Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) today announced it is stepping up efforts to help its members save money on prescription drugs. The state’s largest health insurer is extending its zero-copayment program for generic prescription drugs through the end of 2006.

"It’s no secret that the more you do something, the better you get at it. When it comes to heart surgery, there is ample evidence that institutions with experience deliver better outcomes," said Bob Greczyn, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. "As the state's largest health insurer, we want to give that information to our members to help them make prudent choices about where to receive non-emergency cardiac care."

The CSC Commons Building features a state-of-the-art Club BlueSM fitness center, an Employee Health Services center that includes an on-site nurse practitioner and staff of occupational health nurses, and a 4,000 square-foot "back-up" child care facility, provided to employees caught in an unexpected child care pinch.

Today, Fit Together named eight North Carolina cities and towns as a Fit Community, a new statewide designation at a ceremony held at Exploris Museum. The Fit Community designation recognizes North Carolina communities that have excelled in promoting healthier lifestyles among their residents.

It's not just insurance – it's "your plan for better health." That's the message that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is sending to its members today as it rolls out a new company tagline. The change reflects an evolution from a company that primarily pays claims to one who partners closely with consumers in efforts to improve their health.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) will reward and recognize physicians who meet national quality of care standards under a pilot program to be launched in conjunction with the North Carolina State Health Plan.

For 2005, the net income of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) continued to fall in proportion to company revenues. BCBSNC today reported that its 2005 net income represented 4.4 percent of revenue, or less than 5 cents for every dollar of revenue. This is a 4 percent decrease in net income ratio over 2004 and approximately a 30 percent decrease over 2003.

The state’s largest health insurer today announced it is joining forces with the state’s hospitals to help them reach their goal of becoming the safest in the nation over the next four years. The initiative seeks to reduce medical errors that result in costly complications and, in some cases, even death.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is once again waiving copayments on generic drugs, giving its members an opportunity for significant savings on prescription drug costs. The 2006 copayment waiver program begins Feb. 1 and will continue through July 31.

Laura Gorry, who began her career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) as a customer service representative 18 years ago, has been named the company's vice president of Sales and Marketing Operations.