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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Joins Partnership to Aid Older Adults with Mental Illness

Philadelphia, PA - February 4, 2005 - Between 18 and 15 percent of older adults experience mental illness – enough so that it affects their ability to function during even the simplest of daily tasks.  To aid in the efforts of improving the quality of life for those suffering from mental illness, Independence Blue Cross has joined a public-private partnership designed to enhance, integrate and coordinate efforts to improve behavioral health services for older adults in Philadelphia.

IBC joins the Philadelphia Office of Behavioral Health, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, AmeriChoice, Aetna, the PA Department of Aging and the PA Department of Public Welfare who in collaboration with advocates, consumers and providers, formed the Behavioral Health Partnership for Older Adults (the Partnership).

In 2003, at the behest of the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia City Council held hearings on the behavioral health needs of older adults.  As a result, the Council has requested a plan for improved behavioral health services for older adults.  The Partnership is charged with developing interventions and demonstrating their effectiveness.  Leadership for the Partnership will be provided by state and local agencies, with IBC providing financial support and acting as a advisor on health insurance and other technical matters.

"IBC is well aware of the significant impact of mental illness on quality of life and even life expectancy," noted Dan Lyons, M.D., Senior Vice President, Government Programs. "IBC is honored to be included in this innovative collaboration that will seek solutions to this difficult problem."

The Partnership falls in line with IBC's ongoing Social Mission: an effort to enhance the well-being of our community through subsidized coverage, charitable grants, educational programs and scholarships. Social Mission programs currently provide low or no-cost coverage to more than 148,000 men, women and children, while our Charitable Medical Care Grant Program and Nurse Scholars Program offer funding and scholarships critical to the needs of area health clinics and nursing students.

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.5 million people.