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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Launches Program to Benefit Members with Complex, Rare diseases

New program expands disease management support system

Philadelphia, PA - July 5, 2005 - Independence Blue Cross members with uncommon complex conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, can now access tailored personal health care support, thanks to IBC's latest addition to its health management programs - ConnectionsSM AccordantCareTM.

In July, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) will begin providing members and physicians with specialized support and educational services to maintain or improve the quality of life for those afflicted with chronic, progressive diseases that affect about one percent of the total population, or an expected 20,000 people in health plans administered by IBC. The new program is offered through an agreement with Accordant Health Services, a Caremark company.

With the addition of Accordant to its Connections Programs, IBC is the first plan in the region to offer such a broad array of specialized disease management programs to members.

"Living with a chronic condition is challenging, but through specialized care and information, our members can lead healthier and more active lives," said I. Steven Udvarhelyi, MD, IBC Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.

IBC's two-year old ConnectionsSM Health Management Programs offer support to more than two million members dealing with everyday health concerns, facing significant medical decisions or managing five chronic conditions: asthma, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and diabetes. To date, nearly 85 percent of Medicare members and 50 percent of IBC's commercial managed care members with chronic conditions have consulted a health coach to learn more about their condition.

The new ConnectionsSM AccordantCareTM Program will provide disease management support to members with:

  • Seizure disorders
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Hemophilia
  • Scleroderma
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  • Polymyositis
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Gaucher disease

"More and more, members are looking to IBC to provide progressive health resources to help them successfully manage an illness and make wise decisions about their care," said Esther Nash, MD, IBC Senior Medical Director, Health Management Programs. "We're expanding our ConnectionsSM disease management programs to address diseases that are less common, but where the need for support is great - just one more way for us to keep our commitment to our members and to provide the type of quality health care they expect from us."

Under the ConnectionsSM AccordantCareTM program, Accordant nurses are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to work with members to:

  • Evaluate their health status
  • Identify personalized complications and pitfalls for the specific condition based on the member's treatment plan, condition and the stage of the disease. For example, a member with rheumatoid arthritis may be more susceptible to prescription side-effects or infections. An Accordant nurse will work to prevent such complications while helping the member to understand and adhere to the treatment plan.
  • Provide disease-specific information through educational brochures, monthly newsletters and access to the patient website, www.accordant.com
  • Assist in coordinating care when multiple physicians or other health professionals provide care
  • Help identify social and community resources such as delivery of meals, transportation, support groups and home health aides

Accordant's member services include a 24-hour member line, website and newsletters and other educational materials. Accordant works with physicians to keep them informed of their patients' changing health and medical needs and to help their patients follow the physician's treatment plan.

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