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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Honored for Service to United Way and Community

Independence Blue Cross awarded 'Community Spirit Award'

Philadelphia, PA - May 10, 2006 - The United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania will award Independence Blue Cross one of its highest honors to recognize IBC's contribution level, dedicated volunteers, and overall campaign excellence during the 2005-2006 United Way campaign.

IBC will accept the United Way's Community Spirit Award during the "Champions for Impact Celebration" event on Wednesday, May 10, at the Academy of Natural Science in Philadelphia.

IBC will be one of 17 businesses and individuals recognized by the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania during this annual cocktail reception and awards presentation. These volunteers are acknowledged  for their involvement in the community, commitment to strengthening people and community, philanthropic contributions, effective employee campaigns, leadership giving and volunteer efforts.

IBC is also one of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania's top 25 corporate campaigns for the 2005-2006 campaign year.

During the event, Eleanor Thompson, IBC vice president and deputy general counsel, will also be honored with the "Committed Community Volunteer Awards" for her contribution to human service issues, leadership, service, and dedication to the United Way mission. The award recognizes Thompson's involvement with the United Way as the Women's Initiative co-chair, and her instrumental role in the successful Women Caring About What Matters Gala Dinner, which raised $296,700 for the United Way to invest in helping women, children and families in the region. Thompson was co-chair of IBC's successful 2005-2006 campaign.

IBC associates contributed more than $1 million to the 2005-2006 United Way campaign. With the dollar-for-dollar company match, IBC donated  $2.14 million - the third year in a row that IBC committed at least $2 million to the campaign. This year, about 87 percent of IBC employees contributed to the United Way, with a seven percent increase in the number of employees who donated at least $1,000.

In addition, 130 IBC volunteers joined in four Day of Caring projects on September 15. The volunteers completed work in a day that would have taken the agencies several days or several months to finish, including: renovating three decrepit fields for neighborhood children to use for baseball, softball and t-ball; beautifying a campus facility by moving 30 yards of mulch to create a children's play area, planting 100 spring bulbs and other gardening chores; decorating and fixing up a senior citizens center by painting windows and doors; delivering lunches for Meals on Wheels; and creating gift bags for new mothers and preparing educational folders for new parents.

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.