"A flu shot takes just seconds and is the most effective way to prevent the seasonal flu or to keep from passing it on to others,” said Dr. Don Bradley, senior vice president and chief medical officer for BCBSNC. "We are making it easy for our customers to get their seasonal and H1N1 flu shots by simply visiting their primary care doctor, worksite clinic or participating pharmacist in the BCBSNC network."

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) opened its first environmentally friendly building named the CSC2. The new building will house about 550 current BCBSNC employees.

“We’ve believed for years that quality improvement leads to better health outcomes and lower costs, and now we have data that demonstrates it,” said Don Bradley, MD, BCBSNC senior vice president and chief medical officer. “Our investment in Bridges to Excellence over the past three years has made a difference for patients and physicians.”

Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS) has signed a contract to provide services to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) customers covered by Blue Medicare HMOsm and Blue Medicare PPOsm plans. These offer lower out-of-pocket expenses and more benefits than traditional Medicare, including preventive care and routine vision care. The plans are provided by PARTNERS National Health Plans of North Carolina, a fully owned subsidiary of BCBSNC.

Three North Carolina nonprofit organizations committed to supporting the state’s conservation efforts have received $10,000 each as part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) Foundation Community TIEs Awards Program. This year’s recipients include the Triangle Land Conservancy in Raleigh, the Western North Carolina Alliance in Asheville and the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation in Washington.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is helping customers save money and stay on their medications with the generic copay waiver program. BCBSNC customers saved at least $15 million in out-of-pocket expenses since the program started January 1, 2009. The program will run until June 30.

Alan Hughes brings demonstrated success and a clear understanding of the link between information technology and business success. He has a strong record of helping global organizations make the most of information to meet financial, competitive and regulatory needs,” said BCBNSC CEO Brad Wilson.

“Our primary concern is helping our customers stay informed and healthy, and our preparations will ensure that in the event of a pandemic, we will be able to provide the customer service our members want and need,” said BCBSNC Chief Medical Officer Don Bradley, M.D. “A key part of our preparations include making sure our business remains financially solvent and that we are able to cover customers’ medical expenses over an extended period of time during a pandemic. BCBSNC’s financial reserves are there for just such an emergency.”

Gerald Petkau, a top leader in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC’s) Finance Division, has been named chief financial officer. He replaces Dan Glaser, who is retiring on July 1.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) has named Barbara Morales Burke vice president of health policy and Gayle Sauer vice president of total rewards.