Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has promoted Bukata Hayes to the position of vice-president, chief equity officer. Hayes, who has been vice president for racial equity and health equity since March 20,21, will assume this new role. She will be responsible to integrate all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEIB), strategies into the Racial & Health Equity department. [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) has announced a significant milestone in its commitment towards ensuring equitable, high-quality and affordable care. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is the first non-profit health plan to establish a financial payment model that rewards health systems and doctors for eliminating racial or ethnic inequalities in care. This will help improve health care for the 2.9 million Blue Cross members. [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), today announced a partnership with VillageMD. This is a rapidly growing national provider of primary care services based on value through its subsidiary, Village Medical. VillageMD will now be able to offer more innovative primary care services in Massachusetts through this partnership. [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is launching a series of new offerings that offer high-quality, affordable healthcare with an enhanced member experience. [Read more…]

As part of its ongoing commitment to providing quality and cost-effective healthcare to Texans, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), will offer multiple health plans options. [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Chief Financial Officer Andreana Sangelo was named CFO of The Year by the Boston Business Journal. This year’s recipient of the award is chief financial officers who have helped steer. Their communities, companies and organizations through the coronavirus Pandemic and financial crisis that follows. [Read more…]

Health Plan News has received a copy of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Notice via email, for 2021. The following is being sent by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Settlement Administrator to those who are eligible for compensation based on the Blue Cross Blue Shield settlement. [Read more…]

In Reaction to This Supreme Court ruling Now dismissing the Most Recent challenge to the Affordable Care Act,” Andrew Dreyfus, president & CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Published the following Announcement: [Read more…]

(BCBSIL) is marking Pride month with community involvement, education and other supports for the LGTBQ+ community. It’s part of our commitment to diversity, equity and addition that helps us address health and economic inequities in the communities we serve, the goods and services we offer and the support we provide local organizations and providers making a significant impact. [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) has announced a set of bold initiatives to address health inequities and racial injustice. [Read more…]

In response to winter storm Orlena, the governor of New Jersey has declared a state-wide state of emergency. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Inc. is expediting access to care for members who may be affected. [Read more…]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) and Blue Plus (Blue Plus) is funding support for six organizations and their respective efforts to increase housing stability for Minnesotans in need. The Blue Plus funding support is designed to alleviate social barriers to health that contribute to health inequities. [Read more…]

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have formed a new consortium that will examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on preterm birth and healthcare, funded by $300,000 in grants by the Freedom Blue Cross Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware’s donor-advised finance, also BluePrints for its Community. [Read more…]

“COVID-19 has severely impacted communities and families around Florida, And the cost is growing quickly. Together with the FDA’s emergency use approval of fresh COVID-19 vaccines, it is essential that people get broad vaccination throughout the state when you can help protect ourselves and our nearest and dearest,” explained Pat Geraghty, Florida Blue president and CEO. [Read more…]

In support of public health efforts to encourage flu vaccinations and to provide an easy mode of transportation to flu shot locations across Metro-Boston, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (“Blue Cross”) will offer free Bluebikes rides during National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 6-12. [Read more…]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) today announced it has distributed $480,000 in funding to help organizations around the state increase access to immunizations. [Read more…]

BOSTON, April 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is making a critical public health contribution by re-deploying a portion of its employees to work with the Community Tracing Collaborative and Boston Hope field hospital, two key elements of the state’s COVID-19 response. [Read more…]

CHICAGO, April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — New findings from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) found that regular exercise is key in slowing the growth of serious chronic health conditions like diabetes, a high-risk condition identified by the CDC that can lead to more serious outcomes from COVID-19. The study showed commercially-insured members who consistently exercised saw an 8% reduction in the impact of health conditions that could lower their overall health and reduced the prevalence of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, underscoring the importance of continued exercise from the safety of one’s home. The findings came from a new BCBSA report, “Benefits of Exercise,” part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Health of America Report® series. [Read more…]

MINNEAPOLIS, April 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — As needs continue to rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation remains committed to making a healthy difference in communities by being responsive and supportive in this unprecedented time. [Read more…]

PHILADELPHIA, April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Independence Blue Cross’ extensive efforts to assist members, hospitals and health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are included in an announcement by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) this week summarizing the collective work of BCBSA’s 36 independent and locally-operated plans across the United States. BCBSA reports that companies in the Association have committed a total of nearly $3 billion to date to aid in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. [Read more…]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Blue today announced Truli for Health (Truli), an affiliate of Florida Blue and an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, as a new health maintenance organization designed to provide Florida’s small and medium-sized employers with affordable, quality health insurance solutions for their employees. Truli will expand health care coverage options for local businesses through partnerships with trusted community healthcare providers. It will first launch in Central and select South Florida counties on July 1, 2020. [Read more…]

PHILADELPHIA, April 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — During these uncertain times, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest health advice and to maintain a sense of normalcy. To help its members navigate some of the challenges they may be facing during the COVID-19 outbreak, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is offering a comprehensive COVID-19 Preparedness Tool developed by Quil to some Independence members at no cost. [Read more…]

Massachusetts residents are radically changing the way they access medical care, according to the latest wave of a Massachusetts tracking poll which found a more than 200% rise in the use of telemedicine. [Read more…]

OAKLAND, Calif., March 30, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Shield of California today announced Seth Glickman, M.D. as the health plan’s chief health officer. [Read more…]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Florida Blue, the state’s leading health insurer, announced today it will waive cost-sharing through June 1 for its members who must undergo treatment for COVID-19, including in-patient hospital admissions. [Read more…]

BOSTON, March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — An unprecedented public health campaign aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus is having a near-universal effect on public behavior, the third week of a Massachusetts tracking poll finds. New key findings include: [Read more…]

BOSTON, Feb. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) is expanding its value-based payment model into the dental space with a first-of-its-kind arrangement with leading dental group 42 North. This partnership aims to improve the quality of members’ oral and overall health, particularly those with chronic health conditions like diabetes and heart disease, since they can benefit from additional dental cleanings and exams. 42 North supports more than 70 dental practices, including Gentle Dental locations, from Maine to New York. [Read more…]

OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Shield of California has appointed Lisa Davis as the nonprofit health plan’s chief information officer. Davis will be responsible for leading the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize with new technologies to better serve its more than 4 million members. [Read more…]

BOSTON, April 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts announced today the not-for-profit has received a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Brand Excellence Award for its ongoing work to combat the opioid epidemic, one of the nation’s most significant public health challenges. [Read more…]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has reached an agreement with Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance (BSWQA), Baylor Scott & White’s accountable care organization (ACO) to deliver high-quality and lower cost care to more than 140,000 BCBSTX members in North and Central Texas. [Read more…]

One million Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) members across the country are now realizing more savings through Blue365, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s (BCBSA) exclusive health and wellness discount program, available to members of participating BCBS companies. Blue365 provides a trusted, convenient resource to get exclusive deals on a variety of unique and diverse products from top health and wellness brands that help BCBS customers take control of their health and personal well-being – 365 days a year.

For the second year in a row, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) was named a top-rated health plan in the country, according to the nation’s experts on health plan quality. [Read more…]

In anticipation of Hurricane Irma, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), Inc. is expediting access to care for members who live in Florida. [Read more…]

Andrew Dreyfus, President & CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, released the following statement on the amended Better Care Reconciliation Act proposed by the U.S. Senate: [Read more…]

RICHARDSON, Texas, June 1, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) announced today it has acquired certain Medicare Advantage and commercial group membership from Allegian Health Plans (AHP), a wholly-owned managed care subsidiary of Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC). [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc. announced first quarter 2017 financial results today and reported a combined after-tax net income of $27.6 million (1.5% net margin) on revenue of $1.86 billion. The results reflect an operating income of $11.4 million (0.6% operating margin) and investment income of $11.3 million. Blue Cross is the leading private health plan in Massachusetts with 2.8 million members.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) has received top honors from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the design of our corporate headquarters at 101 Huntington Avenue. This makes it largest project in New England and 12th largest in the nation by square footage to be LEED® Platinum certified out of nearly 3,300 projects. We received our LEED Platinum certification using LEED CIv2009 – Commercial Interiors criteria. [Read more…]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and its family of companies (Blue Cross) today announced audited financial results for 2016. Blue Cross ended the year with a net operating loss of $322.4 million on full-year revenues of $12.1 billion, for a negative operating margin of 2.7% and a pre-tax net loss of $194.4 million. For the year, $11.1 billion of medical claim payments were incurred which represented 92 cents of every premium dollar going directly to cover health care costs. Additionally, total member enrollment grew from 2.75 million to 2.9 million members. [Read more…]

In an effort to improve care and support for our members who are faced with serious illnesses, today Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross), the largest health plan in the Commonwealth, announced it will partner with Landmark Health on an innovative program that provides care to seniors in their homes. The program is the first of its kind in New England. [Read more…]

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) today released the second edition of a Moody’s Analytics report that finds a direct link between a population’s health and a growing economy, higher incomes and lower unemployment. [Read more…]

Energy credits generated from local solar projects owned by Ameresco and co-developed with BlueWave in Hopedale and Mendon, MA will reduce BCBSMA’s electricity costs, enable clean, local community solar power, and help reduce air pollution in Massachusetts. [Read more…]

Over the past year, numerous insurers have left the federal health insurance exchange, which has left many Georgians with few options for health insurance and made their preferred providers and hospitals out of network. For some patients, they would see the impact on January 1, 2017. WellStar Health System has reached an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia to participate in a federal insurance exchange product that will provide access to care for our patients. [Read more…]

Blue Shield of California Foundation announced today $3.9 million in fourth-quarter grantmaking, raising its total 2016 giving to more than $29 million to advance its mission to improve health equity and end domestic violence in California. Fourth-quarter grants include $1.46 million to support community organizations working to connect mental health services and primary care for low-income patients. [Read more…]

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is the only carrier offering retail health benefit plans on the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace in every county of the state in 2017 with Blue Advantage HMO? and Blue Advantage Plus HMO? plans. These plans offer individuals access to a network of health care professionals and help ensure quality, cost-effective care through the selection of a primary care physician. Texas residents can visit www.bcbstx.com to learn more about the health plans offered and sign up by December 15, 2016 for coverage to begin on January 1, 2017. The final day to enroll for a 2017 health insurance plan on the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace is January 31, 2017. [Read more…]

Focused on increasing access to quality care to Medicare beneficiaries, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is offering more options for health care coverage that provides them additional choice, optimized networks, flexibility and affordability. [Read more…]

In 2015, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), the state’s largest health insurer, collaborated with nearly 500 community organizations through employee volunteers and financial investments to help prevent and manage heart disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma and other ailments. As noted in the company’s Social Responsibility Report (SRR), released today, [Read more…]

January 31st marks the end of the third annual enrollment period through the Health Insurance Marketplace. With this deadline quickly approaching, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is actively providing Texans with health insurance information and enrollment opportunities.

BCBSTX offers health insurance in all 254 counties in Texas and is the only health insurance provider offering individuals access to health insurance through the Federal Health Insurance Marketplace in 58 of those counties. [Read more…]

Capital BlueCross has signed an agreement with The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization focused on health care quality and safety, that will establish a regional hospital recognition program to help employers and consumers in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley make more informed health care decisions. [Read more…]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) has announced the launch of a comprehensive program aimed at improving quality-of-life for individuals and families facing advanced illnesses and the end of life. [Read more…]

As consumers look for new ways to obtain the best possible care and lower their health care costs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), the largest provider of health benefits in the state, announces the enhanced Provider Finder, an online health care solution developed to enable members to more easily research and select physicians and hospitals, as well as estimate out-of-pocket health care costs. The Provider Finder provides cost estimates for more than 400 common medical procedures, increasing to 1600 by the end of the year.

Provider Finder allows members to search and compare more than 400,000 health professionals and 21,000 facilities nationwide, estimate treatment costs, access clinical quality data and read and write patient reviews. BCBSTX analyzed the use of Provider Finder for approximately 800,000 members and found that members who acted on a Provider Finder recommendation saved on average $900 per procedure.

Recent research indicates that consumers may pay as much as 683 percent more for the same medical procedures, in the same town, depending on the facility they choose.2 For example, the total cost for a knee replacement in the Dallas area could range from $18,801 to $47,324 depending on the facility.3 The Provider Finder offers members a simple, easy to navigate website, to help in selecting the best provider for their needs, based on location, clinical quality and costs. A few unique features include:

— Out-of-pocket costs. Unlike other transparency solutions that rely on estimated costs, the Provider Finder uses an expansive, proprietary database to provide information on out-of-pocket expenses. Out-of-pocket estimates are based on a member’s own health plan benefits including health reimbursement and health savings account balances.
— Unparalleled provider demographic data. The Provider Finder includes a large library of patient reviews of physicians and facilities, as well as photos and information on average wait times and physician training, expertise and awards.
— Extensive Provider Clinical Quality Data. Members can evaluate the quality of care with data from Blue Distinction/Blue Distinction+ Centers, Bridges to Excellence, National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) distinctions and Physician Quality Measurement data.

At a Capitol Hill briefing today, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) highlighted the innovative collaborations among Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, local providers and patients to help improve care delivery through patient-centered medical home (PCMH) programs. Today there are Blue Cross and Blue Shield PCMH initiatives in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serving more than 4 million Blue members.

The PCMH is a model of healthcare based on an ongoing, personal relationship between a patient, a primary care physician and the patient’s care team that aims to assure comprehensive, coordinated care across all aspects of the healthcare system. For example, the PCMH-based care team personally manages, facilitates and coordinates care with appropriate qualified professionals – such as hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and related community resources – as well as engages patients in promoting wellness and prevention and managing any chronic conditions they may have. [Read more…]