“BCBSNC is committed to finding new ways to rein in medical costs and make health care more affordable,” said Sean Kerns, vice president of Specialty Markets. “Businesses face the challenge of rising health care costs on a daily basis. Our Get Fit Challenge is a way to spark a little healthy competition within the business community and help companies introduce a new wellness option that can help reduce medical spending.”

“We know that when our employees have a BMI of more than 28, their health care costs can be up to $2,900 higher per employee. As a company and a leader in the North Carolina health care system, that’s not a trend we can sustain, so we made a commitment to get serious about our health,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “Many of the steps that we took through the 5 Ton Challenge are ones that most North Carolina companies can take. We’re living proof that it’s possible to help employees get healthier and address rising health care costs at the same time.”

“We’ve found from a successful pilot program that this model is proven to reduce potentially avoidable complications, improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of total knee replacement surgeries for our customers,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “Innovative ideas like this bundled payment model are critical to making our health care system better, more effective and more focused on the needs of the patient. It is a win-win for BCBSNC, Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, patients and really the entire health care system.”

“We’ve created two new products that offer more affordable premiums without sacrificing quality coverage,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “Through market research, we’ve learned that a segment of consumers value price over a more traditional broad network of providers. These products appeal to these consumers.”

“Collaborating on creative approaches like this program will help us tackle the challenges our health care system is facing,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “It’s a simple equation: we need more physician assistants in North Carolina, and our veterans want the jobs. When these medics return home, they’ll have the opportunity to take their experience in the field and use it to advance their careers and continue to care for patients.”

“Since April, our collaboration with Prime has helped us coordinate pharmacy and health management programs to improve health and manage rising health care costs,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “We are pleased to extend these pharmacy benefits to our Medicare customers at the beginning of next year.”

“This decision is a win for our customers – who will save $16 million a year in wasteful charges – and it’s a win for North Carolina,” said BCBSNC CEO Brad Wilson. “This will protect consumers and our customers from unreasonable charges.”

“A hospital stay can be stressful for patients and their families. Patients often have questions and concerns about their medical bills and what their health insurance will cover. It can be a complex process to navigate,” said Alan Hughes, BCBSNC executive vice president and chief operating officer. “This collaboration with Wake Forest Baptist allows us to be there for our customers. We can get their insurance questions answered faster, so they can get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.”

IN-R-FOOD, The Walking Classroom and Sqord were chosen from 11 finalists to further develop their original, innovative ideas to reduce obesity in North Carolina. Winners will receive $20,000 from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. All 11...

“We need solutions that provide the right care, at the right time and in the right setting to build a more efficient health care system,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “FastMed’s doctors and staff already provide high quality, more affordable care to our customers across the state. Working together, we can offer North Carolinians even more choices for convenient, cost-effective care.”