Today Wayne Memorial Hospital became an out-of-network facility for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) customers except those with Blue MedicareSM and those receiving emergency care.

“By taking this action, we are giving approximately 230,000 customers an additional option to consider as they weigh their health insurance choices for 2014,” said Brad Wilson, President and CEO of BCBSNC. “These are high-quality health plans that have provided great value and peace of mind for our customers. We believe many of them will welcome the opportunity to renew these plans for another year.”

“We were in discussions with the Department of Insurance about this option even before the President’s announcement on November 14,” said Brad Wilson, President and CEO of BCBSNC. “We understand that many of our customers are frustrated and confused by difficulties accessing the federal exchange, and we want to do everything we can to help them maintain quality health coverage that they can afford.”

“We had already been actively exploring options to provide some relief to customers who were faced with losing a plan they liked. This additional flexibility could help insurers take steps to protect their customers for another year.”

“We’re working hard to make health care better across North Carolina and what better place to start then at home,” said Fara Palumbo, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “Our employees again embraced the challenge and showed their determination not to give up. Like any weight loss journey, we will build upon our successes and learn from our setbacks as we continue our company’s ongoing commitment to improving health.”

Joint statement from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina President and CEO Brad Wilson and Wayne Memorial Hospital President and CEO Bill Paugh

“Offering on-site customer service allows patients to focus on healing rather than dwell on concerns about medical bills and what their health insurance will cover.” said Alan Hughes, BCBSNC executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Offering support where the member needs it most is a way to help them get back to their normal lives as quickly as possible.”

”These three organizations are leveraging our state’s outdoor assets in the fight against obesity and we’re excited to see them grow as GO NC! Health Challenge Grant winners,” said Kathy Higgins, BCBSNC vice president of corporate affairs. “Getting outside and becoming more active has proven benefits and these organizations are great examples of how North Carolinians are working together to set a new standard of living.”

“We’ve done everything we can to get our plans, systems and people ready for Open Enrollment,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “Our country is implementing an entirely new way of purchasing health insurance. We know there will be some surprises and challenges along the way, but we are ready to help our customers in every way we can.”

“Dental health and dental education lay the necessary foundation for overall health,” said Don Bradley, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer for BCBSNC. “Medical research indicates a link between poor oral health and major health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke2. That makes this an issue we can’t ignore.”