“Every day BCBSNC’s 4,000 employees are focused on how our collective efforts as a company help improve North Carolina’s health care system,” said Brad Wilson, CEO and president of BCBSNC. “Receiving this high honor from Ethisphere excites all of us to push even harder for excellence and continue our work of doing the right thing for our customers and community.”

“Health care can be both expensive and confusing for consumers, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Michael Parkerson, vice president of marketing for BCBSNC. “By providing access to our most popular cost-saving tools and services via mobile devices, we are empowering BCBSNC customers and making it easier to make more informed decisions.”

“Overall, 2011 was a year of innovation and stable finances,” said President and CEO Brad Wilson. “BCBSNC invested in pilot programs and collaborations focused on improving the quality of health care for our customers, bringing electronic medical records to providers and other initiatives that will create cost savings in key areas of business such as claims processing, billing and bringing new products to the marketplace.”

“Alan has a keen understanding of our business and a strong record of making the most of technology to serve our customers and transform our company,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC President and Chief Executive Officer. “He is the ideal person to make sure that our people, our processes and technological resources are focused on meeting our customers’ needs – now and in the future.”

“These conversations matter. We heard from our customers and the Let’s Talk Cost community that they want to know up front how much a procedure or office visit costs, and now that information is available.” added Wilson. “We know there is more work to do, and it begins with the kind of conversation and collaboration we see on Let’s Talk Cost.”

“Consumers wouldn’t go for an oil change or buy a dishwasher without knowing how much it costs. Why should health care be any different?” said Susan Menendez, director of Strategic Provider Relationships at BCBSNC. “The data we’ve made available on mybcbsnc.com will help clear up confusion and empower our customers to make better informed decisions.”

“We recognize that every day in towns and cities across the state, North Carolinians are rolling up their sleeves and making a difference in their communities and the state as a whole,” says Kathy Higgins, president of the BCBSNC Foundation. “We are in awe of the feats many of these organizations have accomplished – they’re committed to a bigger solution and are working tirelessly to succeed. They’ve inspired those closest to them, they’ve inspired us, and now we hope they will inspire others across our state.”

“Topaz is evidence of how serious we are about continuing to compete and win in North Carolina’s rapidly evolving health insurance marketplace,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “Topaz will accelerate our transformation as a company, bring new capabilities to our customers and fuel our efforts to be a more efficient company.”

“We believe that the efficiencies gained at Carolina Advanced Health can help our employees who are living with chronic conditions better manage their health, as well as reduce complications, avoidable ER visits and unnecessary duplication,” said State Health Plan Interim Executive Administrator Lacey Barnes.

“I knew when the work was completed that it was something special and knew it had the potential to win awards,” said Bridgette Sullivan, BCBSNC director of creative services. “Hanson Dodge Creative did a fantastic job. I’m thrilled with the work they have done for us.”