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Press Release

IBC Donates Flu Shots To Community Clinics

Philadelphia, PA - January 20, 2006 - Independence Blue Cross today announced that it will donate flu shot vaccine to area nonprofit clinics that provide care to uninsured and underinsured patients.

"We're pleased to be able to supply area clinics with the flu shot vaccine. Area residents who were unable to be vaccinated in the fall will have another chance to avoid complications from the flu this season," said Stephen Fera, Vice President of Social Mission Programs.

IBC has offered surplus vaccine from its worksite wellness flu shot campaign to 25 clinics in Chester, Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. So far, the Free Clinic of Doylestown, Frankford Hospital Health Center, The Mary Howard Health Center and the Rising Sun Health Center have requested 250 doses of flu shot vaccine.

Although the flu vaccine is usually offered between September to November, the flu season lasts from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March. "It's ideal to get vaccinated early, but the flu shot can still be helpful and offer protection against the virus during the next few months," said Richard Snyder, MD, Vice President Quality Management.

The 25 area clinics are recipients of IBC's Charitable Medicare Care Grant Program, which provides financial support to non-profit, privately funded clinics in southeastern Pennsylvania who provide free or low-cost care to the area's uninsured. To date, IBC has granted $4.7 million to the clinics over a three-year period in an effort to support quality care that ultimately reduces the number of uninsured individuals who receive uncompensated treatment at area hospitals.

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. 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.

Independence Blue Cross recently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO and PPO health care plans. In addition, in 2005, Independence Blue Cross's Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine.