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2005 Press Releases December 14, 2005 November 1, 2005 August 5, 2005 August 1, 2005 July 7, 2005 July 5, 2005 April 11, 2005 April 7, 2005 March 3, 2005 February 10, 2005 January 19, 2005
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Tapped by State Employees Retirement System to Provide Health Insurance Coverage (Richardson , Texas) --Jan. 19, 2005 -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas announced today that it has been selected to continue administering the HealthSelect program for the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Texas . Following a competitive bidding process, Blue Cross was awarded the three-year contract which covers more than 450,000 members and their dependents. "We are pleased that ERS has elected to continue the relationship that Blue Cross has established with the board and its members," says Pat Hemingway Hall, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. "We look forward to continuing to provide this valuable client with access to affordable, quality health care and top-notch service." Blue Cross will continue to offer ERS members access to a portfolio of medical care management solutions, a dedicated service unit consisting of approximately 500 employees, investments in state- of-the-art claims processing systems and broad access to affordable care. As the largest health plan in the state, Blue Cross' PPO/POS network consisting of over 38,000 physicians and other professional providers at over 400 hospitals, will continue to be available to State of Texas employees, retirees and their dependents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is the only statewide, non- investor owned health coverage provider in Texas , serving more than 3.5 million members 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. Contact: Margaret Jarvis of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas , 972- 766-7165 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico Announces Building Plans (Albuquerque, New Mexico) --February 10, 2005 -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico announced today that it is in the process of purchasing land for a new building to be located on north 1-25 and has signed a letter of intent with a buyer for the building and property at 12800 Indian School Road, NE. The new building will be strategically located off of I-25 and near Balloon Fiesta Parkway , which is considered the "Gateway to Albuquerque ." BCBSNM' s investment will be approximately $28 million for the land purchase and set-up costs. The building capacity will be approximately 100,000 square feet on 11 acres and will house up to 500 employees, which includes space for future growth. Ground breaking is currently planned for the fall of 2005 with a targeted occupancy beginning December 2006. A local construction manager has been selected for the project. " This move will provide us with flexibility and help reduce operating expenses," said BCBSNM President Liz Watrin. " We expect the annual cost savings to be approximately $1.73 million. In addition, it provides a more secure, enhanced and more efficient employee work environment." BCBSNM has been providing comprehensive health care coverage for New Mexicans for 65 years. " Other health plans have come and gone, but BCBSNM has deep roots and is here to stay," said Watrin. " This building is more than a necessary business investment; it is a symbol of our commitment to being a dynamic partner in addressing the health care needs of New Mexicans. In 2001, as a result of becoming part of Health Care Service Corporation, BCBSNM brought jobs to New Mexico and expanded with the addition of the customer service and claims processing center located at 4373 Alexander Blvd. NE. Careful analysis revealed that the best strategy for maximizing efficiency, cutting administrative costs, and maintaining excellent customer service was to consolidate the two remaining offices into one new building The Indian School property, commonly known as the Burrell building, was originally built in 1967 on the far reaches of the city at Tramway and Indian School Road . Today the five acres are surrounded by residential dwellings. The building was initially four floors with three more floors added in 1970. In 1983 a warehouse was added and in 1986 the structure known as the Service Center was built. However, company expansion over the years required that several functions be moved to off-site locations, currently, 2400 Wellesley Drive NE near Carlisle and I-40. When construction is completed, BCBSNM will serve New Mexicans from two state of the art facilities. In addition to the new building on Balloon Fiesta Parkway , the Alexander road building will continue to focus on providing high quality customer service and claims processing services. 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. Contact: Lydia Ashanin, Public Affairs Manager, at 505-816-4292. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Introduces Innovative Medical Management Program (Chicago) - March 3, 2005 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, in response to the demand of consumerism and continued increases in health care costs, has developed an innovative medical care management program that gives all members the tools and resources needed to help them take charge of their health, while at the same time targeting the small segment of the population that generates the greatest portion of medical expenses. "Studies have shown that 20 percent of the workforce generates 80 percent of a company' s health care costs," said Gail Boudreaux, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. " This program is a way to help employers target this source of rising health care costs, while also helping all employees be healthier and more productive in their daily lives and at work." Through Blue Care Connection, all members can access a Personal Health Manager, an interactive resource of Web tools and information to help them learn more about health conditions and ultimately make more informed health care decisions. As part of Personal Health Manager, members can take a health risk assessment and set up a personal health record that can be shared with designated physicians, family members and others. Members can also access online health materials and receive targeted wellness information and reminders for a doctor' s appointment, for example,via secured messaging. Blue Care Connection also offers a more comprehensive package for employers and their employees, called Blue Care Advisor, which has all the resources and benefits of the Personal Health Manager, as well as several additional online interactive features. For example, through Blue Care Advisor, members can ask registered nurses, known as Care Advisors, health-related questions online through Ask A Nurse or they can get exercise guidance through the online Ask a Trainer feature. And the Healthy Expectations program, also part of Blue Care Advisor, will guide members through pregnancy and postpartum care with educational materials and support, including access to a 24-hour, toll-free BabyLine staffed by maternity nurses and an online health information library. " We realize employers have different needs based on their workforce," said Dr. Stan Borg, chief medical officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. " So we' re offering them a suite of medical management programs to fit a variety of situations." Blue Care Connection provides health care management to all members, but it targets cost management efforts on the small percentage of the population that generates the greatest portion of health care costs, educating those members with chronic conditions on what steps they need to take to help keep themselves healthy by better managing their condition. Using predictive modeling and analyzing group-specific utilization, members at risk are identified and then engaged in wellness initiatives, health counseling, care management and case/disease management. " We identify potential member-specific gaps in care, and then help close those gaps," said Dr. Borg. " With the predictive modeling tool and proactive outreach, we have the ability to increase participation in our Care Coordination programs. Chronically ill members will receive the extra resources, intervention and attention they need to help improve their health status and quality of life." Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), is the largest and most experienced 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 6.5 million people. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Contact: Tony Rau (312) 653-6701 Health Care Service Corporation Subsidiary Announces Intent to Participate in Part D Drug Benefit Program (Chicago) --April 7, 2005 -- HCSC Insurance Services Company (HISC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) -- which operates as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico -- has informed the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the company intends to participate in the Part D drug benefit program in all three states. HISC filed an application with CMS on March 23, 2005 , to become a Part D sponsor in 2006. Qualified applicants are required to submit plan bids by June 6, 2005 . CMS-approved plans will take effect January 1, 2006 . "This new program represents a significant change in the Medicare program by providing much-needed assistance to seniors who need help securing affordable prescription medications," said Raymond F. McCaskey, president and CEO of HCSC. " Health Care Service Corporation is committed to improving the cost effectiveness and accessibility of quality health care for our customers, and we believe our participation in this program is consistent with our efforts in those areas." HISC has also filed applications with CMS to offer a local Medicare Advantage PPO in the Houston (four counties) and El Paso areas in Texas , and in all of New Mexico . Although approval of these applications is still pending, HISC met the March 23, 2005 application deadline that will allow the transition from a local Medicare Advantage Plan in 2005 in these areas to a Medicare Advantage Part D Plan in 2006. Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), founded in 1936, is a mutual legal reserve company that provides health insurance coverage to 9.8 million people through its divisions: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Texas and New Mexico . HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Contact: Tony Rau for HCSC (312)-653-6701Health Care Service Corporation Recognized as a Top Company for Diversity (Chicago) --April 11, 2005-- Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)-which operates the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, Texas and New Mexico-has been recognized by DiversityInc, as one of the Top 50 Companies for Diversity, placing 17 th in a national study. In addition, HCSC was named to two Top 10 lists by DiversityInc, being rated as the fourth best company for Latinos and the seventh best for African-Americans. "I'm so pleased that our many efforts to create a respectful and inclusive workplace have been recognized," said Ray McCaskey, president and CEO of Health Care Service Corporation. " This is confirmation that by developing and supporting a diverse workforce, HCSC can be fully responsive to the diversity of our customers and communities." The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list is derived exclusively from corporate survey submissions from 203 companies. In the study, companies answered 230 questions about CEO commitment, human capital, corporate communications and supplier diversity to benchmark their practices against organizations nationwide. DiversityInc is widely recognized for conducting the nation' s most in-depth study of diversity management, leadership and marketing. Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), founded in 1936, is a mutual legal reserve company that provides health insurance coverage to 9.8 million people through its Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans and life insurance products through Preferred Financial Group. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Contact: Tony Rau (312) 653-6701 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company Announces Upgrade to A.M. Best Rating (Chicago) – July 5, 2005 – Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company (FDL), a subsidiary of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, has been upgraded by A.M. Best Company to an “A+” (Superior) rating. This financial strength rating reflects Fort Dearborn Life’s strategic value to its parent company and recognizes the strength of Fort Dearborn Life’s established distribution relationships. Larry Newsom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fort Dearborn Life stated, “We are very proud of A.M. Best’s decision and believe that the rating upgrade will increase our leverage in the group ancillary insurance and individual annuity markets.” Newsom continues, “This rating action by A.M. Best reinforces our commitment to financial stability, operating efficiencies and our overall growth strategy for all product lines. We look forward to the effect this announcement will have in strengthening our relationships with our customers and brokers.” With more than 35 years experience, Fort Dearborn Life is among the country's leading providers of group life insurance programs. Fort Dearborn Life markets group term life, short- and long-term disability, group dental and individual annuity programs. Fort Dearborn Life has more than $1.5 billion in assets and $123 billion in life insurance in-force. For more information, please visit Fort Dearborn Life Web site. Contact: Scott Morgan, Finance and Risk Manager, (630) 824-6103 IDG's Computerworld Names Health Care Service Corporation To Annual List of Best Places to Work in Information Technology (CHICAGO) - July 7, 2005 - Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC)-which operates the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, Texas and New Mexico-has been selected by IDG's Computerworld as one of the top 100 workplaces for information technology (IT) professionals, placing 21st in a national survey. In addition, HCSC was rated as the sixth best company on Computerworld's list of Best Places for IT Career Development. Since 1994, Computerworld's annual "Best Places to Work in IT" feature has ranked the top 100 work environments for technology professionals, based on a comprehensive questionnaire regarding company offerings in categories such as benefits, diversity, career development, training and retention. In addition, this year Computerworld surveyed more than 20,435 IT workers for the list, and their responses factored heavily in determining the rankings. "I'm pleased that our extensive efforts to invest in our employees and create a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace have been recognized," said Patrick Moroney, senior vice president and chief information officer for Health Care Service Corporation. "We fundamentally believe that a well trained, well treated, high performing, energized team of IT folks is what helps HCSC to be fully responsive to the needs of our customers and the survey results affirms our progress." "This year's Best Places to Work rankings represent companies across the industry that recognize how a strong commitment to and investment in employees is synonymous with creating a great IT work environment," said Don Tennant, editor in chief of Computerworld. "Once again, we found that IT professionals are looking for rewarding and challenging projects, access to leading-edge technologies, career growth and development and a comfortable work/life balance. Our Best Places companies not only offer these benefits, but do so in a manner that goes well-above industry norms." To view the complete list, please visit Best Places to Work in IT. Computerworld is a business unit of International Data Group (IDG). A privately held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers, including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World and PC World. Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), founded in 1936, is a mutual legal reserve company that provides health insurance coverage to 9.9 million people through its Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans and life insurance products through Preferred Financial Group. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Contact: Tony Rau, Health Care Service Corporation , (312) 653-6701 Blue Medicare PPO to be Available in Four Houston-Area and El Paso Counties (RICHARDSON, Texas) - July 7, 2005 - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas today announced approval has been granted to offer Blue Medicare PPO in four Houston-area counties (Harris, Montgomery, Jefferson, Mainland Galveston) and in El Paso County, effective Aug. 1, 2005. Blue Medicare PPO will be offered by HCSC Insurance Services Company (HISC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC). Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of HCSC. "This is a tremendous opportunity to offer seniors a new, individual insurance product which includes greater flexibility and greater choice," says Jackie Hamilton, vice president, Government Business, HISC. "Blue Medicare PPO, a Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization, will have features such as enhanced Medicare- approved benefits, office visit co- payments, limited drug coverage and preventive care - for a cost of $83 per month for all ages and service areas." Medicare Advantage plans are one of the many changes resulting from the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. In addition to broader health coverage choices, Medicare Advantage plans will offer Medicare beneficiaries more benefits and greater savings than original Medicare plans. These plans are of particular interest to both the current Medicare population and the baby boomer generation, whose explosion into the senior/Medicare ranks is much-anticipated. HISC received approval of its application to offer a local Medicare Advantage plan from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) late last week. In addition, HISC filed an application with CMS in March 2005, for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. CMS expects to announce approved Part D plans later this summer for benefits beginning in January 2006. Under Medicare Advantage PPO plans such as Blue Medicare PPO, enrollees can obtain eligible services from non-network doctors, specialists, or hospitals without referral. However, out-of- pocket costs may be higher than the cost of eligible services received from network providers. Blue Medicare PPO also limits the maximum amount that seniors pay for care (out-of-pocket maximum) for both in- network and out-of-network services. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, which is an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. HISC is a wholly owned subsidiary of HCSC. HISC is also an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Contact: Margaret Jarvis of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, 972-766-7165 Fort Dearborn Life Insurance
Company Named SBAM’s Exclusive Provider of Ancillary Group Benefits “We are very proud and excited about this new relationship with SBAM,” said Brad Gary, vice president and chief marketing officer of Fort Dearborn Life. “We look forward to the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with all SBAM members and offer an enhanced line of ancillary benefits designed to meet the needs of each small business owner and their employees.” With more than 35 years of experience, Fort Dearborn Life is among the
country's leading providers of group life insurance programs. Fort Dearborn
Life markets group term life, short- and long-term disability, group dental
and individual annuity programs. Fort Dearborn Life has Founded in 1967, the Small Business Association of Michigan is a statewide trade association organized exclusively to address the concerns of small business in the state of Michigan. SBAM provides leadership in the promotion of free enterprise and other common interests of small businesses. SBAM's primary mission is to assist its members in eliminating the barriers to their success by offering legislative, governmental, economic and educational support to its members. Contact: John Burke, Director, Group Benefits Marketing,
(630) 824-6121. Operation
Back To School Collects 73,817 Supplies For New Mexico Elementary School
Students Operation Back To School began on a small scale in 1990 as a project to support the New Mexico Public Schools Insurance Authority, a BCBSNM insured group. Each year, donations are given to different districts around New Mexico. Each succeeding year the campaign has grown larger, and in 1999, schools in Albuquerque were added to the list of recipients. This year Santa Fe, Los Lunas, Hobbs, and Farmington school districts will be the statewide recipients, while La Mesa Elementary, Duranes Elementary, and East San Jose Elementary will be the primary Albuquerque recipients. BCBSNM will also donate supplies to itsJoin-A-School partner, Chelwood Elementary. BCBSNM employees collect six items during the campaign: spiral notebooks, wide-ruled loose leaf paper, #2 pencils, safety scissors, crayons, and glue. BCBSNM departments compete with each other for an annual “Golden Apple Award.” The competition for this coveted award is fast and furious. This year, as well as purchasing supplies individually and soliciting donations, departments held fund-raising bake sales, silent auctions, mid-afternoon ice cream float sales, and Frito pie lunches. After raising as much money as possible, departments send their savviest shoppers out to negotiate good prices with local stores. Wal-Mart on Academy really came to the table, in particular Manager Warren Webb and also Tabitha Parada, according to BCBSNM Community Relations Coordinator Cyndi Baldonado. “We appreciate all the stores that worked with our Blue ACE volunteers this year. Because of the support in the form of prices breaks for OBTS from Wal-Mart, Target, and others, we are able to help so many more children this year.” "The passion of our employees for helping children in New Mexico is what makes Operation Back To School so successful,” says BCBSNM President Liz Watrin. “I am overwhelmed by the generosity and caring of the people who work for our company. As Margaret Mead said, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.’ We are committed to supporting education because it is a vital component for success in the global economy. As we become a minority/majority country, it is critical that our children, especially those who come from socially or fiscally impaired homes, get the proper tools at an early age." 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. Contact: Lydia Ashanin, Public Affairs Manager, at 505-816-4292,
or 505-301-1796. Health
Care Service Corporation completes merger with Oklahoma Blue Cross and
Blue Shield Contact: Nation’s Fourth Largest Health Insurer Revamps Executive Structure (CHICAGO) – December 14, 2005 – Health Care Service Corporation President and CEO Raymond F. McCaskey announced today a revised executive structure and four key executive appointments for the nation’s fourth largest health insurance company. Effective January 1, 2006, Gail K. Boudreaux, who is currently president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, will assume the newly created position of executive vice president, External Operations, and Patricia A. Hemingway Hall, who is currently president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, will take the new role of executive vice president, Internal Operations for Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC). Boudreaux will oversee each of the corporation’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans in Illinois, Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, as well as HCSC’s subsidiaries including Fort Dearborn Life, Colorado Bankers Life and Dental Network of America. Hemingway Hall will direct the corporation’s Finance, Subscriber Services, Enterprise Process Management, Information Technology, Actuarial and Treasury divisions. Boudreaux and Hemingway Hall will report directly to McCaskey. “Gail and Pat are gifted leaders who have achieved great success for our Illinois and Texas Divisions in very short time frames.” McCaskey said. “I’m confident that in their new positions they will achieve similar results throughout the company.” Paul S. Boulis, a 33-year veteran in the health care field will succeed Boudreaux as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois. Martin G. Foster, with 25 years experience in health insurance, will succeed Hemingway Hall as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. “Paul and Martin are among the most knowledgeable executives in our company,” said McCaskey. “In addition, they bring tremendous leadership skills to their new positions heading our largest divisions.” Liz Watrin continues as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico; Wyndham Kidd as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. McCaskey said the new executive structure will provide greater coordination of external and internal operations in light of the company’s tremendous growth in membership and the recent addition of Oklahoma as its fourth Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan. With a medical membership of more than 10.4 million people, HCSC is the nation’s largest non-investor owned health insurance company. HCSC has more than tripled its membership since 1998. Boudreaux joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois as president in 2002, and engineered unprecedented growth for the division. During the past three years, Boudreaux enhanced customer service, developed innovative and affordable health plans and improved the overall health care consumer experience. Before joining Blue Cross, Boudreaux served as senior vice president in charge of Aetna, Inc.’s Group Insurance business unit in Hartford, Connecticut. “We have incredibly dedicated presidents leading talented employees in all of our divisions, making my new job just that much easier,” said Boudreaux. “However, there are tremendous challenges facing our nation’s health care system and we will need all of that dedication and talent as we at HCSC work to meet those challenges.” Hemingway Hall joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas in 1993 before its 1998 merger with HCSC. She has more than 30 years of health care experience at companies such as Aetna/Partners Health Plans and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. During her five years as president of HCSC’s Texas Division, Hemingway Hall achieved a financial turnaround for the Plan and set new membership records. “As one of the largest health insurers, HCSC is involved in shaping the future of health care in our country,” said Hemingway Hall. “I’m pleased to have the opportunity to direct our company’s technology, customer service and financial resources to help accomplish that goal.” Health Care Service Corporation, founded in 1936, is a non-investor-owned mutual legal reserve company that provides health insurance coverage through its divisions: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. HCSC’s life insurance subsidiaries, Fort Dearborn Life Insurance Company in Illinois and Colorado Bankers Life Insurance Company in Colorado, operating as Preferred Financial Group, offer life insurance and financial products. HCSC maintains its headquarters in Chicago and has a Standard and Poor’s “A+” rating, a Moody's “A1” rating and a rating of “A+” from A.M. Best Co. HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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