2008 BCBSNC Annual Report: Walk the Talk: Leading North Carolina into a healthy state

Every day, we try to live out our belief that most North Carolinians can take basic and inexpensive steps to improve their health. Our 2008 annual report shows how we walked the talk.

Read more in our 2008 BCBSNC Annual Report.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Encourages Awareness, Prevention on Swine Flu

• Insurer making preparations in the event of flu epidemic
• Customers reminded to take preventive steps
• North Carolinians should be informed, not alarmed

Chapel Hill, N.C. - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is monitoring swine influenza (swine flu) concerns and assures customers it has plans in place to meet customer needs in the event of a public health emergency.

In 2006, BCBSNC created a pandemic subcommittee and prepared detailed plans for responding to the varying levels of intensity of a pandemic.

"Our primary concern is helping our customers stay informed and healthy, and our preparations will ensure that in the event of a pandemic, we will be able to provide the customer service our members want and need," said BCBSNC Chief Medical Officer Don Bradley, M.D. "A key part of our preparations include making sure our business remains financially solvent and that we are able to cover customers' medical expenses over an extended period of time during a pandemic. BCBSNC's financial reserves are there for just such an emergency."

While no cases of swine flu have been confirmed in North Carolina residents are urged to take the same preventive measures they take during any flu season, including:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since bacteria can live on surfaces you handle.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you become ill with flu symptoms, call your doctor for advice, and stay home from work, school or other public events.
• Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Manage your stress through exercise and plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Eat healthy, nutritious food.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu has not been shown to be transmitted to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

A variety of reliable resources are available to help answer questions about the Swine Flu:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• World Health Organization
  www.who.int/en/
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  www.pandemicflu.gov
• North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
  www.dhhs.state.nc.us/
• BCBSNC customers with the Health Line Blue benefit can talk to a nurse about possible symptoms. Customers should check their benefit book or online account to determine if they have this benefit and for the Health Line Blue telephone number.

"In previous emergencies, such as hurricanes and ice storms, BCBSNC demonstrated flexibility in order to assist our customers and our employees. We would bring that same kind of flexibility and customer focus to a pandemic," said Bradley.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. It can be transmitted from pigs to humans through contact with live pigs, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.

About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 76 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.

Stable, Reliable in Tough Times

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was born 75 years ago, in the midst of the Great Depression. We've been our state's health insurer of choice in good times and tough times.

And these are tough economic times. We all wonder when this crisis will end and how we'll be affected. Unfortunately, no one has the answers to those questions.

What we can tell you is that, as the state's largest health insurer, we work hard everyday to remain stable and reliable so that we can pay customers' claims during difficult times. We focus on a conservative investment strategy and good management practices. Our financial reserves equal about four months of claims and administrative expenses, a very important safety net for our customers.

During these stressful times, we encourage you to continue to take good care of your health and to stay active. We have plans and programs that can help you get the most out of your health care dollar, manage chronic conditions and make good lifestyle choices.

We invite you to check out these resources for protecting your health, reducing stress and managing your health care costs.

STICK IT TO THE FLU 2009

Our flu shot program

What's the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu? An annual flu shot. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina wants to help, which is why we're making flu shots available at no charge to eligible members.

Learn more about our Stick it to the Flu 2009 campaign.

State of Preventive Health 2008 Report

Healthy on the job

How is wellness viewed in the workplace? How do wellness programs impact employee loyalty? And more importantly, what's most effective for helping employees make changes that can mean a healthier and more productive life?

The State of Preventive Health 2008 Report presents research based on employee surveys that focus on attitudes and actions regarding workplace wellness programs.

Find out what employees are saying about wellness programs -- view the State of Preventive Health 2008 Report.

BCBSNC Is an Employer of Choice for Working Moms

Working Mother magazine today named Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) a 2007 Working Mother Best Company for Working Mothers. Leading a significant and ongoing culture shift, BCBSNC is using company-wide benefits and programs to ensure the retention and advancement of working mothers.

"Every year our winning companies raise the bar for what it means to be an employer of choice for working families," said Carol Evans, CEP and President, Working Mother Media. "Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina not only offers essential benefits like flextime and telecommuting—they go above and beyond with a range of best practices and policies to ease the difficulties for working parents and their families. Their supportive culture makes a huge difference to employees who want to be great moms and great workers."

Added Suzanne Riss, the editor in chief of Working Mother magazine, "As a working mother myself, I understand how absolutely essential it is for companies to find ways to nurture the personal and professional lives of employees. I commend Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for conceiving and effectively implementing programs and benefits that offer an inspiring paradigm for the rest of corporate America: it is possible to be both family-friendly and financially successful."

Here at BCBSNC, we realize the importance of work-life balance, and we have a strong commitment to our working parents—and to all of our employees. Want to know more about working at BCBSNC? Check out our Careers page.

Rate your doctor – Introducing Zagat Health Survey

We’ve teamed up with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Zagat Survey, the world’s most trusted source of recommendations by consumers, for consumers, to bring you a brand-new feature: the Zagat Health Survey. It’s an innovative way to provide feedback about your experiences with your doctor and read about others’ experiences as well.

Login or Register to rate your doctor and read reviews.