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What's New
Find out what's happening at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Get the latest news about how we're working to improve our customers' health, increase the quality of health care and hold down medical costs.
Partnership Supports Community Gardens in all 100 North Carolina CountiesChapel Hill, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) announced a partnership Tuesday with the North Carolina Recreation and Park Association (NCRPA) to launch Nourishing North Carolina, a statewide community garden program making local, healthy food more accessible to people across the state. This initiative supports BCBSNC's longstanding commitment to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians. "The long-term benefit of this effort will extend well beyond the growing season," said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. "By increasing access to healthy foods, we can all eat better, lower rates of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, and ultimately reduce the impact that unhealthy lifestyles have on our health care system." Nourishing North Carolina will provide resources to create or enhance existing community gardens in all 100 North Carolina counties by the close of 2013. The program is expected to ultimately provide North Carolina communities with 190,000 pounds of fresh produce, enhancing nutritional value to nearly 150,000 meals. "The obesity rate among our children in North Carolinais alarming. And, more than two-thirds of adults in North Carolina are overweight or obese," said Mack McLeod, NCRPA president. "Nourishing North Carolina gives us an opportunity to address unhealthy eating trends head on by getting healthy foods into our communities and into the hands of citizens. All North Carolinians should have access to a local source of healthy foods." Community gardens are increasing in popularity across the state and nation. In addition to providing access to fresh fruits and vegetables, community gardens help strengthen community relationships and promote physical activity and education through garden maintenance and neighborhood workdays. Among other benefits, community gardens create protected green space. The Nourishing NC program accepted applications beginning in April through parks and recreation departments, health departments, cooperative extensions and master gardeners across the state. Applications were reviewed by the program committee, comprised of master gardeners and representatives from organizations including the North Carolina Community Gardner Partners, NCRPA and BCBSNC. The following community gardens will participate in the 2011 program:
The application process for 2012 will open next spring, and applications will be made available on NCRPA’s website, www.ncrpa.net 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 77 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolinathrough 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 http://www.bcbsnc.com. About NCRPA: Founded in 1944, the North Carolina Recreation & Park Association (NCRPA) is a nonprofit education and advocacy organization, dedicated to the advancement of the park, recreation and leisure professions in our state. NCRPA empowers park and recreation professionals and citizen board members through educational opportunities that enhance their ability to change lives and impact communities on a daily basis for the citizens of North Carolina. For an overview of the programs and services offered by the organization, visit www.ncrpa.net BCBSNC Takes the Health Care Discussion OnlineNorth Carolina's Largest Insurer Asks North Carolina Residents to Join the Conversation, Share their Ideas and Concerns Have you ever wanted to share your ideas about health, wellness, insurance and the health care system? Now Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is asking North Carolinians to do just that. Blue Asks You NC is an online community designed for folks in our state to participate in a two-way conversation with the state’s largest health insurer. "North Carolinians have strong opinions about their personal health care and coverage," said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. "This new online community should spark a two-way conversation about these topics and others on their minds. We plan to use Blue Asks You NC to listen and respond, and then use what we learn to become a better company and improve the health care system in our state." The new website is a first for BCBSNC. It gives not only BCBSNC customers but all North Carolinians the opportunity to voice their opinions geared to questions featured on the site. When visitors access the site, they are asked to register so they can answer questions and comment on them. The site is populated with timely health care questions including:
"This online conversation is a first for BCBSNC, and we believe it's the first of its kind in North Carolina" said John Roos, chief sales and marketing officer. "We know conversations are happening online and we want to be a part of the dialogue. Listening and interacting with our customers and all the people in this state will help us gain insights, improve and respond to feedback." BCBSNC encourages participants to share their opinions through Facebook and Twitter. Participants who answer questions, comment and share frequently increase their chances of winning prizes. Participants are eligible to win sporting event tickets and gift cards for several North Carolina companies, including outdoor sports retailer REI. Visit Blue Asks You NC to learn more and join the health care discussion. To learn more about the site, view a short video or listen to two quick interviews with John Ross on the right side of this page under related video. You may also view and download screenshots from the column on the right. BCBSNC, UNC Health Care Announce Partnership to Launch Novel Patient-Centered PracticeThe first-of-its-kind medical practice in North Carolina aims to improve health, increase satisfaction, and reduce health care costs for patients The state's leading health insurer and the state’s health care system will collaborate to develop a completely new type of medical practice in which patients – not just their symptoms – are the focus of care. This advanced medical practice will extend beyond what is currently called the 'medical home' and will enable teams of health care providers to work collaboratively with patients and families in delivering high quality, coordinated care. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and UNC Health Care expect the new practice, which will likely be located in Orange or Durham county, to open in the fourth quarter of 2011. This venture would be the first product of what BCBSNC and UNC Health Care expect will be an ongoing collaboration in which they work together to enhance health care quality, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and reduce healthcare costs. "The team approach to care emphasizes patient involvement and allows more time for clinical interaction and patient education and support," said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. "We believe this approach will result in improved health and fewer complications – both of which will help control rising health care costs." "We’re in an era of change in health care, so let's work together to make positive change," said Dr. William L. Roper, CEO of UNC Health Care. "This innovative approach with education, patient support and self-management is one important step toward making health care less mysterious and more effective." The practice will care for 5,000 BCBSNC members focusing on patients with chronic conditions, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, obstructive lung disease, major depression, and asthma. The new practice will provide continuity by coordinating care across a variety of settings and provider types. The practice is designed to enable more effective patient-provider interactions, which should result in better patient satisfaction and improved health. Additionally, this practice will provide an expanded set of services and greatly enhanced access to these services including:
New Tax Calculator helps North Carolina Small Businesses Identify Tax SavingsBlue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) recently launched a new small business tax calculator to assist small businesses identify the tax credits they are eligible for under health care reform legislation. Small business owners can use the tax calculator at bcbsnc.com/taxsavings to determine their estimated tax credit for 2010-2013, and for 2014 when the rate increases to 50 percent (35 percent for tax-exempt businesses). "We believe there are real benefits to small businesses through these tax credits," said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. Wilson. "Under the current health care reform law, small businesses may qualify for a tax credit of up to 35 percent to help pay for health insurance. I hope all North Carolina small businesses will take advantage of these resources to ensure they receive the maximum benefits from this law." BCBSNC's new small business tax calculator asks employers five easy questions, such as the total number of full-time employees and total annual hours worked by part-time staff. Once the questions are answered, the calculator will show small businesses their estimated tax credit. Other materials, such as a frequently asked questions and spotlight articles provide detailed information about the tax credits and how small businesses are impacted by health care reform. "I think it is great that BCBSNC is offering tools and communicating to small employers about the health reform changes," said Missy Vatinet, co-owner of La Farm Bakery, a popular French-inspired bakery in Cary, N.C. "This new health care tax credit will help small businesses offer quality coverage for their employees." "Small businesses are heavily impacted by health care reform," added Wilson. "We understand that navigating the new law can bring confusion and uncertainty. Our goal is to provide tools like the small business tax calculator and other educational materials to help these groups understand the benefits available." The Congressional Budget Office projects that $40 billion in small business tax credits will be provided over the next 10 years. Once health care reform is fully implemented in 2014, the program is expected to provide $3 to 4 billion each year in credits. Visit NC Health Reform for current health care reform information and specifics about how small businesses are impacted. CMS Gives BCBSNC Medicare Advantage Plans Highest Overall Rating in North Carolina
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have awarded BCBSNC's Medicare Advantage plans 4.5 out of a possible 5 stars. This is the highest overall rating of all Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina. The CMS star rating system considers 53 quality measures, such as success in providing preventive services, managing chronic illness and minimizing consumer complaints. All ratings can be found on Medicare's Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov. BCBSNC's Medicare Advantage plans are available in 75 North Carolina counties. "The 5-star rating system eliminates much of the confusion consumers often feel when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan by allowing them to see at a glance how plans compare," said BCBSNC SVP and Chief Operations Officer Ian Gordon. "Our score shows that when it comes to overall quality, we outperform other plans offered in North Carolina." CMS derives each plan's score from four sources: CMS data on plan quality and customer satisfaction; the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®), the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) and Health Outcomes Survey (HOS). BCBSNC's Medicare Advantage offerings include Blue Medicare HMO and Blue Medicare PPO. The 4.5 star rating does not apply to BCBSNC's Medicare Supplement product (which is not rated by CMS) or its Medicare Part D product (which earned a separate CMS rating of 4.5 stars.) BCBSNC Foundation Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary by Investing in 10 Organizations Proven to Deliver Results in Their CommunitiesThe Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation marked its 10th anniversary by investing $1 million in 10 nonprofit organizations across North Carolina. Each organization will receive $100,000 to continue efforts that positively impact the health of individuals and communities across the state. "After 10 successful years, we reflect on the partnerships and relationships that are making strides in access to care, healthy eating, physical activity and enabling nonprofits to do their good work throughout North Carolina," said Kathy Higgins, president of the BCBSNC Foundation. "Our continued investment in the 10 anniversary grantees represents our commitment to partner with organizations that are demonstrating real impact and that share in our mission – to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians." The BCBSNC Foundation is using the 10-year milestone to emphasize its continued commitment to supporting organizations and programs that have a track record of improving the health and well-being of North Carolinians. The BCBSNC Foundation is “reinvesting” in 10 partner organizations that are a testament to programs having a tangible impact on the health of North Carolinians across the state. "We want to see improved health, and we’ve been able to identify and support organizations that demonstrate great abilities to build and execute programs positively impacting the health of their local communities," said Brad Wilson, chairman of the BCBSNC Foundation. "The 10 grantees recognized today are shining examples of organizations living out our mission and that embody our decade-long commitment to our home state." The 10 nonprofit organizations receiving 10th anniversary grants include:
"The people we work with every day are hungry, and for the past 21 years we have evolved from a place they turn for food, to a place they turn for the nutrition they need," said Jill Staton Bullard, co-founder and president of the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (IFFS) and one of the 10 grantees. "The BCBSNC Foundation's support allows us to further our impact, to continue our work in food rescue, to provide nutritious fruits and vegetables, and to establish community gardens in local neighborhoods. Without their support, we could not do what we do today. We are honored to be recognized as part of this select group." Since November 2000, the BCBSNC Foundation has invested more than $67 million into communities across the state through more than 440 grants. Its impact has been felt throughout North Carolina. Highlights include:
BCBSNC Unveils New Product with Low Premiums and, Streamlined Benefits
North Carolina consumers looking for a lower-cost health plan now have new options to consider from the state's leading health insurer. Blue Advantage SaverSM offers consumers low premiums and the peace of mind of knowing they are covered in the event of a catastrophic health event. "Many consumers have told us they want a plan that offers a low premium, gives them some ongoing value and protects them financially from an unexpected health event," explained BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. "Blue Advantage Saver is a bridge between the rich benefits of our traditional PPO plan, Blue Advantage®, and the customer accountability of Blue Options HSASM." Blue Advantage Saver offers three plan designs – all covering preventive care at 100 percent with no cost sharing. Consumers can purchase Blue Advantage Saver now for coverage effective January 1, 2011. While all three Blue Advantage Saver plans protect customers from unexpected medical expenses, the customer's share of the cost varies by plan. For example, consider the customer’s out-of-pocket amount for non-preventive visits to a health care provider, which are covered under all three plan designs: Blue Advantage Saver 1 – Customers can make unlimited non-preventive visits to a primary care physician, each with a $25 copayment. Blue Advantage Saver 2– Customers can make up to four non-preventive visits per year to a primary care physician, each with a $25 copayment (additional visits would be subject to deductible and coinsurance). Blue Advantage Saver 3 – No limit on non-preventive visits, but each visit is subject to deductible and coinsurance. ER visits, urgent care visits and visits to a specialist are subject to deductible and coinsurance on all Blue Advantage Saver plans. Blue Advantage Saver plans 2 and 3 offer $10 generic drugs, but no coverage for brand-name drugs. Blue Advantage Saver 1 offers coverage for brand-name drugs, subject to deductible and copayments or coinsurance. "For about what many consumers spend on their monthly cell phone bill, they can get great health care coverage from one of America's most trusted brands," said BCBSNC Chief Sales and Marketing Officer John Roos. "Even though customers pay a greater portion of their own costs with Blue Advantage Saver, when you add up the amount they save on their premium each month, most customers will come out ahead." Compared to Blue Advantage Plan B, BCBSNC's most popular individual plan, customers who purchase Blue Advantage Saver 2 could save about 30 – 38 percent on their monthly premium. Blue Advantage Saver 1 could save customers about 13 – 19 percent. Deductibles for Blue Advantage Saver plans range from $1,000 to $20,000. For example, a Wake County male age 35 to 39 can get Blue Advantage Saver 2 with no lifetime coverage limit and a $5,000 deductible for around $75 per month. This plan covers preventive services at 100 percent, offers $10 generic drugs and allows four non-preventive primary care visits per year, each for a $25 copayment. Subsequent non-preventive primary care visits are subject to deductible and coinsurance. Consumers can get a free rate quote for the Blue Advantage Saver plan that best meets their health plan needs by visiting www.bcbsnc.com. |
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