's executive vice president and president of commercial markets.

"Since 2008, IBC and our associates have contributed over $450,000 to help ADA provide community education programs and to fund critical research projects to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes," said Cashman. "As corporate leaders we have a responsibility to walk the talk by taking care of ourselves, urging others to lead healthier lives, and working together to prevent the growth of chronic diseases, such as diabetes."

On behalf of IBC, Cashman pledged to form a team of 450 or more walkers and "Blue Crew" volunteers for the 2012 walk, and to raise at least $55,000 through employee fundraising and a corporate matching gift.

"In the Philadelphia region, roughly 130,000 of our members -- including our own associates, their families, and loved ones -- are living with diabetes, and this number continues to grow every year," said Cashman. "By partnering with the ADA we have a prime opportunity to reach these folks -- and thousands of others -- with critical and potentially life-saving diabetes-related information. It's an ideal partnership."

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Record crowds turn out for 33rd annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

More than 33,907 runners cross the finish line in the nation's largest 10-miler

Philadelphia, PA - May 7, 2012 - Runners were out in record numbers, young and old, veterans and first-timers, racing down Broad Street from Somerville Street to the Navy Yard in the 33rd annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run, the nation's largest 10-miler, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross (IBC).

Kenyan Henry Rutto took the men's division with a time of 47:05. Ester Erb of Blowing Rock, NC, led the women with 55:26. The top winners each received a $1,500 prize and an etched glass trophy and will have their names added to the Independence Cup, a silver trophy engraved with the names of winners from the past three decades.

"Once again, the Blue Cross Broad Street Run was a huge success, beginning with a record sell-out in five hours and ending with nearly 34,000 runners crossing the finish line on a cool Sunday morning," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "We are proud to sponsor this race for the 16th consecutive year and thrilled to see so many people demonstrating their commitment to exercise and good health. Thanks to the fans, the City of Philadelphia, all the volunteers, and the tens of thousands of runners who make this race the biggest and most popular 10-miler in the United States."

Taking second and third places in the men's division were Birhanu Feyissa Alemu with a time of 48:43 and John Itati with a time of 48:59. In the women's division, Askale Merachi captured second place with a time of 55:51and Sarah Cummings took third place with a time of 56:53.

Tony Nogueira from Glen Ridge, NJ, was the first-place men's finisher in the wheelchair race with a time of 36:58, and Chelsea Crytzer of Parsippany, NJ, came in first among the women with a time of 51:27.

"We never dreamed how popular this race would one day become and we're thrilled to not only be the largest 10-miler in the country, but now among the top 10 largest races of any size in the U.S.," said Jim Marino, race director from the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation. "We're grateful for the continued support of Independence Blue Cross, and we thank all the city departments, including the fire, police, and the many volunteers and fans whose commitment and dedication make this race the amazing event it is year after year."

Among those running, more than 13,000 were IBC members, including 81-year-old Dick Hoban, one of the oldest male entrants, who finished second in the 80-98 age division with a time of 1:59:47. This was Dick's 28th time running the race. Two other IBC members, Sandra Folzer, 72, and Bill McClellan, 76, also finished first in their age groups, with times of 1:26:45 and 1:29:28, respectively.

The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is the second of three annual signature fitness events that IBC sponsors each year. The first, National Walk @ Lunch Day, held April 25 at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia, is a national event spearheaded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and held simultaneously in cities in all 50 states to encourage employees to walk at lunchtime. More than 13,500 walkers turned their working lunch into a walking lunch, with more than 100 employer groups from five counties participating.

On October 6, IBC will sponsor the American Diabetes Association event "Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes." This family- and team-friendly 5K walk on Martin Luther King Drive raises awareness about and money for research and education about diabetes, a debilitating chronic disease that afflicts one in nine people in the greater Philadelphia region. Last year's Philadelphia walk was the most successful of more than 150 such walks across the nation, and attracted 3,200 participants who raised $577,590.

About the Blue Cross Broad Street Run
The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is managed by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department with the cooperation of city agencies and more than 90 volunteer groups. The race is held the first Sunday in May, and the course goes through or near various Philadelphia neighborhoods along Broad Street. The race raises funds for the American Cancer Society. Visit the race website at Blue Cross Broad Street Run.

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Independence Blue Cross Announces New Strategic Relationship with AAA Mid-Atlantic

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 EST

Two respected brands join forces to bring health plan coverage to individuals and families

Philadelphia, PA - May 1, 2012 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today announced a ground-breaking new strategic relationship with AAA Mid-Atlantic to offer a broad variety of health plans to individuals and families who are members of AAA Mid-Atlantic and reside in southeastern Pennsylvania. This first-of-its-kind relationship paves the way for IBC to partner with other highly regarded organizations and offer health insurance to consumers in new ways.

AAA Mid-Atlantic and IBC, both respected, well-known brands, have served generations of individuals and families, and are committed to improving the lives of the people they serve, while providing peace of mind and value for members.

Through this new relationship, AAA Mid-Atlantic will offer IBC health plans to their members with an exclusive benefit to no additional cost: health advocacy services. Health advocacy services, which will be provided by Health Advocate, help people pursue better health, lower medical costs, and simplify dealing with the health care system. For example, a person facing a serious condition who wants help finding the most qualified physician in network can seek advice from a personal health advisor, who is backed by other clinicians and experts.

"We are eager to extend the value of our most popular individual health plans to AAA Mid-Atlantic members," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "Independence Blue Cross is the first commercial health plan company to offer individual health coverage exclusively for AAA members. We are proud of this innovative relationship, as we drive toward new and better ways to help people stay healthy and successfully navigate the sometimes complex health care system."

The health insurance landscape is changing dramatically, Hilferty said, as more and more consumers are buying their own health coverage. IBC is focused on simplifying the health insurance buying process for people who have never purchased health plans on their own before, he said, noting that IBC's new relationship with AAA will help its members, who are accustomed to getting quality products and services through AAA, select top quality health insurance through IBC with the additional peace of mind of AAA's endorsement.

"We are pleased to enter into a strategic relationship with IBC to expand our growing list of health care products and services for AAA members," said Andy Zalescik, vice president, financial services, AAA Mid-Atlantic. "Our members demand exceptionally high levels of service, value in the form of an exclusive AAA benefit, and guidance from top tier providers such as IBC and Health Advocate due to the ever increasing complexities of health care decisions. Now AAA is helping them get the health coverage they need, for wherever life takes them."

This new strategic relationship includes collaborative marketing initiatives between AAA and IBC in electronic, print, direct mail, and in-store via the 11 AAA retail locations in the five-county Philadelphia area. It also will include joint sponsorship of community health fairs and member events.

Exclusively for AAA Mid-Atlantic members who reside in the Philadelphia five-county area, IBC's individual health plans - including a complete suite of 13 medically underwritten HMO and PPO plans - offer services through Health Advocate that help individuals and families pursue better health outcomes, lower medical costs, relieve stress, and improve well-being.

"We are excited to deepen our working relationships with Independence Blue Cross and AAA Mid-Atlantic," said Michael J. Cardillo, Health Advocate president, CEO, and cofounder. "Earlier this year we announced we would be providing health advocacy support to IBC associates and their families, and now we are excited to offer a special level of services as part of the individual health plans from IBC for AAA Mid-Atlantic members."

There is growing demand for health advocacy services among health care consumers who don't have traditional employer-based coverage, and therefore, do not have a plan administrator at the workplace to help them through challenges they may encounter. Enhancing peace of mind, Health Advocate services are included at no additional cost to AAA members that purchase IBC's medically underwritten individual and family plans.

Because different people choose different levels of benefits and pricing, IBC's plan options include various copay and deductible designs. In addition, all plans have unlimited lifetime maximum coverage. IBC's plans include:

office visits and $0 preventive care
hospital, ER, and urgent care
X-rays, lab work, and prescription drug and vision coverage

AAA Mid-Atlantic
AAA Mid-Atlantic serves nearly 700,000 members in the Philadelphia (5-county) region and nearly four million members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, with personal insurance, financial, automotive and travel services through 58 retail branches, regional operations centers and the internet, at AAA.com.

Health Advocate
Health Advocate^TM, Inc., the nation's leading independent healthcare advocacy and assistance company, headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, serves 25+ million Americans through more than 8,200 client relationships, helping members personally navigate healthcare and insurance-related issues, saving time and money.

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Independence Blue Cross recognized as regional corporate philanthropy leader

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Region's leading health insurer awarded for its community impact and charitable contributions

Philadelphia, PA - April 26, 2012 - Independence Blue Cross was honored today by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a regional leader in corporate charitable giving and service.

At today's 2012 Corporate Philanthropy Summit, Independence Blue Cross placed second in the Community Impact Award for extra-large companies. This capstone award recognizes companies with well-rounded giving programs that include generous cash gifts, volunteerism, and in-kind donations, which are donations of expertise, talents, and products. In 2010, the year for which the award is given, Independence Blue Cross contributed a total of $7.4 million in cash giving, $632,000 in in-kind donations, and 8,200 volunteer hours.

In addition, Independence Blue Cross was second on the Journal's Corporate Charitable Contributions list, which ranks area companies by their monetary support to the local community.

During its fifth annual Corporate Philanthropy Summit today, the Philadelphia Business Journal recognized companies in four award categories by company size: cash donors, volunteerism, in-kind donations, and community impact. The awards were based on a survey completed by 81 area companies about its corporate giving in 2010, and were ranked by donations on a per employee basis.

The publication also listed the top corporate charitable contributors, which ranks the total 2010 local cash donations by each company. The Philadelphia Business Journal's survey found that 81 local companies donated $62.7 million in direct cash donations and $166.7 million in in-kind gifts, and their employees volunteered 287,611 hours to local charities.

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13,500 Philadelphians Join Independence Blue Cross in National Walk @ Lunch Day^SM

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Walkers from 120 Southeastern Pennsylvania organizations took steps toward healthier lives

Philadelphia, PA - April 25, 2012 - Today, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) hosted nearly 13,500 customers, community members, Philadelphia city employees, and local workforce members in Rittenhouse Square and other Greater Philadelphia locations as they observed National Walk @ Lunch Day^SM and took a collective step toward better health. The fifth annual event, which was part of a national program sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, demonstrated how easy it can be to fit regular exercise into even the busiest of schedules.

"At Independence Blue Cross, we strive to lead our community and our industry toward a healthier future," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "National Walk @ Lunch Day brings together nearly 13,500 people in our region for fun, inspiration, and exercise while demonstrating that our commitment to community health is alive, well, and on the move."

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; Betsy Hummel, the president of Friends of Rittenhouse Square; and IBC's Hilferty addressed the crowd to kick off the event. Philadelphia Phillies mascot the Phillie Phanatic, dance teams, and Zumba instructors were on hand to entertain the crowd and keep the energy flowing as about 2,900 participants walked a one-mile course around the perimeter of Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thousands of others joined at satellite locations organized by employer groups, school districts, and senior centers not within walking distance of Center City. Together, the events drew nearly 13,500 people from nearly 120 organizations at 150 locations throughout the region.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that the cost to treat illness and chronic disease caused by inactive lifestyles is nearly $1,000 a year for every family in America. Studies have shown that getting just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (such as a brisk walk) at least five times a week has significant health benefits, including: lowered risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes; controlled weight; reduced stress; and improved muscle, bone, and joint health.

National Walk @ Lunch Day is a component of WalkingWorks^®, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association physical activity program designed to help Americans live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity. It attracts tens of thousands of participants through walking events held across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The WalkingWorks program was developed in partnership with the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition.

Beyond participation in today's events, companies nationwide use National Walk @ Lunch Day to kick-start programs that help support their employees' health and wellness goals throughout the year, which is IBC's ultimate goal. One such organization is Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), which - as the nation's largest municipally owned utility - employs more than 1,500 workers.

"We participated in National Walk @ Lunch Day for the first time last year, and it proved to be a very positive experience for our employees," said Craig E. White, PGW president and CEO. "Not only was the day itself a success, it also gave us a great opportunity to add extra momentum to our new internal wellness program."

One year later, as PGW prepares for the 2012 National Walk @ Lunch Day event, its L.i.f.e.: Lifestyle Improvement For Employees program offers seasonal walking challenges, a host of wellness classes, and lifestyle support that includes cancer screenings, health fairs, and more. By capitalizing on the excitement generated by the 132 employees who participated in the 2011 National Walk @ Lunch Day event, L.i.f.e. has been able to encourage more than 700 PGW employees to take part in at least one wellness program activity this year. Collectively, the organization has walked more than 1,095 miles since L.i.f.e.'s launch.

"In the last year, our wellness program has led to improved employee engagement and a more robust culture of health, as well as helping to contain our health care costs," added White. "National Walk @ Lunch Day helped us introduce a series of positive lifestyle options on behalf of our employees."

To help all of its customers build on the healthy habits that National Walk @ Lunch Day promotes, IBC also offers a pedometer application, which allows users to track their miles, provides information about easy-to-access walking paths, and contains other helpful tips for overall wellness. In addition, IBC has launched a website, ibx.com/getwalking, which provides visitors with a series of year-round activities in the region that will bring people together to enjoy our neighborhoods and strengthen the community one step at a time.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received high ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@ibx.

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American Cancer Society Partners with Independence Blue Cross on Landmark Cancer Prevention Study

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Independence Blue Cross will serve as the Regional Champion

Philadelphia, PA - April 25, 2012 - The American Cancer Society and Independence Blue Cross have teamed up on a large research project to help find the causes of cancer and a cure for it. The project is called the Cancer Prevention Study 3, or CPS-3, and it will study 300,000 people across the country - about 1,300 in this region. This monumental national study is expected to provide researchers extraordinarily valuable insight into the genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is the Regional CPS-3 Champion, providing financial support for the study and encouraging area residents to enroll in the study.

"Together the American Cancer Society and Independence Blue Cross are working to eliminate cancer as a major health problem, and I commend them on their groundbreaking partnership," said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter. "Everyone has been affected by cancer in one way or another, so it's our job as a community to fight back and help eradicate this disease by participating in this important study, CPS-3."

The City of Philadelphia, which puts on the annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run, will jump-start CPS-3 enrollment at the Blue Cross Broad Street Run Expo at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, May 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individuals running in the race on Sunday, May 6, as well as family and friends attending the race or expo, are encouraged to enroll in the study to help create a world with less cancer and more birthday celebrations.

"Independence Blue Cross is joining with the American Cancer Society to lead the way towards finding a cure for cancer on behalf of our members and our community," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "As the region's most trusted health insurer, we will help recruit people to participate in this critically important study that will deepen our knowledge of what causes and what could prevent this devastating disease."

"Everyone knows someone who's had cancer," said Jim Marino of the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, the race director of the Blue Cross Broad Street Run. "CPS-3 will help us better understand what factors cause cancer, and once we know that, we can be better equipped to prevent cancer. This race and this community have long supported the American Cancer Society, and we are honored to partner with them on this research."

Area residents 30 to 65 years old with no previous history of cancer are encouraged to enroll. But residents who are not eligible are encouraged to spread the word about the study within their community. For more information and to schedule an appointment to enroll, visit the CPS-3 Blue Cross Broad Street Run enrollment page, or visit www.cancer.org/cps3, or call the Society toll-free at 1-888-604-5888.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Americans to participate in life-saving cancer research," said Jill Sterbakov, CPS-3 volunteer champion. "We are excited to offer this opportunity for area residents to make an appointment and enroll in the study at the Blue Cross Broad Street Run Expo on May 4 and 5. Our goal is to recruit 450 of the local participants during the weekend of the Run. In order to reach these targets, we are asking for the Philadelphia community to help us spread the word of CPS-3's importance. While the American Cancer Society has been conducting these types of studies for decades, its world-class research department can study new and emerging cancer risks only if members of the community are willing to become involved."

The study will enroll a diverse population of 300,000 people across the United States. To enroll, individuals will be asked to provide a waist measurement, give a small blood sample, and complete a comprehensive survey online or at the enrollment site. Over the course of the study, participants will be asked to complete follow-up surveys every few years. All survey information will be completely confidential.

CPS-3 is the third such national study conducted by the Society. The first two studies, which began in the 1950s, have played a major role in the fight against cancer, identifying:

the link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer;
the significant impact of overweight or obesity on the risk of cancer occurrence and death;
the impact of hormones, physical activity, diet, various medications and vitamins, and other factors in relation to cancer risk;
the impact of air pollution on cardiopulmonary conditions motivating the Environmental Protection Agency to propose more stringent limits on particulate air pollution;
the link between aspirin use and reduced risk of colon cancer;
the link between postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and various gynecologic cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancer);
the link between diabetes and cancers of the pancreas and colon;
the link between physical activity and lower risk of various cancers (including breast, colon, and aggressive prostate cancer.

About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. As a global grassroots force of more than 3 million volunteers, we fight for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. We save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer; and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation's largest nongovernmental investor in cancer research, contributing more than $3.8 billion, we turn what we know about cancer into what we do. As a result, more than 11 million people in America who have had cancer and countless more who have avoided it will be celebrating birthdays this year. To learn more about us or to get help, call us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-227-2345, or visit www.cancer.org

About the Blue Cross Broad Street Run
The Blue Cross Broad Street Run is managed by the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department with the cooperation of city agencies and more than 85 volunteer groups. The race is held the first Sunday in May, and the course includes a variety of Philadelphia neighborhoods along Broad Street. The race raises funds for the American Cancer Society.

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13,500 Philadelphians Join Independence Blue Cross in National Walk @ Lunch Day^SM

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Walkers from 120 Southeastern Pennsylvania organizations took steps toward healthier lives

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received high ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@ibx.

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New Analysis from BHI® Highlights Crozer Chester Medical Center as a Top Performing Facility

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Crozer Bariatric Surgery Program Earns Recognition for Low Complication Rates

Philadelphia, PA - April 18, 2012 - The Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, a not-for-profit teaching hospital and Blue Distinction Center^®, was recently recognized as a top performing bariatric program for having one of the lowest rates of Potentially Avoidable Complications (PACs) in the country. The Crozer program, which offers minimally invasive procedures like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bands, demonstrated the best year-over-year performance in bariatric surgery based on PAC analysis conducted by Blue Health Intelligence (BHI^®), the nation's premier health intelligence resource, in collaboration with Independence Blue Cross and other participating Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.

To determine the best-performing facilities in bariatric surgery based on PAC analysis, 214 facilities were considered. During the three-year period that BHI looked at, Crozer experienced lower than average complications and exhibited excellent safety results, a low readmission rate and a competitive average cost of care. Crozer's potentially avoidable complication rate was just 0.04 percent compared to a nationwide average of 6.7 percent.

"We're very honored to have our program recognized for excellent clinical care," says Leon Katz, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director of the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program. "Crozer's bariatric surgery team is dedicated to helping people lose weight - and keep it off. Our friendly and experienced team works very hard to assist patients every step of the way, from nutrition counseling to support services after patients leave the medical center."

According to BHI, executives and clinical staff at Crozer identified various key factors in the program's success. For instance, the program design includes a team of dedicated staff and facility to address the unique needs of the patients, monthly safety committee meetings with an established high reliability culture, and clinical practice guidelines to drive increased quality. Ongoing patient support and interaction is another key factor to Crozer's demonstrated success. Distribution of e-newsletters, patient satisfaction surveys, and mentoring teams also helped to keep patients actively engaged and knowledgeable.

Crozer also has been recognized by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association as a Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery. Blue Distinction is a national designation program, developed in collaboration with the medical community to recognize those facilities that demonstrate expertise in delivering quality specialty care - safely and efficiently.

"With access to a wealth of data and with professional relationships across the health care community, Independence Blue Cross is uniquely positioned to identify and promote best practices in clinical care," says Richard Snyder, Chief Medical Officer at Independence Blue Cross. "We are pleased to contribute to BHI's effective analytics by providing claims information needed for BHI's analysis and comparison of leading bariatric programs across the country which can aid members when making decisions about their care. We have long supported physicians and hospitals in practicing evidence-based medicine and it is rewarding to see that Crozer Chester Medical Center has emerged as having a very high quality bariatric surgery program."

"BHI's analysis of Crozer-Chester Medical Center is an example of how BHI's analytics can help transform the healthcare system by delivering data-driven information about healthcare trends and best practices resulting in healthier lives and affordable access to safe and effective care," said Swati Abbott, BHI CEO. "BHI congratulates Crozer for its continued efforts in delivering safe, quality care to its patients."

For more information about the Comprehensive Bariatric Surgery Program at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, call 610-619-8450. The program invites anyone interested in learning more to attend one of its Surgical Weight Loss Educational Seminars and to register by phone or on the website.

About Crozer-Chester Medical Center
Crozer-Chester Medical Center is a 424-bed not-for-profit, tertiary-care teaching hospital in Upland, Pa. The medical center is part of the Crozer-Keystone Health System, the largest employer and health care provider in Delaware County, which is located west of Philadelphia. Crozer features the county's only trauma and burn centers, a regional cancer center, a regional kidney transplant center, a Level III intensive care nursery and advanced outpatient, surgical and acute care services. For more information, visit www.crozerkeystone.org.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

About Blue Health Intelligence^®
Blue Health Intelligence (BHI^®) is the nation's premiere health intelligence resource, delivering data-driven insights about healthcare trends and best practices, resulting in healthier lives and more affordable access to safe and effective care. BHI accesses healthcare claims data from more than 110 million individuals nationwide, collected over seven years, in a safe, HIPAA compliant and secure database. The resulting conformed, reliable data set has the broadest, deepest pool of integrated medical and pharmacy claims, reflecting medical utilization in every ZIP code. Blue Health Intelligence (BHI) is a trade name of Health Intelligence Company, LLC. BHI is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.bluehealthintelligence.com/.

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New Analysis from BHI® Highlights Crozer Chester Medical Center as a Top Performing Facility

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Crozer Bariatric Surgery Program Earns Recognition for Low Complication Rates

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

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Independence Blue Cross Sustains Positive Financial Results in 2011

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Driving positive results via business enhancements, increased efficiencies, and financial discipline

Philadelphia, PA - April 17, 2012 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today reported positive financial results in 2011 with a net profit margin of 3.4 percent and a net after-tax income of $314.8 million, achieved by offering new capabilities and services to customers, attracting new customers, reducing operating costs, and working collaboratively with hospitals and physicians to enhance health care delivery.

IBC returned to positive financials in 2010 after two years of losses. A second year of positive results in 2011 demonstrates the company's financial stability and stems from sound investments in better serving customers, preparing for health care reform's changes, and fulfilling IBC's mission: Enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve.

"We are establishing our company as an industry leader in health care," said Independence Blue Cross president and CEO, Daniel J. Hilferty. "This is a time of remarkable transformation in health care, and we are identifying new ways of doing business to anticipate the demands of consumers in a rapidly changing environment."

"A few years ago when the overall economy was weakened and health care reform was creating uncertainty, IBC experienced financial hardship. It was critical that we regain financial stability so we could invest in the capabilities our customers expect from us and prepare for the future," said Hilferty. "Our positive 2010 results were a catalyst for our successful 2011. Today, we are proudly heading in the right direction and making great progress. However, we won't rest - we know there's more to be done in the health care system in our region."

IBC's successful 2011 was attributed to multiple factors. By developing new, more flexible, lower cost health plans, the company attracted more than 45,000 new members. Overall, IBC and its affiliated companies had 3.1 million members nationwide in 2011, a 1.4 percent increase above 2010.

To reward physicians and hospitals for providing excellent, cost-effective care, IBC enhanced its nationally-recognized physician and hospital incentive programs. At the same time the company deepened its commitment to a remarkable new patient care model, called patient-centered medical homes, that now delivers care to 500,000 members in southeastern Pennsylvania.

To expand IBC's capabilities, the company pursued relationships with like-minded organizations also focused on transforming the health care system. In August 2011, the company entered into an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to acquire the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, a top-tier Medicaid managed care organization headquartered in Philadelphia, with the goal of further expanding services to Medicaid beneficiaries across the country. The expansion of Medicaid eligibility under the Affordable Care Act is expected to increase the number of people eligible for Medicaid by 16 million by 2019.

"Unlike publicly traded companies that have to reward shareholders, we invest our net income in strengthening our products and services to exceed our customers' expectations," said Alan Krigstein, IBC's executive vice president and CFO. "For example, we're using innovative technology to streamline transactions and improve operational efficiencies. One result is that our customer service has markedly improved - by focusing on improving our customers' experience and providing accurate, complete responses the first time they called, we were able to reduce repeat calls and increase overall member satisfaction."

Krigstein pointed out that in 2011, IBC was recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal at its 2011 Corporate Philanthropy Awards as the top regional company in charitable giving and one of the leading extra-large companies in its service to the community. In 2011, the company contributed $59 million towards the health and well-being of southeastern Pennsylvania.

In addition, he said, in October 2011, the company launched the Independence Blue Cross Foundation with a total investment to date of $45 million. The foundation is committed to transforming health care through innovation in the Philadelphia region. As part of its focus on caring for the most vulnerable, the foundation supports 34 private, nonprofit clinics that provide high-quality preventive care to 145,000 uninsured and underinsured men, women, and children in the five-county Philadelphia area. And as part of its commitment to enhance the delivery of care, the foundation invests in the next generation of nurses by funding scholarships at 22 area nursing schools to increase the supply of qualified nurses in the region.

Said Krigstein, "In 2011, we also controlled our administrative expenses, just as all our customers have had to do in this challenging economy."

Total 2011 revenues were $9.2 billion, compared to $9.6 billion in 2010. Net income after taxes was $314.8 million, compared to $211.2 million in 2010. Investment and other income was $138 million in 2011, compared to investment and other income of $127.4 million in 2010.

In 2011, IBC paid $210.4 million in federal, state, and local nonpayroll taxes.

The company's surplus for 2011 was $2.1 billion, which is in the sufficient range, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's guidelines, which means that IBC maintains a surplus level that is appropriate to ensure its long-term stability.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@ibx.

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IBC Rewards Cost-Effective, Patient-Centered Primary Care with Enhanced Incentive Program

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 EST

Nearly $37 million in incentives - the largest incentive IBC has ever paid primary care doctors

Philadelphia, PA - April 2, 2012 - 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.

IBC revised its progressive incentive program, the Quality Incentive Payment System or QIPS, in early 2010 to attract and retain high-performing primary care physicians in southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as to motivate and encourage doctors to improve quality and provide care in a more efficient way, which helps control rising health care costs. Doctors received their first payments under the new incentive program in 2011, the largest incentive IBC has ever paid primary care doctors.

"We believe that by building a strong partnership with the physicians and hospitals that care for our members, we can - together - transform the delivery of health care in our region," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "Through our path-finding, highly rewarding incentive program for primary care physicians we are setting a new standard among health insurers nationally for progressive payment programs that reward the medical community for delivering the best possible care to members in the most cost-effective way."

One of the more than 3,000 physicians eligible to participate in this incentive program is Dr. Richard Wender, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, who believes: "If every insurer were doing what IBC is doing [with primary care incentives], this would provide a much better chance for primary care to truly transform health care for the nation."

"I appreciate the collaboration I have with Independence Blue Cross," adds Dr. Wender. "IBC understands the pivotal role that primary care physicians play in the health of its members - and they have created a way to demonstrate this commitment through their enhancements to maximize QIP's effectiveness. Stronger incentive programs help physicians, hospitals, and health insurers work more closely to encourage adoption of healthy lifestyles, uptake of preventive care, and better chronic care management."

Rewarding 'Patient-Centered Medical Homes'

Through its new incentive program for primary care physicians, IBC began offering additional financial rewards to primary care practices that meet some, or all, of the National Committee for Quality Assurance's core requirements to become a nationally recognized Patient-Centered Medical Home. Medical homes use a team approach and support the primary care physician with health educators, nurse practitioners, and other health care professionals. Patients who are cared for in a medical home typically have more timely access to their physicians. In addition, the practices are organized so that care managers and health educators help chronically ill patients receive key tests, take medication as directed, and maintain their optimal health status.

"We are proud that we are one of the first health insurers in the country to successfully integrate medical home incentives into our physician incentive program," says IBC CEO Hilferty. "Since the beginning of 2011, the number of recognized medical home practices in our networks has more than tripled to nearly 200 in southeastern Pennsylvania, bringing this revolutionary delivery of care to more than half a million IBC members."

"We designed our incentive program for primary care physicians to be among the most comprehensive and rewarding in the United States, encouraging our doctors to improve performance and help control costs," says Doug Chaet, IBC's senior vice president of Contracting and Provider Networks. "The program provides physicians with clear performance goals that keep the bar high on delivering quality, efficient care to help increase health care affordability in our community."

Rewarding high quality cost effective care

In addition to earning additional pay for running their practices as medical homes, doctors can earn QIPS incentives based on achievements in the following three additional areas:

Coordinating cost-effective care. In the first year of the revised incentive program, roughly 20 percent of eligible physicians achieved top-tier performance by delivering the highest level of cost-effective care through improved coordination of care for their patients' physician visits, lab tests, and other outpatient services. The program's medical-cost performance targets are based on the average cost and use of health services of each physician's patient population. IBC's analysis has shown that if every eligible physician achieved top-tier status, medical cost spending in the Philadelphia area could be reduced by an estimated $60 million, and high-performing physicians would be rewarded an additional $20 million in incentives.
Prescribing generic drugs. IBC's primary care incentive program has long-rewarded physicians for prescribing generic equivalent drugs instead of higher-cost brand name drugs because this reduces costs while still providing excellent care. Over the past decade, IBC has seen a 63 percent increase across all primary care specialties in generic drug prescribing rates. Increased use in generics translates to increased savings for consumers and private and public insurers. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, generic medications can cost consumers up to 80 percent less than their branded counterparts. Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services show that for every two percent increase in generic use, Medicaid saves an additional $1 billion annually.
Delivering quality care. Physicians participating in the incentive program show unprecedented compliance with nationally accepted standards of quality care - performing at or above the 75^th percentile benchmark in 20 quality performance measures that address a broad range of important health concerns such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, and preventive measures such as cancer screenings. This means IBC's physicians who participated in the incentive program were as successful as the top 25 percent of the highest-performing doctors nationwide in delivering high quality care.

Research has shown that providing effective clinical preventive and chronic management services like lowering patients' blood pressure or controlling their diabetes can improve patient health and wellness, as well as mitigate the need for higher-cost interventions and care such as hospital stays and emergency department visits.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@ibx.

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Independence Blue Cross Inspires and Motivates Employers to Walk for Wellness

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Breakfast Builds Enthusiasm for Fifth Annual National Walk @ Lunch Day

Philadelphia, PA - March 29, 2012 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) welcomed guests from over 60 area employers to a breakfast to kick off the fifth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day (NW@LD), which will be held April 25, 2012, both at a centralized event in center city and in many employer locations throughout the region.

The breakfast, held at IBC offices in Center City, began building the excitement about turning your working lunch into a walking lunch, and offered insight and panel discussions in gearing up for what has become a tradition for workers throughout the Philadelphia region. IBC also helps employer groups schedule and plan their own NW@LD events at locations throughout the region.

"Staying fit can be as effective as some medications in keeping down blood pressure levels," said Dr. Richard Snyder, senior vice president and chief medical officer with IBC. "Exercise - such as briskly walking for just 30 minutes a day - is associated with up to a 40 percent lower risk of heart disease in women." Snyder opened the breakfast with a recap of last year's successful event, proclaiming, "This year, we hope to again exceed 100 participating customer groups, for a total of at least 12,000 walkers throughout the region."

Six IBC customers - organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania - were honored at the breakfast for participating in WalkingWorks Plus, a nine-month pilot walking program sponsored by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and administered by Independence Blue Cross:

Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc.
Kingsbury, Inc.
Law School Admission Council
Micro-Coax
Superior Tube Co.
Villanova University

Fujirebio Diagnostics Inc. also received a trophy for having the highest average daily step count among its associates over the nine months. WalkingWorks Plus is a turnkey consumer engagement program designed to inspire employees to increase their daily walking. It answers the challenge of keeping people motivated and empowered from the beginning of a worksite wellness program to the end.

This year, the centralized NW@LD event in Philadelphia will be held on Wednesday, April 25, at Rittenhouse Square from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while smaller walks will take place throughout the region at employer sites, schools, government offices, and senior centers.

IBC supports numerous events and activities designed to promote physical exercise and healthy lifestyle decisions by its members and the community. In addition to National Walk @ Lunch Day, the company's sponsorships include the Blue Cross Broad Street Run, the Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes, and the Blue Cross RiverRink along the Delaware River.

About Independence Blue Cross

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IBC Presents on Mobile and Social Media at World Health Care Congress Leadership Summit

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Marketing Services SVP John Janney discusses consumer engagement through social media strategy

Philadelphia, PA - March 22, 2012 - John Janney, senior vice president of Marketing Services with Independence Blue Cross (IBC), presented "Integrating Mobile and Social Media to Maximize Engagement" at the fourth annual World Congress Health Plan Innovation Congress, held March 21-23 in Orlando, Florida. Janney's session took place this morning, March 22, at 10:45 a.m. Eastern Time.

"Health care reform has changed forever the way we do business," Janney said. "How well an organization succeeds in this new era depends directly on its ability to innovate." Developing new ways to design, brand, market, sell and distribute products, and retain IBC customers, is just part of the picture, he said. "Keeping members engaged and costs controlled are crucial in the brave new world of social media and smart phone apps."

Along with co-presenter Steve Sorenson, director of Marketing and Product Innovation with Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation, Janney discussed:

The power of a personalized wellness plan and individualized interaction to engage people
The power of community in engaging and encouraging healthy outcomes
Social media strategies to maximize impacts
Examples and results - Exciting new apps

The World Health Care Congress Leadership Summit Series addresses the most cutting edge issues for health care executives across a wide range of industry sectors. Designed to expand on topics discussed at invitation-only summits during the World Health Care Congress, this series offers new perspectives on established methodologies, and details solutions to foster innovation and change.

Currently, as Marketing Services SVP, Janney heads product development, marketing support functions, and customer eBusiness. In addition, he oversees the company's consumerism initiatives and leads efforts to strengthen IBC's presence in the individual, small-group, large-group, and national markets.

Janney joined IBC in 1995 to lead the newly formed Marketing Systems Department, where he oversaw the deployment of a number of strategic system projects that helped make Marketing one of the most technologically advanced divisions in the company. In 2000, he helped lead IBC's eCommerce initiative, and implemented a new strategy to address the eCommerce needs of its brokers, employers, and members.

About Independence Blue Cross

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Blue Plans and Lumeris Complete Acquisition of Nation's Largest Real-time Health Care Communication

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 EST

Boston, MA - March 14, 2012 - Three of the nation's leading Blue health plans, Highmark, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon), and Independence Blue Cross (IBC), along with health IT provider Lumeris Corp., announced today they have closed their transaction and finalized their arrangement to acquire NaviNet. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"Each of these health care companies is committed to making accountable care a reality in this country," said NaviNet's president and CEO Bradley J. Waugh. "This partnership will provide doctors with the robust tools needed for accountable care to improve outcomes, enhance patient safety, and increase physician and patient satisfaction, while lowering overall health care costs."

Today, NaviNet speeds and simplifies more than 50 kinds of administrative, financial, and clinical transactions among three-quarters of America's physicians, 3,800 hospitals, and dozens of the nation's largest health insurers, including Highmark, Horizon, and IBC. The acquisition will position NaviNet to expand the customers served by its real-time communications network.

Through the new partnership, NaviNet will leverage its real-time communication network and Lumeris' accountable care delivery platform to drive the adoption of new accountable care models throughout the country. All over the nation, health plans, including Highmark, Horizon, and IBC, are developing new value-based payment models that reward physicians for highly coordinated, high-quality, more cost-effective care. The integration of NaviNet and Lumeris' capabilities will allow plans to develop next generation accountable care delivery systems to contain costs and improve quality, while continuing to handle administrative transactions easily and efficiently.

"This new partnership is a great example of forward-thinking organizations working together to generate positive change, leverage the most modern technology, and activate the brightest minds in our industry," said Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "By acquiring NaviNet together, we are taking an important step toward transforming the delivery of health care in our country."

Highmark, Horizon, and IBC work with more than 70,000 physicians and hospitals to deliver care to more than 11 million people.

"The combination of NaviNet and Lumeris technology and services will enable health plans to more aptly engage and collaborate with providers, delivering them critical clinical and financial information and applications they need to more effectively manage the quality and cost of care," said Mike Long, CEO of Lumeris. "This innovative cloud-based solution will be fundamental to the success of payer-led accountable care initiatives nationwide."

About NaviNet

NaviNet, America's largest real-time health care communications network, securely links leading health plans, industry partners and the government to hundreds of thousands of physicians, clinicians and other health care professionals. More than 75 percent of the nation's physicians are enrolled in the NaviNet Network, which touches 121 million covered lives. NaviNet's care collaboration solutions and services for unified patient information management (UPIM) address the full lifecycle of health care data management by providing single-source access to patient-centric administrative, financial and clinical information to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and improve quality of care. For more information, or to sign up for NaviNet, please visit http://www.NaviNet.net or call 617-715-6000 or 1-800-805-7569.

About Lumeris

Lumeris provides the information technology, guidance, and operational services necessary for health plans and hospitals to transform their organizations into high-performing accountable delivery systems. The company's revolutionary Accountable Delivery Platform integrates data from disparate systems across the continuum of care, provides complete visibility into the clinical and financial performance of the enterprise, and delivers applications and information to key stakeholders and providers at the point of thought. Lumeris was launched five years ago by a team of health care and technology leaders led by John Doerr, a leading venture capitalist who has launched some of the world's most successful companies, including Google, Amazon and WebMD. To learn more visit www.lumeris.com or call 1-888-LUMERIS.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @ibx.

About Highmark

Highmark, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Highmark serves 4.8 million members in Pennsylvania and West Virginia through the company's health care benefits business and is one of the largest Blue plans in the nation. Highmark has 19,500 employees across the country. For more than 70 years, Highmark's commitment to the community has consistently been among the company's highest priorities as it strives to positively impact the communities where we do business. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state's oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving more than 3.6 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.

Media Contacts

NaviNet
Kim Labow
(617) 715-6055
klabow@NaviNet.net

Lumeris
Joel Andersen
(314) 536-8006
JAndersen@ClearPractice.com

Highmark
Leilyn Perri
(717) 302-4243
leilyn.perri@highmark.com

Horizon
Tom Rubino
(973) 466-8755
trubino@horizonblue.com

Independence Blue Cross
Judimarie Thomas
(215) 241-2227
Judimarie.thomas@ibx.com

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Independence Blue Cross and Aria Health announce new agreements

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Philadelphia, PA - February 28, 2012 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and Aria Health have signed new multi-year contracts that include IBC's innovative pay-for-performance program for hospitals, to improve health outcomes and lower costs. Aria Health is the sixth hospital system to commit to this program.

"These agreements signal a new era of collaboration between IBC and our region's health systems using incentives that motivate doctors and hospitals to work together to make decisions that put patients' needs first and keep costs down," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "We're pleased that Aria Health and its physicians are on board with our progressive reimbursement plan to reward quality results and exceptional patient care. We look forward to working closely with them over the coming years."

The agreements with Aria Health provide IBC members continued access to Aria's Frankford, Torresdale, and Bucks County hospital campuses; outpatient sites; the health system's more than 900 physicians; and its home health services division. The contracts went into effect December 1, 2011.

"Our 485-bed community health system is proud to partner with IBC, a trusted name in the five-county region and beyond," said Kathleen Kinslow, CRNA, EdD, MBA, Aria Health president and CEO. "Participation in IBC's strategic hospital/physician incentive program is a natural fit for us. For more than 100 years, our goal has been to help our patients get healthy and stay healthy, and we achieve that goal by emphasizing the patient experience and valuing error prevention, identification, and reduction in every service that we provide."

The hospital/physician incentive program, launched in November 2010, is designed to promote collaboration between hospitals and physicians, lower costs, and improve quality of care. The result is an integrated effort to enhance communication, streamline coordination of care, and develop strong patient relationships - with the potential for financial rewards for demonstrated, measured success.

"IBC's incentive plan is based on accountability and a commitment to providing superior care to patients and members in our community," said Doug Chaet, IBC senior vice president of Contracting and Provider Networks. "This enhanced model of health care combines unparalleled service, quality, and safety."

About Aria Health

Aria Health is the largest healthcare provider in Northeast Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County. With three leading-edge community hospitals and a strong network of outpatient centers and primary care physicians, Aria upholds a longstanding tradition of bringing advanced medicine and personal care to the many communities it serves. Visit us at ARIAHEALTH.org. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ariahealth or follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/ariahealth.

About Independence Blue Cross

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IBC's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Snyder to Speak at Two Major Health Care Meetings

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Jefferson School of Population Health sponsors seminars on health and wellness and medical homes

Philadelphia, PA - February 27, 2012 - Patient-centered medical homes - one of the most exciting concepts in health care aimed at improving quality - is one of the many subjects being addressed at a national meeting being held today in Philadelphia. Independence Blue Cross (IBC) chief medical officer Richard L. Snyder, M.D. and other local leaders in the health care field will participate in a panel to discuss how medical homes help patients better manage their chronic conditions, improve care coordination through a team approach, and enhance patient and physician satisfaction.

These conferences bring together leading authorities and practitioners in health care for three days in Philadelphia. Dr. Snyder's session will focus on the medical home and will discuss how the model is working, proven outcomes, lessons learned, and issues and challenges that lie ahead. These two conferences attract a diverse group of business and health leaders including employers, health plans, practicing physicians and hospital executives, and government agencies, all with the common goal of transforming health care in the United States.

What:	Fourth National Medical Home Summit and Twelfth Population Health and Care Coordination Colloquium

Who:	Richard Snyder, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer, IBC Also participating: Sam Nussbaum, M.D., WellPoint; Susan Schick, CEO for Pennsylvania UnitedHealthcare Christina Stasiuk, D.O., CIGNA David B. Nash, M.D., MBA (moderator) Jefferson School of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University
Where:	Philadelphia Marriott Downtown 1201 Market Street, Philadelphia 215-625-2900

When:	5:15 p.m. EST, Monday, February 27, 2012

About Independence Blue Cross

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Stay Fit with the IBX Healthy Steps Activity Guide

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

"Like" the Independence Blue Cross Facebook page for year-round fitness tips

Philadelphia, PA - February 24, 2012 - Independence Blue Cross announces the introduction of a new social media effort aimed at members and online fans who want to maintain good health, even when the weather doesn't cooperate.

The IBX Healthy Steps Activity Guide - a free resource found on the IBX Healthy Steps webpage and on the IBX Facebook page - includes ideas for outdoor fitness, diet and fitness tips, and exclusive deals on physical fun for every member of the family.

For example, a new deal is available every two weeks for Facebook fans who "like" IBX's page. Exciting discounts and giveaways are offered from local gyms and favorite Philadelphia-area businesses like Brazen Boxing, Studio 1831, Sculpere, Philly Circus, and CrossFit.

In addition to these exclusive deals, the guide offers maps of nearly 50 fun and convenient workout spots throughout the Greater Philadelphia area so you can stay active and maintain good health year-round.

"We know that a consistent exercise routine can do wonders for an individual's mood, sleep patterns, weight, and ability to sustain positive energy levels," said Dr. Salina Graves, IBC medical director. "The secret is to continue an active lifestyle all year long. The IBX Activity Guide provides a forum for like-minded individuals to share healthy steps that work and to learn about new eating plans and exercise routines."

Get out, get fit, and get moving with Independence Blue Cross
Adults and kids of all ages can stay on track and beat the winter doldrums thanks to the Healthy Steps Activity Guide and the many IBX programs, partnerships, and mobile apps, including:

IBC Go Figure! Skating App for iPhones helps ice skaters track the amount of time spent on the ice and calories burned while offering tips and instruction on skating tricks;
Blue Cross RiverRink promotion allows IBC Facebook fans to print a special buy-one-get-one coupon that entitles the holder to a free admission ticket the next time they visit the Blue Cross RiverRink through March 4;
Healthy LifestylesSM programs provide members with referral-free nutritional counseling and reimbursements for going to the gym, lowering weight, and making other healthy choices;
IBX Healthy Steps Pedometer App for iPhones and Android phones provides a free resource for tracking the distance, length, and speed of workouts in order to help users reach health goals;
2012 Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10-miler takes place on Sunday, May 6. This year's registration sold out in record time. Independence Blue Cross also promotes wellness in the community through its continued sponsorship of National Walk @ Lunch Day on April 25, 2012, and Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes on October 6, 2012.

About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 74 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @ibx.

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IBC Press Releases

Independence Blue Cross merges healthful eating with convenient, farm-fresh shopping

Independence Blue Cross Gears Up to Step Out

Record crowds turn out for 33rd annual Blue Cross Broad Street Run

Independence Blue Cross Announces New Strategic Relationship with AAA Mid-Atlantic

Independence Blue Cross recognized as regional corporate philanthropy leader

13,500 Philadelphians Join Independence Blue Cross in National Walk @ Lunch DaySM

American Cancer Society Partners with Independence Blue Cross on Landmark Cancer Prevention Study

13,500 Philadelphians Join Independence Blue Cross in National Walk @ Lunch DaySM

New Analysis from BHI® Highlights Crozer Chester Medical Center as a Top Performing Facility

New Analysis from BHI® Highlights Crozer Chester Medical Center as a Top Performing Facility

Independence Blue Cross Sustains Positive Financial Results in 2011

About Independence Blue Cross

IBC Rewards Cost-Effective, Patient-Centered Primary Care with Enhanced Incentive Program

Rewarding 'Patient-Centered Medical Homes'

Rewarding high quality cost effective care

Independence Blue Cross Inspires and Motivates Employers to Walk for Wellness

About Independence Blue Cross

IBC Presents on Mobile and Social Media at World Health Care Congress Leadership Summit

About Independence Blue Cross

Blue Plans and Lumeris Complete Acquisition of Nation's Largest Real-time Health Care Communication

About NaviNet

About Lumeris

About Independence Blue Cross

About Highmark

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Media Contacts

Independence Blue Cross and Aria Health announce new agreements

About Aria Health

About Independence Blue Cross

IBC's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Snyder to Speak at Two Major Health Care Meetings

About Independence Blue Cross

Stay Fit with the IBX Healthy Steps Activity Guide

13,500 Philadelphians Join Independence Blue Cross in National Walk @ Lunch Day^SM

13,500 Philadelphians Join Independence Blue Cross in National Walk @ Lunch Day^SM