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Press Release

Independence Blue Cross Wins Disease Management Association of America Award for Innovative Programs

Philadelphia, PA - December 4, 2006 - The Disease Management Association of America (DMAA) has awarded Independence Blue Cross (IBC) the 2006 Disease Management Leadership Award for Outstanding Health Plan, in recognition of the company's ConnectionsSM Health Management Programs that help members with chronic and other conditions better manage their health. Esther Nash, MD, Senior Medical Director, Population Health and Wellness at IBC, will accept the award today at the DMAA's 7th annual Disease Management Leadership Forum in Denver, Colorado.

Each year, the award is given to recognize one health plan in America that has demonstrated vision and leadership in its commitment to disease management, innovative program design, successful plan implementation, and outstanding performance in measuring positive, proven health outcomes.

An evaluation of first-year results completed earlier this year showed that IBC's Connections Health Management Program lowered medical cost trends by 1.5 to 2 percent. According to Dr. Nash, preliminary second-year results are equally positive.

“We are extremely pleased to be recognized for our efforts by the DMAA, one of the nation's most respected voices on disease management,” said Dr. Nash. “Our programs assist members with chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, take better control of their health by offering personalized health coaching; providing clear, easy-to-find health information; and teaching people-specific skills, such as how to manage weight or take medication properly - things that will help our members stay healthier throughout their lives.”

“Our mission is helping our members stay healthy and our Connections programs have helped hundreds of thousands of our members with chronic illnesses live healthier lives,” said Joseph A. Frick, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. “We are extremely proud to have that good work and the effectiveness of these programs recognized by the nation's experts in health management.”

IBC began its current Connections program in 2003 to help members with the five most common chronic diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD), and diabetes. Since then, Connections has expanded to 22 chronic and complex conditions - among the most offered by any health plan - including end-stage renal disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's Disease, a condition that was added to the program this month. Connections Programs serve approximately two million health plan members, including more than 235,000 IBC members with at least one of the five most common chronic illnesses. Ninety-eight percent of these members currently participate in a Connections program.

Connections is comprised of three condition management programs: Connections Health Management Program, offered through an alliance with Health Dialog and focusing on the five most common chronic conditions as well as preference-sensitive conditions and general health and wellness needs; Connections Kidney Program, in collaboration with RMS Disease Management Services specializing in end-stage renal disease; and the Connections AccordantCareTM Program, through Accordant Health Services, which addresses 16 complex chronic illnesses.

“IBC's ConnectionsSM program is an exceptionally well-designed, quality disease management offering that demonstrates innovation as well as broad potential impact,” said Tracey Moorhead, Executive Director of the DMAA. “This award is well-deserved recognition for their population health leadership and demonstrated outcomes in a major health plan.”

“Millions of people can benefit from disease management — from employers who realize reduced health care costs, to physicians whose patients are more informed and responsible health care consumers, to health plan members who experience better health. That's a great result,” said Dr. Nash.

About Independence Blue Cross
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 nearly 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers.