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2008 Press Releases

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Helps Announce Progress on Health and Wellness Initiatives

Chicago, IL — In March 2008, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois announced its new mission, "to promote the health and wellness of our members and our communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care." At that time, based on the new mission, the company unveiled several internal and external health and wellness initiatives for customers, employees, and communities throughout Illinois.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Presenting Sponsor of Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival

The Mayor's Office of Special Events and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois are presenting Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival from Dec. 27 to 29 at McCormick Place. The festival gives Chicago area kids and their parents access to a host of fun physical activities during the break in a safe and warm environment.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Sponsors "Marathon Kids" Program for Chicago Public School Students

Chicago, IL — Running a marathon is a big commitment, and this year roughly 5,000 Chicago Public School (CPS) kids from 14 different elementary schools will participate for the first time in an innovative running/walking program to show that they’re up to the 26.2 mile challenge.

Health Care Service Corporation Named "The Best Place in the Country to Work for Blacks in Technology"

Chicago, IL — Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) was recently named the best place in the country to work for blacks in technology by National Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) and WorkplaceDiversity.com.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Announces its Intent Not to Pay for Additional Costs Resulting From "Never Events"

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) announced today its intent not to pay for costs resulting from hospital-based preventable medical errors known as "serious hospital acquired conditions" and "never events" (errors in patient care that can and should be prevented). BCBSIL said it will work with hospitals in its networks to put this new approach into operation and ensure that members are held harmless financially when these events occur. In addition, BCBSIL reiterated its longstanding commitment to collaborating with contracted network providers to prevent medical errors before they occur.

Innovative Diabetes Program in McLean County a Success

Bloomington-Normal, IL — Diabetes Checks & Balances, a unique program launched locally to help people manage the disease, helped decrease emergency room visits and hospital admissions among participants.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Gives $960,000 in Charitable Donations

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) recently gave $960,000 in grants to 83 501(c)3 organizations in Illinois. In line with its mission, "to promote the health and wellness of our members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care," BCBSIL's giving focused mostly on community-based organizations that provide hands-on health services to the uninsured. BCBSIL also funded programs that provide human services and education to underserved communities in the state, as well as arts organizations. This was the first of two grant cycles that BCBSIL holds annually.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Sign 5-Year Contract

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and Evanston Northwestern Healthcare (ENH) announced today they signed a five-year contract effective July 1, 2008. The contract, which applies to all ENH facilities, continues all existing services for BCBSIL members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Donates $25,000 to American Red Cross for Flood Disaster Recovery

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) today donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross for disaster recovery services in areas affected by the current floods, which include northern Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Advocate Health Care Agree to Extend Relationship Through 2010

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) and Advocate Health Care have reached an agreement that renews all of their contractual relationships through 2010. The newly signed contract will include all of the Advocate hospitals and expand to include Libertyville’s Condell Medical Center if its expected integration into Advocate Health Care is approved by federal and state agencies later this year.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Names New Divisional Senior Vice President

Chicago, IL — Dieter A. Freer has been named divisional senior vice president, Local and Consumer Markets, for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). In his new role, Freer will oversee small, mid-market, and hospital group sales and renewals in markets throughout Illinois, as well as manage HMO Illinois. Freer also will manage technology-based and other sales and account management tools for BCBSIL's independent brokers, and oversee training of the company's sales force. In addition, Freer will lead BCBSIL's individual market sales, and oversee BCBSIL's extensive Service in the Neighborhood program, which provides consumers unbiased information about health insurance options and issues via seminars and workshops for community organizations throughout the state.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Names New Chief Medical Officer

Chicago, IL — H. Scott Sarran, M.D., has been named vice president and chief medical officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). A seasoned physician executive with expertise in group practice leadership and all aspects of managed care, Sarran will be responsible for overall medical leadership; setting strategy for medical management, utilization, and case and disease management functions; and overseeing the development and application of medical policy.

Health Insurance a Key Component in Financial Planning

Many people think they understand how health care expenses will impact them but often grossly underestimate their future health care costs. Many also believe they will be able to rely on coverage from Medicare and their employers during their golden years. However, this may not be the case, as the number of businesses offering retiree health benefits is steadily declining and the financial pressure on Medicare seems to be increasing.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Evolves Its Role, Commits to Health and Wellness of Members and Communities

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) today announced a new mission reflecting cultural changes spanning all aspects of the company's business and corporate citizenship. The new mission statement, "to promote the health and wellness of our members and our communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care," reflects the company's focus on health and wellness both internally and externally.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Announces Wellness Tools and Resources

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) today announced new integrated tools and resources designed to promote members' health, wellness, and productivity.

Health Care Service Corporation Receives National Recognition For Employee Wellness Efforts

Chicago, IL — The Wellness Councils of America (WELCOA) recently awarded Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) a 2007 Gold-level "Well Workplace Award." The recognition honors HCSC for the implementation of successful wellness programs at its Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Health Care Service Corporation Receives National Recognition For Employee Wellness Efforts

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Announces 2007 Charitable Donations

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) provided nearly $3.5 million in funding to roughly 350 501(c)3 organizations in Illinois in 2007. In line with its new mission, "to promote the health and wellness of our members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care," BCBSIL's giving focused mostly on community-based organizations that provide hands-on health services to the uninsured. In addition, BCBSIL funded programs that provide human services and education programs to the underserved in communities throughout the state of Illinois, as well as several arts organizations.