“The content and tone of what we launched today is different from anything we have done before,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “We understand that reining in medical costs is an urgent and challenging issue. But we also recognize if we’re going to make progress, the scapegoating that has driven the conversation to this point must stop.”

“We designed our Get a Quote tool to provide consumers with quick, easy-to-understand information about our health insurance products,” said BCBSNC Chief Sales and Marketing Officer John Roos. “Our goal is to make this process more efficient so consumers can more easily find and purchase a quality health plan that meets their needs.”

“We’ve received plenty of positive feedback on the HealthNAV mobile app for iPhones and iPads,” said John Roos, senior vice president and chief sales and marketing officer. “Expanding the mobile app to Android devices helps us get information in more of our customer’s hands so they can make quick, easy, informed decisions about their health care.”

“Overall, the company’s performance was strong last year. While many insurers lost customers, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is holding its own. We’re taking steps to trim administrative costs and we remain focused on meeting the health care needs of our customers every day as we begin to implement health reform,” said President and CEO Brad Wilson.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has a 77 year tradition of investing in the health of North Carolinians,” said Brad Wilson, president and CEO. “We are pleased to continue that tradition with this investment which creates new medical research labs from historic tobacco warehouses. You could say we’re preserving the past while creating a new future for this part of the Triad."

“North Carolinians have strong opinions about their personal health care and coverage,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. “This new online community should spark a two-way conversation about these topics and others on their minds. We plan to use Blue Asks You NC to listen and respond, and then use what we learn to become a better company and improve the health care system in our state.”

Chapel Hill, N.C. – The state’s leading health insurer and the state’s health care system will collaborate to develop a completely new type of medical practice in which patients – not just their symptoms – are the focus of care. This advanced medical practice will extend beyond what is currently called the ‘medical home’ and will enable teams of health care providers to work collaboratively with patients and families in delivering high quality, coordinated care. BCBSNC and UNC Health Care expect the new practice, which will likely be located in Orange or Durham county, to open in the fourth quarter of 2011.

“We understand that making a lifestyle change is a big step for many of our customers. We hope customers will use the tools available through Member Health Partnerships to help meet their health goals in 2011,” said Bradley. “Steps that customers take to improve their personal health not only lead to healthier lifestyles, but also contribute to lower medical costs, which helps keep health care accessible and affordable.”

“We believe there are real benefits to small businesses through these tax credits,” said Brad Wilson, BCBSNC president and CEO. Wilson. “Under the current health care reform law, small businesses may qualify for a tax credit of up to 35 percent to help pay for health insurance. I hope all North Carolina small businesses will take advantage of these resources to ensure they receive the maximum benefits from this law.”

“The 5-star rating system eliminates much of the confusion consumers often feel when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan by allowing them to see at a glance how plans compare,” said BCBSNC SVP and Chief Operations Officer Ian Gordon. “Our score shows that when it comes to overall quality, we outperform other plans offered in North Carolina.”