Press Release

IBC Aids Temple Health Connection

IBC Charitable Medical Care Grants Help Care for the Uninsured

Philadelphia, PA - September 15, 2004 The woman stopped by Temple Health Connection (THC) for her ulcer medication only because THC was conveniently located in her neighborhood — Norris Homes in North Philadelphia.

But the THC nurse practitioner insisted upon taking a thorough medical history and examination.

As a result, the woman learned her problem was not an ulcer; it was her gallbladder — a diagnosis that got her on track to proper treatment. It is precisely this emphasis at THC — listening to patients and working with the community — that has garnered the community's trust.

"We listen to our patients so that we can meet their needs, and we listen to the broader community concerns and work to meet those needs as well," explained Nancy Rothman, Director of Temple Health Connection. "We work with the community to identify health issues and services they would like the centers to provide. We're here for the long-haul; we have a long-term commitment to the community."

This strong connection to the community was recognized recently when THC received a three-year grant from the Independence Blue Cross Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, which offers financial support for non-profit, privately funded clinics in southeastern Pennsylvania who provide free or low-cost care to the area's uninsured.

"We're pleased to offer Temple Health Connection the support they need to continue to provide care in Philadelphia and to fill a tremendous need in our region," said G. Fred DiBona, Jr., President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross. "Without centers such as Temple Health, many uninsured would otherwise go to the hospital emergency rooms for their medical care, if they seek care at all."

"It's not just about doing the right thing: the Charitable Medical Care Grant Program makes good business sense for IBC as a health insurance company," DiBona added. "The grant not only helps clinics such as Temple Health Connection provide care for the uninsured, but it also helps rein in our region's crisis in uncompensated medical care and ultimately helps control health care costs for all of our members. When the entire community is healthy, everyone benefits."

The Charitable Medical Care Grant Program, initiated in December 2003, gives financial support for non-profit, privately funded clinics in southeastern Pennsylvania that provide free or nominal fee care to the uninsured. A three-year commitment makes grants available to support areas such as general operating expenses, unfunded pharmaceutical needs, medical supplies, specialty care, diagnostic tests, or other pertinent needs critical to the delivery of care within the clinics. To date, IBC has dedicated $2.8 million to 13 clinics over the next three years.

Opened in July 1996, Temple Health Connection is a neighborhood-based, primary health care clinic providing primary care, family planning, disease prevention and health promotion for an indigent, underserved population in North Philadelphia, in partnership with the community. Located within Norris Homes and Apartments, THC has expanded its services to provide summer day camps and an after school Homework+ program that includes health education and introductions to potential health careers.

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