“Beginning next year, individuals who buy their own health insurance will feel a wide variety of impacts as new components of the ACA take full effect,” said Patrick Getzen, BCBSNC vice president and chief actuary. “The ACA expands access to coverage and increases benefits. This is a good goal, but it comes with a cost. Subsidies will offset the higher cost of premiums for some of our customers, but more sick people in the insurance pool, more benefits, and new taxes and fees will drive rates up.”

“Working with Cornerstone gives us the opportunity to build on a model of care that provides better coordination and health outcomes for our customers,” said Lisa Cade, vice president of network management at BCBSNC. “With this new initiative, we’ll continue to take what we’ve learned from the medical home model a few steps further to improve the health of patients with chronic health issues or significant health risks.”

“Studies show that physically active people can save $500 per year on their health care costs,[i] which is something that should get everyone’s attention,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “By collaborating with organizations such as the North Carolina Museum of Art to support new opportunities for exercise, we’re giving North Carolinians opportunities to be active and stay healthy, which can make a real difference in their health care spending.”

“Our local ACC teams gave us an exciting season; fans showed their pride through texted votes and in-turn, well-deserving organizations take the win,” said Eric Quimby, sports marketing manager for BCBSNC.

“Our employees are challenged every day to improve health care for North Carolinians,” said Brad Wilson, CEO and president of BCBSNC. “It is a tribute to their dedication to be recognized on a global platform for the care, compassion and moral principles they put into serving those who depend on us and positioning BCBSNC as a health care leader in North Carolina and the nation.”

“2012 was a year of focus on the future and the full implementation of health reform,” said Brad Wilson BCBSNC president and CEO. “We are making investments today to ensure we can meet North Carolinians’ health care needs tomorrow.”

“The unsustainable cost of health care is one of the most serious threats to our state and national economy, and it’s a crisis that affects us all,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “There are no scapegoats to blame because there are many reasons why costs continue to rise. We are pulling the curtain to reveal why medical costs are increasing, what BCBSNC is doing to fight it and what consumers can do too.”

“We believe that investing in these organizations will help us empower North Carolinians to improve their overall health,” said Kathy Higgins, president of the BCBSNC Foundation. “These physical activity equipment grants help organizations to achieve their goal of increasing regular physical activity for all North Carolinians.”

“Last year, we began working with SAS to develop deeper insights into the types of products and services healthcare consumers need. Now, our new Healthy Outcomes programs will enable us to provide the support consumers need to live healthier lives. Both of these efforts support our goal to help customers get and stay healthy. We know that when customers are healthier, health care can be more affordable, and everybody wins,” said Dr. Don Bradley, BCBSNC senior vice president and chief medical officer.

“Partnerships like this one are possible when hospitals, physicians and insurers commit to new ways of putting patients first by collaborating to improve quality and reduce costs,” said Lisa Cade, BCBSNC Vice President of Network Management.