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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Responds to Health Needs of Members Affected by Hurricane Katrina

Modified policies ease access to providers, medications and information

Philadelphia, PA - September 19, 2005 - Independence Blue Cross has temporarily relaxed its medical and pharmacy guidelines to speed up access to much-needed health care services and prescription medications for members displaced by Hurricane Katrina and for relief workers traveling to the disaster areas.

“We are all moved by the magnitude of the tragedy faced by Hurricane Katrina's many victims, and we are committed to helping our members harmed by the hurricane get necessary medical care and prescription refills” said Joseph A. Frick, IBC President and CEO. “We have quickly taken steps to ensure that these members can easily use their health insurance coverage.”

Some of the special provisions for affected members, which will be in effect until at least November 1, 2005, include:

  • Allowing members to go to any available health care provider, regardless of whether or not the provider is a Blue Cross network provider. IBC will waive the out-of-network penalty so that members will not be balanced billed.
  • Waiving any penalties associates with lack of precertification.
  • Providing early refill for prescription medications lost as a result of Hurricane Katrina
  • Allowing a three-month or greater supply of prescription medications for relief workers traveling to the hurricane-affected areas.

Independence Blue Cross also set up a national toll-free number to assist Hurricane Katrina victims who have lost member ID cards or who need information about their benefits. The number – 1-888-516-8309 – will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Members who call after hours may leave a voicemail message.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, IBC immediately donated $100,000 – half to the southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of American Red Cross and half to a coordinated nationwide effort by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association to raise $1 million for the American Red Cross. In addition, IBC is conducting a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program with its associates to benefit the American Red Cross. As of mid-September, associates had donated over $42,000 to the American Red Cross, which IBC will match to provide relief to Katrina's injured and homeless. So far, nationally BCBSA donations to the American Red Cross have exceeded $3 million – more than triple the initial $1 million goal.

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people. This month, Independence Blue Cross's Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked as the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine. For more than 65 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers. For more information on Independence Blue Cross, visit our website at www.ibx.com.