Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, Moses Cone Health System Announce Multi-Year Agreement

GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 16, 2007) – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) and Moses Cone Health System announced today that they have entered into a multi-year agreement. The agreement means that Moses Cone Health System will continue to serve as an in-network hospital for BCBSNC members. The new contract allows BCBSNC to continue to offer competitive rates to members while creating incentives for the delivery of quality care.

"This agreement continues access for our Triad members to all local hospitals while keeping rates as low as possible," said Bob Greczyn, BCBSNC president and CEO. "We look forward to a long and productive partnership with Moses Cone Health System as we work together to improve the quality and accessibility of health care to our members."

"We are pleased that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting quality health care in our community," said Tim Rice, president and CEO, Moses Cone Health System. "Our new contract helps us to continue investing in the technology and personnel we need to keep excellent healthcare close to home."

With its continuing relationship with Moses Cone Health System, BCBSNC's networks include every hospital in the Triad and almost all in the state of North Carolina. As the state's largest health insurer, BCBSNC has members in all of North Carolina's 100 counties.

As the largest healthcare provider in Guilford County, Moses Cone Health System treated 158,999 patients in its emergency departments in 2006. Also in 2006, Moses Cone Health System delivered 6,222 babies and handled more than 320,000 outpatient visits.

About Moses Cone Health System:
Moses Cone Health System is a five-hospital system serving the people of Guilford, Rockingham, Randolph, Alamance and Forsyth counties. 7,400 health professionals provide convenient, affordable and compassionate care - care delivered regardless of a patient's ability to pay.

Moses Cone Health System includes The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital, Wesley Long Community Hospital, The Women's Hospital of Greensboro, Annie Penn Hospital, The Behavioral Health Center, the Health Services Division and outpatient services to improve the health and well being of patients and the region.

About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative healthcare products, services and information to more than 3.5 million members, including approximately 815,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 74 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. Working Mother Magazine lists Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina as one of the top 100 companies in the nation.

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

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