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2003 Press Releases December 17, 2003 BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEW MEXICO ANNOUNCES NEW BLUECHOICE PLUS INSURANCE PRODUCT December 15, 2003 December 11, 2003 December 9, 2003 December 8, 2003 December 1, 2003 August 28, 2003 May 28, 2003 BLUE
CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NEW MEXICO ANNOUNCES NEW BLUECHOICE PLUS INSURANCE
PRODUCT
BCBSNM has been providing an individual insurance product to meet the needs of New Mexicans since 1996. More than 30,000 people currently have BlueChoice individual coverage. “BlueChoice is a product that works very well for many people such as small business owners, self employed people, early retirees, and young people transitioning from education to the workplace,” said BCBSNM President Liz Watrin. “With BlueChoice Plus, we are now offering more flexible product options so that more people can obtain health insurance. BCBSNM has a firm commitment to member choice, and to providing products that meet the diverse needs of New Mexicans. We also recognize that the fast growing segment of the uninsured population is employed people who need the flexibility to choose a plan that works with their finances.” For information on BCBSNM individual product lines, please call 1-866-445-1396. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please contact Lydia Ashanin, Community and Media Relations Manager, at 505-816-4292 or David Hazlehurst, Sales Director, at 505-816-2106.
HEALTH CARE SERVICE CORPORATION SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH PRIME THERAPEUTICS TO ACQUIRE INTEREST, PROVIDE IN-HOUSE PHARMACY SOLUTION Prime Therapeutics Adds 4 Million Members from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, Texas and New Mexico December 15, 2003 -- Chicago-based Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) has signed an agreement to acquire an ownership interest in Prime Therapeutics. At closing of this transaction and subject to regulatory approval, HCSC will enter into an agreement for Prime to provide pharmacy health care services to the customers of HCSC's three divisions: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. The multi-year service contract, which is intended to go into effect Jan. 1, 2005, includes provision of prescription drug benefits for the approximately 4 million members enrolled in HCSC’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans that include drug coverage. As part of the agreement, HCSC will join Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Kansas and Wyoming as equity owners of Prime Therapeutics. “As important and competitive as health care is today, it is critical for us to know that our pharmacy benefit partner’s business goals align with ours to meet the needs of our subscribers. Prime’s business model is clear and simple to understand,” said Raymond F. McCaskey, president and CEO of HCSC. “By investing in the ownership of a Blues approach to prescription drug benefit management, we expect to have greater control over pharmacy costs and to achieve closer coordination between our care and disease management programs and our pharmacy initiatives, all for the benefit of our customers.” Pharmacy benefit services to be covered include claims processing, formulary management, manufacturer contracting, pharmacy network management, clinical programs, and utilization management. “We’re pleased that HCSC and its family of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans recognize the value of an in-house pharmacy solution. We look forward to implementing a program based on collaboration, integration and value,” said Tim Dickman, Prime Therapeutics chief executive officer.
About Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)
(Albuquerque, New Mexico) — December 11, 2003 — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) has appointed two new Vice Presidents: Linda Amburn is Vice President of the Member Services Division, and Dorane Wintermeyer is Vice President of the Sales and Marketing Division. Both Vice Presidents have an extensive background in health care and a history with Blues plans. Linda Amburn came to BCBSNM from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) where she most recently was Director of the Quincy and Rockford Full Service Units, and her responsibilities included managing operations for Illinois BlueCard®, national and local large and small group business, and Direct Market business. BCBSIL is owned by Health Care Service Corporation, which acquired BCBSNM in July 2001, at which time she assumed responsibility for some elements of the New Mexico system. In her new role, Amburn is responsible for New Mexico claims and customer services, as well as consolidated BlueCard claims processing and Direct Market claims processing for Illinois, Texas, and New Mexico. She is a graduate of Illinois State University and has more than 15 years of experience with Blues plans. Dorane Wintermeyer most recently served as Western Regional Vice President for Cannon Cochran Management Services, Inc., formerly known in New Mexico as Occupational Health Care Management Services. She has over 20 years of experience in the health care industry, including three years as BCBSNM Sales Manager for Major Accounts. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, she holds a B.S. in Physical Therapy, a B.S. with Distinction in Business, and holds New Mexico insurance licenses for Property and Casualty, as well as Health and Life. “Both Linda and Dorane are well-known and respected in the community for their professionalism and their knowledge of the health care industry, and we are delighted they are joining our team,” said BCBSNM President Liz Watrin. “I believe the experience, leadership abilities, energy, and enthusiasm both women are bringing to our company will contribute greatly to the growth of BCBSNM and to the leadership role BCBSNM will play in shaping the future of health care in New Mexico.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
(Albuquerque, New Mexico) — December 9, 2003 – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) announced today that beginning January 1, 2004, members of BCBSNM’s HMO New Mexico plan will no longer have to obtain a referral from their Primary Care Provider (PCP) before seeking covered services from an HMONM-participating provider. This will apply to all HMO Blue and HMO Blue Options Plans and to both insured and alternately funded groups, including the New Mexico Health Insurance Alliance. What this means for HMO members is that the member will be able to self-refer to an in-network specialist. Referrals have long been an unpopular aspect of managed care. However, members who self-refer will need to take greater care to ensure that the facility or specialist is an HMONM-participating provider. Services by an out-of-network provider will not be covered at the in-network level except 1) in an emergency, or 2) with a PCP referral and prior authorization. Although the PCP referral will no longer be required for covered services from another HMONM participating provider, BCBSNM strongly encourages members to continue to consult with their PCP if possible. A PCP is most familiar with a person’s medical history and may be able to suggest the most appropriate course of treatment or a particular specialist. Moreover, while the member can now call HMONM for a prior authorization, a PCP is most familiar with the kinds of services requiring prior authorization and the medical information needed by HMONM. BCBSNM expects to see improved satisfaction for providers and members, as well as more streamlined claims processing. “Referrals as part of the managed-care process served their purpose in originally helping manage health care costs,” said Dr. Lawrence Wilson, BCBSNM Medical Director. “However, today’s health care consumer is much more savvy, and so few referrals are declined, that it makes sense now to do away them. Eliminating the need for referrals also contributes to BCBSNM’s push to cut administrative costs for members.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
The 100 new positions will handle claims and customer service for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) individual insurance products business for HCSC. Currently, nearly 250 BlueCard® claims processing staff serving all three states work at the Full Service Unit (FSU) on Alexander Road. The additional positions will include 30 customer service representatives, 50 claims processors and claims examiners, and 20 professional support positions. Because HCSC has experienced tremendous growth in 2004, the jobs coming to Albuquerque do not represent a loss to the community of Quincy, IL. However, Albuquerque was identified as the best site for the Texas individual insurance business because it has a ready-qualified workforce and very competitive labor costs. “BCBSNM and HCSC are strongly committed to the economic development of our state,” said BCBSNM President Liz Watrin. “HCSC’s investment in New Mexico, demonstrated by the on-going expansion of our employee base, is a testimonial to the high caliber of employees here, and their commitment to excellence in customer service.” The BCBSTX Direct Markets business is comprised of several individual insurance products sold in Texas and represents nearly 250,000 contracts. BCBSNM has begun recruiting for the new positions, which will continue into the first of half of next year. Industry experience is preferred, particularly for the customer service representative and claim examiner positions; however, training is provided by BCBSNM for individuals with a positive, dynamic attitude, a willingness to learn, and an ability to work in a team-oriented environment. BCBSNM offers a competitive salary and extensive benefits, and is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V) committed to Affirmative Action and Diversity in the workplace. Gary Tonjes, President of Albuquerque Economic Development and a key participant in helping BCBSNM open the new FSU last August, is pleased to see that HCSC is honoring its pledge to bring jobs to New Mexico. “Blue Cross is expanding at an exciting pace while creating attractive jobs for our citizens. The company has long valued the quality of Albuquerque's workforce and its own employees. These are among the reasons Blue Cross is known to be one of the area's top employers,” he said. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. (Albuquerque, New Mexico) — December 1, 2003 — In an environment where health care costs – driven by increases in hospital expenditures, prescription drugs, and medical technology – are spiraling upward at a fast pace, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is pleased to announce that the company will incorporate a 5% rate reduction into insurance proposals in the Albuquerque area. The rate reduction reflects a decrease in the Albuquerque area factor for determining rates and is BCBSNM’s fourth decrease in the 2-50 market over the last two years. This means renewing groups can expect to see a lower increase in their rates. Rates are influenced by a number of factors, including claims experience and demographics, however this 5% reduction should benefit almost all renewing groups to some degree. Since renewal packages have already been sent to groups renewing on 1/1/2004 and 2/1/2004, BCBSNM will send letters to all Albuquerque-based groups notifying them of their revised renewal rates. All proposals and renewal packages for groups effective 3/1/2004 and later will reflect this change. A number of factors have contributed to this rate change. “BCBSNM has focused over the past year on effectively managing health care and administrative costs, and our administrative and claims costs in relation to rates are better than expected,” says Kurt Shipley, BCBSNM Vice President. “Our goal is to continue to do our part to manage health care costs so we can continue to pass on these savings to our customers. The rising cost of health care is a major issue nationwide. We are doing all that we can as a not-for-profit health insurance provider to keep health care affordable for New Mexicans.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Aug. 28, 2003, Amarillo, Texas — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas today announced plans to build its newest customer service center in Amarillo. The company is purchasing a plot of land at the Point West Business Campus to prepare for the growth of its health plans and the expansion of its premier customer service capabilities. The newly constructed facility, the seventh such Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas service center in the state, will be designed to accommodate 550 employees. “As the only statewide not-for-profit health insurer in Texas, we have a long history of providing health care coverage for the residents of Amarillo and the surrounding Panhandle region, and we are excited that we will be establishing one of our key customer service centers here,” said Pat Hemingway Hall, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “We’re very grateful for the efforts of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation and other city leaders on our behalf, and when the time comes to open this center, we are confident that the strong work force in the Amarillo area will help us continue delivering the high level of service that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas customers have come to expect.” Once the decision is made to begin construction of the new facility, the company expects it to be completed within 14 months. If growth at the health insurer continues at its current pace, ground could be broken for the facility as early as the first quarter of 2004. According to a recent analysis by The Perryman Group, the center’s resulting annual impact on the Amarillo economy is expected to be $161.4 million in total expenditures, $93.7 million in gross product, $65.8 million in personal income, $26.3 million in retail sales and 1,563 jobs. “As a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas board of directors and head of one of the hospitals in its network of premier health care facilities, I am delighted this new center will be coming to Amarillo,” said John D. Hicks, president and CEO of Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System. “We are delighted to welcome Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas to Amarillo as our newest corporate citizen,” said Michael Bourn, president of the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. “It always is a pleasure to welcome a new corporate facility that will employ more than 500 area residents, but this announcement is a particular pleasure. Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the most recognizable name in the health care benefits field both in Texas and the nation. This decision by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is certain to bring considerable positive attention to the Amarillo area and our dynamic economy, whose growth and diversification is so strongly fueled by the quality of our citizens as employees.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is the only statewide not-for-profit health coverage provider in Texas, serving more than 3.4 million customers in all 254 counties. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
(QUINCY, ILLINOIS) – May 28, 2003 – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois announced today that Quincy Medical Group will join Blue Cross’ PPO network effective June 1. The addition of Quincy Medical Group, which is located at 1025 Maine Street in Quincy and has more than 80 physicians, further strengthens Blue Cross’ already extensive PPO network in the area. “We are thrilled that Quincy Medical Group has agreed to become a part of the Blue Cross PPO network,” said Rich Rappenecker, regional marketing manager for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. “We fully expect to build a strong, long-term relationship with Quincy Medical Group that benefits both parties, while at the same time meets the varied needs of our many members in the Quincy area.” “We are pleased to become preferred providers to serve the Blue Cross network,” said William P. Sullivan, CEO of Quincy Medical Group. “It is extremely important for Quincy Medical Group physicians to maintain long-term relationships with health plans to help support access to the quality services available in the Quincy area for our patients.” The addition of Quincy Medical Group will significantly increase the number of Quincy-area physicians in the Blue Cross PPO network. “This will provide our members in the area, including 400 Blue Cross employees who work in Quincy, with more options when it comes to making their health care decisions,” said Deb Simmons, a marketing executive for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Quincy Medical Group is one of the leading multi-specialty group practices in the United States, with more than 80 physicians in 23 medical and surgical specialties. The group was founded in 1937. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), is the oldest and largest health insurance company in Illinois. It began in 1936 as Hospital Service Corporation with the Blue Cross symbol officially adopted in 1939. Currently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois provides health insurance coverage for approximately 5.2 million people. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Albuquerque, NM, May 7, 2003 - Elizabeth (Liz) Watrin today was named president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. Watrin has 23 years of experience in Blues Plans, including significant roles at BCBSNM. Watrin succeeds Norm Becker, who left Blue Cross to head Lovelace Sandia Health System in Albuquerque. The appointment was announced by Raymond F. McCaskey, president and CEO of Health Care Service Corporation. HCSC operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, as well as Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois and Texas. "I could not be happier to announce Liz Watrin as the new head of the New Mexico Plan," McCaskey said. "She is perfectly positioned to build on the momentum the entire staff has generated during the past several years." Watrin began her career in the Blues system in 1980 at BCBSNM. Following a period of service with Regence Blue Shield of Washington, she returned to New Mexico and took on a series of management roles before assuming responsibility for all BCBSNM dedicated service units. Most recently, she has served as the Vice President, Member Services Division, where she managed 600 employees handling all services relating to customers, including claims, member enrollment, customer service, and large account marketing and service. "Norm Becker did an outstanding job of turning around the fortunes
of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico," McCaskey said. "Fortunately
for us, a key part of his success was building an extremely strong leadership
team within the Plan. As a result, I did not have to look far to find
a successor. In fact, the hardest part of this process was selecting among
the qualified candidates who were already in place." "I am honored to assume the leadership of such a quality organization," said Watrin. "We have a strong team of employees who are committed to excellence, and we intend to grow by serving our state with superior customer service, and by providing a diverse array of products to meet the health insurance needs of all New Mexicans." Watrin will report directly to McCaskey and will serve as an integral part of the HCSC corporate leadership team. |
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