IBC Press Releases

Lorina Marshall-Blake of Independence Blue Cross Honored by Girls Inc.

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

Philadelphia, PA - March 10, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross Vice President of Government Relations Lorina Marshall-Blake will be honored today by Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey for her dedication to the organization and the inspirational role she's played in the lives of the many young women she has mentored over the years.

Marshall-Blake, along with Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, and Sharon Marzano-Diaz, Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs, Pennsylvania Department of State, will be recognized at the Girls Inc. 8th annual Founders Breakfast, held this year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

"It is a wonderful feeling to be honored by an organization that means so much to me," said Marshall-Blake. "Working with girls and young women is one of my most rewarding passions, and Girls Inc. provides me with the fantastic opportunity to see them blossom into confident, competent, and caring individuals. I'm sure my fellow honorees, who unselfishly devote their time, treasury, and talent to this organization, would agree that working with Girls Inc. is a gift that keeps on giving."

Marshall-Blake began working with Girls Inc. in 1984 when she participated in the Big Sisters, Little Sisters program. In her community, she also serves as a mentor to eight "daughters," a group of young women who are in the process of establishing their careers.

In addition to her corporate responsibilities, Marshall-Blake serves as an Associate Minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia. She exhibits a strong commitment to the community and is affiliated with more than 30 professional and civic organizations. Among her affiliations are the United Negro College Fund, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Federal Affairs Committee, and the Governor's Advisory Committee on African American Affairs. She is also affiliated with 2000 African American Women, the Community College of Philadelphia, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

"The joy that comes from knowing I've touched the lives of these young women and made a difference is incredible. As one of my heroes Dr. Maya Angelou said: 'Love life; engage in it; give it all you've got. Love it with a passion, because life truly does give back, many times over what you put into it.'"

About Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls and their communities through research-based programs and advocacy to empower girls to reach their full potential and to understand, value, and assert their rights. Girls Inc.'s public education extends the values of girls' rights to adults, as well as giving them the tools they need to assist girls' efforts to access their rights.

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 3.3 million people. For more than 70 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.

IBC Hosts All-Academies High School Speech Contest for 16th Year

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 EST

Students present their ideas about health care reform, vie for top prizes

Philadelphia, PA - March 3, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is supporting the Philadelphia Academies, Inc. speech contest for the 16^th consecutive year. The event will be held today at the company's headquarters at 1901 Market Street. The 28 competing 9th and 10th grade students from 16 Philadelphia area high schools will present their thoughts on this topic question, "Health care reform, what are your ideas?"

The contest gives students the opportunity to speak on timely and thought-provoking topics to a diverse group of prominent business leaders. Students are judged on their presentation, control, articulation, volume, energy, and poise.

Prior to the competition, the students will participate in a series of training and practice sessions conducted by IBC associates who belong to the Big Blue Toastmasters club, an IBC club that's part of an international non-profit organization that helps develop communication and leadership skills. Prizes, including a laptop computer and digital camera donated by one of the sponsors, will be awarded to the top five students.

Several prominent area business leaders will attend today's contest including Lisa Nutter, president of the Philadelphia Academies, Inc. The judges represent an array of local organizations including the ACE Group, The Gray Charitable Trust, Citizens Bank, Clear Wireless Internet, Rohm and Haas, and Bank of America.

"The speech contest is an exciting way for students to practice their presentation skills, learn about an important social or community issue, and network with professionals from diverse area businesses," said John Clayton, IBC workforce development manager. "Our youth represent our future, and events like this encourage students to excel by helping them gain the confidence and other skills they'll need to succeed later in life."

For more information: Philadelphia Academies press release

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Philadelphia Academies, Inc.

Philadelphia Academies, Inc. is a nonprofit youth development organization working to change life outcomes for students through first-of-its-kind career academies. The oldest and the original business/education partnership in the country, today, Philadelphia Academies, Inc. oversees 10 academy programs in 16 Philadelphia public high schools, serving 4,500 students each year. Academies include: Automotive and Mechanical Engineering; Applied Electrical Science; Biotechnology; Business and Technology; Communications; Environmental Science; Health and Life Sciences; Hotel, Restaurant, Travel and Tourism; Process Technology; and Urban Education. Programs are designed to motivate young people to stay engaged in school, and are structured to create supportive networks in the real world.

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IBC Medical Director to Serve on Special Task Force to Review the State of Medicine

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Philadelphia, PA - February 23, 2010 - Dale M. Mandel, M.D., a medical director at Independence Blue Cross (IBC), was recently appointed to the Pennsylvania Medical Society's Task Force on the State of Medicine.

"We strongly support open, collaborative dialogue with our colleagues in the medical community, and we are proud to have Dr. Mandel serve on a committee with his peers to address important issues that affect their profession and the entire health care industry," says Douglas L. Chaet, senior vice president of Contracting and Provider Networks at IBC. "We are proud of Dr. Mandel's appointment for the second consecutive year and excited about the opportunities this will create to partner with the Pennsylvania Medical Society and by extension, our broad network of more than 16,000 physicians and specialists."

During Dr. Mandel's tenure on this specialized task force, the committee has looked at the state of medicine in Pennsylvania, specifically in the following areas: the declining physician work force, reimbursement, recruitment, and retention; increasing physician workloads; monitoring medical students' specialty preferences; and the unpredictable medical liability climate.

"Having worked as a clinician, as a hospital executive, and now as an IBC medical director, has prepared me for this opportunity to provide the task force a broad and balanced perspective on health care in our region," said Dr. Mandel. "We tackle issues that not only affect physicians, but also IBC. Last year, the task force reviewed health benefits costs, billing codes, and vaccination policy comparisons, and took a hard look at what is happening regarding health care throughout the entire state. It's a great opportunity to be involved in a committee that is dedicated to improving health care in Pennsylvania."

About Dr. Dale Mandel

Prior to relocating to Pennsylvania, joining IBC in 2005 and being appointed to this task force in 2009, Dr. Mandel served as the chief medical officer at Nazereth Hospital in Philadelphia. Previously, Dr. Mandel served as the vice president of Medical Affairs at Community General Hospital in Thomasville, N.C., where he began his medical career as a general surgeon at Davidson Surgical Associates. He was also a member of the executive committee of the North Carolina Medical Society and a member of the North Carolina Medical Association. He has been a member of the American College of Physicians Executives since 1994 and the American Medical Association since 1984, and he has been a fellow of the American College of Surgeons since 1987.

Dr. Mandel graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., with a bachelor of science degree. He later received his medical degree from the Universitá di Bologna in Bologna, Italy and a master's degree in medical management from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He is board certfied in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery, and is a certified physician executive.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross supports comprehensive health care reform that would extend coverage to all Americans, reduce costs, and improve quality. We also advocate reform that builds on the current employer-based system that currently serves 170 million Americans. Learn more about our views on health care legislation now working its way through Congress by visiting our website at www.ibx.com/about_ibc/health_care_reform.

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About the Pennsylvania Medical Society

The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. The Medical Society listens to concerns of both patients and doctors to improve the delivery of health care services. The Pennsylvania Medical Society is comprised of 20,000 physicians and medical students working together to:

represent physicians in public venues including the government, insurance companies, and the media;
provide members with timely information, expert services, and professional support on medical practice issues;
advance public health, public policy, medical science, education, and ethics;
advocate for patients.

IBC Partners with Drexel University with Funding for State-of-the-Art Training Complex

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Simulation Center will serve thousands of medical students and health professionals

Philadelphia, PA - February 18, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) business executives joined Drexel University staff, alumni, and community leaders today at the dedication ceremony for the completed new wing at the Drexel University College of Medicine Queen Lane campus. The addition showcases The Independence Blue Cross Medical Simulation Center, a state-of-the art facility that features life-like robots, simulation programs, and newly designed rooms where medical students and health professionals interact with actors portraying sick patients. The Center was funded in part through a $2.5 million donation from IBC.

"For many years, we've been a proud partner with Drexel on a variety of initiatives focused on our shared goal: to improve access to high-quality, affordable health care for people in the Philadelphia region," IBC president and chief executive officer Joseph A. Frick told more than 100 guests at today's ribbon cutting. "Today, with the unveiling of the Independence Blue Cross Medical Simulation Center, that partnership climbs to an exciting new height for both medical education and patient safety. The Center's innovative, interactive technology will help health professionals - those studying medicine and practicing professionals dedicated to continuous improvement - learn how to provide safe, efficient and effective care in a well-monitored, and controlled environment."

The simulation center is part of a $9.3 million project at Queen Lane that also shares space with the Institute for Women's Health & Leadership and the Archives and Special Collections.

The simulation center will focus on clinical training with the objective of increased patient safety. The computer-driven robotic mannequins exhibit life-like vital signs, including heartbeats, blood pressures, and body and eye movements. They can be programmed to display a variety of normal and abnormal conditions, and to respond realistically to student interventions, such as intubation, drug injection, or cardiac defibrillation. They can even be programmed to speak or cry out in pain.

The Center and its programs will serve several thousand medical students, residents, and physicians affiliated with Drexel University College of Medicine through its 21 academic campuses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as other institutions in the region.

Since 2004, and including the Simulation Center funding, IBC has provided nearly $5 million of funding to Drexel, through support of its 11th Street Family Health Services Center, and by providing grants for more than 225 scholarships and internships to deserving nursing students who attend Drexel's College of Nursing and Health Professions.

The 11th Street Center is funded through IBC's Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, which supports 30 other local clinics that provide care for more than 100,000 under or uninsured people. Through its Nurse Scholars Program, IBC has awarded $8.5 million for more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate scholarships to future practicing nurses and nurse educators at more than 30 accredited area nursing programs.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Independence Blue Cross names John Janney to newly created position: SVP marketing services

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Brings fresh expertise to serving consumers, developing products, strengthening eBusiness

Philadelphia, PA - February 8, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today announced the appointment of John R. Janney to the newly created role of senior vice president of marketing services. He will report to the company's senior vice president and chief marketing executive, Linda M. Taylor.

In this new position, Janney will oversee the company's consumerism initiatives that help health care consumers better manage their care and will also head product development, marketing support functions, and customer eBusiness. He will also lead efforts to strengthen the company's presence in the individual, small group, large group, and national markets.

"We are excited about the leadership John will bring to these critical areas for our company," said Daniel J. Hilferty, executive vice president and president of health markets. "John's business acumen, marketing systems expertise, and extensive experience in operations and eBusiness will help us deliver on our promise to our customers of targeted, cost-effective products and services."

"We are making changes to our marketing organization to enhance the experience for our customers and business partners," added Linda Taylor. "John will help us take our customer focus to a new level."

Janney was most recently senior vice president eBusiness and support services. He was appointed to that post in 2009 to manage operations systems and eBusiness platforms.

Janney has held roles of increasing responsibility in marketing, eBusiness, and operations since joining IBC in 1995 to lead a newly formed marketing systems department. He later took a leadership role in the company's eCommerce initiative, which put in place a strategic plan to address the eCommerce needs of physicians, hospitals, brokers, employers, and members, and launched internet portals for health care providers, members, customer groups, and electronic data interchange that process tens of millions of transactions and inquiries each year.

In 2000, Janney was appointed to vice president of eBusiness and enrollment services in IBC's eCommerce division where he was responsible for developing and deploying all of IBC's eCommerce and operational technologies and providing enrollment services to more than 3.3 million members.

Before joining IBC, Janney began his career at General Accident Insurance of Philadelphia, where he worked in leadership roles in operations, sales, and marketing.

Janney has a B.S. from Philadelphia College of Bible, now known as Philadelphia Biblical University, and an M.B.A. from Rutgers University where he teaches management information systems. Janney was recognized as Board Member of the Year by the Arts and Business Council Business on Board in 2005, and serves on the board of the Philadelphia Children's Theatre.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

IBC's Medicare Website Recognized for Excellence

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

'Site65' receives special certification for achievement in content, design, and usability

Philadelphia, PA - February 1, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross's website for Medicare beneficiaries - Site65 (www.site65.com) - has been recognized by HealthMetrix Research, an independent research firm, for excellence in content, member connectivity, design, and privacy assurance.

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is one of 22 health plans whose website was chosen from among 134 entries across the nation for MedicareWebWatch certification after a comprehensive review last December. The selected websites were announced during the 7th Annual Medicare Congress held in Washington, DC in January.

"Medicare Advantage members, their families, and caregivers are using the web more and more to help them evaluate their benefits, choose a plan, or find a physician, among other things, and it's important that the site and tools be easy to use and provide comprehensive information at a glance anytime they need it," said Stephen P. Fera, vice president of government programs at IBC. "We're proud that our site has been recognized as one of the best of its kind, and we're pleased that the number of members who regularly use our site is steadily increasing."

MedicareWebWatch certification is based on HealthMetrix Research's methodology that weighs 50 website features related to plan-specific content, external content resources, member connectivity, design and navigation, and privacy assurance. Certification details can be found at: www.MedicareWebWatch.com.

Site65 hosts a variety of tools to help Medicare beneficiaries with their benefits, including:

an interactive step-by-step guide to Medicare called "Medicare Matters";
tools to simply and quickly compare IBC's Medicare Advantage products;
a doctor and pharmacy finder;
resources for providers, caregivers, and employers interested in group plans;
listings of Medicare informational meetings in the five-county region.

IBC is the southeastern Pennsylvania region's largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans, with more than 85,000 members. In addition, IBC offers a range of Medigap and prescription drug plans. Site65 was launched in spring of 2007.

About Independence Blue Cross

About MedicareWebWatch

MedicareWebWatch.com is a proprietary website maintained by HealthMetrix Research Inc. and is not associated with, endorsed, or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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Independence Blue Cross Announces Blue Distinction Centers for Two New Specialties

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Philadelphia, PA - January 27, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today announced that 19 area hospitals have achieved status as Blue Distinction Centers^® for two new specialties: knee and hip replacement and spine surgery.

"It is a credit to the high caliber of medical care in our region that Philadelphia is home to so many facilities recognized as Blue Distinction Centers," said Joseph A. Frick, president and CEO at IBC. "We are proud of our strong collaboration with physicians and hospitals through programs like Blue Distinction, our incentive-based provider reimbursement programs, and other joint efforts, like Patient Center Medical Home and Partnership for Patient Care, so that together we may improve the quality and affordability of care for everyone."

Blue Distinction is a nationwide program created by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to help members easily identify outstanding medical centers that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality health care. Previously established programs focus on cardiac care, bariatric surgery, transplants, and complex and rare cancers. In early 2010, the Blue Distinction program was expanded to include the Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip Replacement^SM, and the Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery^SM now bringing the nation's number of Blue Distinction designations to more than 1,600-and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.

IBC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard L. Snyder says the expansion of the Blue Distinction program in these two specialties is timely and appropriate. The nation's aging population and growing proportion of seniors, as well as rising rates of obesity indicate that the need for costly hip and knee replacements will grow. A recent report by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons estimates U.S. residents undergo more than 478,000 knee replacements annually, with the number expected to reach 3.4 million by 2030. In addition, the academy estimates that residents undergo 234,000 total hip replacements annually, with the number expected to more than double by 2030. The average cost of a hip replacement ranges between $35,000 and $45,000.

"Hip and knee replacements, and spine surgery are proven methods of alleviating pain and restoring function and mobility," said Dr. Snyder. "However, the care that patients receive can vary, which is why a program like Blue Distinction that advocates best practices for high-quality and identifies facilities that meet those standards of care is so important."

IBC members may access the newly enhanced member web portal, ibxpress.com, to see which facilities are Blue Distinction Centers as well as other detailed information about a physician or hospital. This includes where their doctor went to medical school and other qualifications, or comparing hospitals based on experience, cost, patient satisfaction, and other important factors to help them make wise health care decisions about specific treatments and services.

Blue Distinction Centers listing

Of the 19 area hospitals to earn the latest Blue Distinction Centers status, seven of them achieved a distinction in both the knee and hip replacement and the spine surgery designations. These facilities are: Abington Memorial Hospital, Lankenau Hospital, Paoli Memorial Hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, Riddle Memorial Hospital, Temple University Hospital, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Hospitals that achieved the Blue Distinction status for knee and hip replacement are: Albert Einstein at Elkins Park, Crozer - Chester Medical Center, Delaware County Memorial Hospital, Doylestown Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Mercy Suburban Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Presbyterian Medical Center, and St. Mary Medical Center.

Hospitals that achieved the Blue Distinction status for spine surgery are: Albert Einstein Medical Center, Aria Health - Torresdale, and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Area hospitals had to apply to achieve Blue Distinction Center status. The selection process used administrative and clinical data supplied by hospitals. Each facility's structure, processes, and care outcomes were rigorously evaluated. The criteria for designation include nationally endorsed quality measures, developed in collaboration with medical experts and professional organizations. All hospitals chosen are a part of IBC's broad network of providers who offer high-quality comprehensive spine surgery or knee and hip replacement services. IBC participates in the Blue Distinction program as a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Note: Designation as Blue Distinction Centers means these facilities' overall experience and aggregate data met objective criteria established in collaboration with expert clinicians' and leading professional organizations' recommendations. Individual outcomes may vary. To find out which services are covered under your policy at any facilities, please call your local Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Plan.

Independence Blue Cross Announces New, Expanded Role For Key Executive

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Paul Tufano promoted to lead government business; will continue as general counsel

Philadelphia, PA - January 19, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) announced today that Paul A. Tufano has assumed an expanded role of senior vice president, general counsel and chief government business executive. He will continue to report to IBC president and CEO Joseph A. Frick.

Tufano has been senior vice president and general counsel since November 1999 when he joined IBC.

Tufano will be responsible for the strategic, financial, and tactical leadership of the company's government business and its products and programs. IBC's government business includes Medicare and Medicaid products, as well as health plans for low-income members: the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), adultBasic, and Special Care.

Tufano will also oversee the company's Medicaid business and serve as the liaison between Independence Blue Cross and the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, a Medicaid managed care company headquartered in Philadelphia and providing services in 13 states. AmeriHealth Mercy is jointly owned as a partnership of Independence Blue Cross and Mercy Health System. Tufano will serve on the board of directors of AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies.

Tufano will continue in his role of general counsel in providing oversight for the legal, regulatory, and corporate governance affairs of IBC.

"In recent years, we have faced significant challenges in continuing to provide our members with coverage through federally-funded and state-funded programs," said IBC president and CEO Frick. "Paul's dynamic leadership and his ability to think strategically make him perfect to lead this complex and critical growth area for our company. Paul has earned the respect of his peers in both the legal and business communities because of his expertise and ability to work through complex legal and business challenges."

Before joining IBC, Tufano served for five years as general counsel to former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge. In 2002, he was appointed cochair of the transition team for then-Governor-elect Edward G. Rendell.

Active in the legal community, Tufano was the founding chairman of the Pennsylvania Bar Association's Government Lawyers committee and has served on the board of trustees of the Philadelphia Bar Foundation, which exists to raise funds for legal services for the poor. He has been honored for his work in this area by both the Pennsylvania Bar Association and Pennsylvania Legal Services. He serves on several boards, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, WHYY, Villanova University, and the Committee of Seventy. He is currently president of the Villanova University Alumni Association and is cochairing the search for the next dean of Villanova's law school.

Tufano is a graduate of Villanova University where he earned both his bachelor's degree and his law degree.

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 3.3 million people. For more than 70 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.

Taylor promoted to Independence Blue Cross Chief Marketing Executive

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Philadelphia, PA - January 19, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross today announced that Linda M. Taylor has been promoted to chief marketing executive. Taylor will report to Daniel J. Hilferty, president of Health Markets for Independence Blue Cross.

As chief marketing executive, Taylor will oversee commercial sales and marketing activities for Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and two of the company's third-party administrators: Independence Administrators, and AmeriHealth Administrators. Her role includes new business sales, account management, marketing administration, and product development, as well as broker relations. Taylor will also work closely with IBC's subsidiary, AmeriHealth New Jersey.

A veteran of more than 20 years in the health benefits field, Taylor began her career at IBC in 1995, and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including several leadership and executive positions at the company and its subsidiaries. Most recently, she was senior vice president of sales and marketing at AmeriHealth Administrators, a position she held since 2002. She was also vice president of marketing at AmeriHealth New Jersey and has held several marketing positions in national accounts at IBC.

"I'm pleased to have a health benefits and marketing professional of Linda's caliber take on an increasingly important role as a member of our executive team," said Joseph A. Frick, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "Our focus on our strategic vision has never been more important than in these challenging times. I am confident that Linda's knowledge, company-wide experience, relationships, and strong skills in sales and marketing will be a great asset in helping us sustain our success in the marketplace."

Added Hilferty: "Linda brings extensive experience and depth of knowledge of our market. Through her leadership of the sales and marketing area, we will continue to best position IBC to retain current customers, attract new employers and individuals, and ensure fiscal stability."

Taylor is a member of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association and the Society of Professional benefit Administrators. She serves on the board of directors of the Main Line YMCA and is the chair of the membership and human resources committees.

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

IBC Introduces Two New Guaranteed-Issue Individual Personal Choice Options

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST

Plans replace three 20-year-old plans and include pre-tax savings account option

Philadelphia, PA - January 14, 2010 - Independence Blue Cross (IBC) announced that it is introducing in March two new guaranteed-issue Personal Choice health plans for individuals that will replace three older Personal Choice guaranteed-issue options.

IBC is the only company in the region that offers individuals guaranteed-issue health insurance, plans that accept all who apply, regardless of their health.

The new plans, which provide choice and flexibility in product design and costs, are:

Personal Choice Basic. A preferred provider organization (PPO) plan that allows members to receive care from any providers without a referral in-network or out-of-network.
Personal Choice Value HSA. An HSA-qualified PPO plan, which means the plan may be combined with a health savings account, a feature that has been growing in popularity in the Philadelphia region for the past few years. The Value plan offers a more modest premium, a higher deductible, and allows members to contribute funds to the HSA that are not subject to federal tax. That money can be used to pay for medical expenses or to save to supplement retirement savings.

IBC's PPO plans include Healthy Lifestyle programs, which provide tools, resources, and financial incentives to help members stay healthy, lose weight, or stop smoking. These PPO plans also include Connections^SM Health Management Programs, which help members manage their chronic conditions. These individual plans are for people who are not covered by an employer's health plan. For more information on these plans, visit www.ibx.com/health_plans/individual/ppo.html.

"We are committed to continuing to offer these guaranteed-issue plans so that we can provide coverage to anyone, regardless of their health," said Scott Post, vice president of Marketing Administration at IBC. "However, to do that, we needed to modernize plan designs that were 20 years old, and adjust the rates to slow the significant losses we've incurred in these plans over that time."

Rising medical costs, such as the cost for drugs or new technologies, are the primary reason why health insurance premiums increase, and the Philadelphia region is one of the most expensive in the nation for health care. The population is older, medical care in the region is more expensive, and people use more health services.

"When medical costs go up, health insurance premiums rise too," said Post, explaining that the cost of the medical care members of these plans receive has been far exceeding the premiums they paid to IBC. "No business can operate that way forever. We do everything we can to avoid raising rates, but changing these plans' design and rates was necessary to continue to offer these important guarantee issue products and maintain our financial soundness."

In addition to the two new Personal Choice guarantee issue individual plans, IBC offers other guaranteed-issue plans, known as Traditional Blue Cross, Blue Shield or Major Medical. IBC also offers adultBasic and CHIP, which are state-run plans, as well as medically underwritten individual Keystone HMO options. Members and prospective customers are encouraged to explore plan options at www.ibx.com/health_plans and, for help with any questions, call 1-800 ASK-BLUE to speak with a representative.

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department approved the two new individual guarantee issue plans' benefits design and rates in November. IBC sent letters in December to the 27,000 members currently enrolled in the three discontinued individual PPO plans, notifying them about the change and asking them to select one of the two new options by January 15. Members who don't select a new plan by then will automatically be enrolled in the Personal Choice Value HSA plan so that there is no lapse in coverage. However, they have a grace period that gives them until May 31 to change plans, if they wish.

Some of these members will see an increase and others a decrease in their monthly premiums when they switch from the discontinued Personal Choice plans to the one of the new plans. The new rate will depend on the plan a member chooses, the member's age, and whether a spouse or children will also be covered. Existing members can find more information at www.ibx.com/planchange.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Santa, Independence Blue Cross Elves Make Early Stop to Philadelphia

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Students at Isaac A. Sheppard Elementary School to receive gifts, coats

Philadelphia, PA - December 23, 2009 - Santa Claus made an early holiday visit today to children at a North Philadelphia elementary school during a pre-Christmas stop arranged by the "elves" from Independence Blue Cross.

The 280 students in kindergarten through fourth grade at the Issac A. Sheppard School screamed with joy as the jolly red elf entered the auditorium and presented each child with a wrapped gift labeled with his or her name. The school also received an early holiday gift: A $2,000 donation to be used to purchase needed school supplies. Independence Blue Cross president and CEO, Joseph A. Frick, presented the corporate gift to school principal James P. Otto.

"Santa Day" is an annual holiday tradition for the school. Santa traditionally makes his entrance during "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" - the final song in a concert performed by the Independence Blue Cross choir, the Sounds of Independence.

Each year, hundreds of Independence Blue Cross employees donate new holiday gifts for the Sheppard School students. Every gift is individually selected for a specific child. To surprise the students with Santa's arrival, a collection of undercover "elves" wrap, pack, and secretly ship the gifts to the school before the annual Santa Day event. In addition to the nearly 300 gifts for each of the Sheppard School students, Independence Blue Cross collected 300 new winter coats for the school to give its students in need.

Independence Blue Cross has been a corporate sponsor of the Sheppard School, a 98 percent poverty-level school, for about 15 years. Independence Blue Cross has been offering academic and social support through programs such as the Philadelphia Reads Power Partners program and various beautification projects.