“I never thought I would have the responsibility or the honor to see this many patients,” said Dr. Bill Blaylock, Director of North Carolina Missions of Mercy. “The improved standard of care provided by the X-ray bus has been a motivating factor for a lot of dentists and that, along with the efficiency of the X-ray process, has helped us see more people.”

Today Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) filed a rate request with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) for a rate increase of zero percent for Blue Options HSASM and Blue SaverSM. The requested rate increase for Blue Advantage® is 6.35 percent. Blue Advantage and Blue Options HSA currently serve more than 347,000 customers under the age of 65.

“Being more hands-on with our PBM will help us lower costs and provide better service to our customers,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “We also will be able to work with other non-profit Blues on formulary designs, improved information and communications to customers, and programs that integrate pharmacy and disease management programs to improve health.”

Bill Bryan, president of Mt. Olive Pickle Company, has been elected as a new member to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Board of Trustees.

“The specialty pharmacies in our new network have met strict criteria for participation, including accreditation through an independent accrediting organization,” said Estay Greene, director of BCBSNC pharmacy programs. “These pharmacies have demonstrated their ability to offer comprehensive medication support to our customers.”

“Over the past year, we have been fortunate to work with UNC Health Care on several initiatives that will help provide better, more efficient health care to our customers. UNC has continued that spirit of cooperation and demonstrated willingness to be flexible and open to the urgent need to control costs,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “In 2011 we have reached agreements with several hospitals across the state for modest increases. We are optimistic that other hospitals will follow UNC’s lead and show that they are serious about joining the fight to rein in health care costs.”

“The recognition of our marketing expertise with this American Business award for our HealthNAV campaign is most gratifying for our team here at Blue Cross” said John Roos, BCBSNC chief sales and marketing officer. “Obviously, the HealthNAV app is the real story here, in that it delivers what our customers are looking for to help them make health care less expensive and more convenient.”

“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.”

“My greatest joy in participating in this program is the chance for me to pass my love and enthusiasm for family medicine on to the next generation. I have long felt that family medicine is a calling,” said Dr. Charles Rhodes of Cabarrus Family Medicine in Mount Pleasant, N.C., who serves as a physician mentor in the program. “The spark that made me want to be a family doctor was given to me by much beloved and respected mentor physicians. I am thankful for the opportunity to pass that spark on to a new generation of doctors.”

“The on-site model has provided opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce waste. As a result, we have seen improved satisfaction among our customers and the physicians and hospitals with whom we work.” said Ian Gordon, senior vice president for commercial and government operations for BCBSNC. “Working side-by-side has improved communication between BCBSNC and health care providers, and allowed us to learn from each other as we continue on our respective paths of process improvement.”