To build on the training of Special Forces medical sergeants like Costa, the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the state’s largest insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, announced Monday a plan to create a two-year master’s degree program. The program would prepare veteran medical sergeants to be physician assistants.

“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...

Moms make their mark at this health care insurance company, where they comprise 66% of the participants in its rising talent program for high-potential managers.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina sees sound reasons for investing in FastMed Urgent Care that manages clinics. Ultimately, company officials say the urgent care clinics can save the insurer money.

“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.”

Placing defibrillators in houses of worship — including eight in Winston-Salem — is part of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C.'s strategy for extending the reach of health care into community gathering places.