Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. Combine Efforts to Educate and Empower Arizonans

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Arizona Community Gets Help in Making Sense of Healthcare Reform from Two Prominent Organizations 

PHOENIX, Oct. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) and Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) announced a joint effort to help educate Arizonans about the healthcare reform law. Together the organizations aim to reach those who likely haven't had insurance in the past and may not understand how the law will benefit them.

With a combined 117 years in the Valley, BCBSAZ and CPLC have a long history and shared commitment to the community. In the days ahead, the organizations are teaming up to:

• Make bilingual healthcare reform advisors available.
• Host healthcare reform education events.
• Conduct shared media opportunities with Hispanic outlets.
• Identify ongoing education opportunities.

"Working with CPLC, we'll serve Arizonans in every corner of the state by providing resources and tools needed to make smart decisions in a time when healthcare is changing greatly," said Richard L. Boals, president and CEO for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. "The open enrollment period gives Arizonans a chance to research their options and learn more about the value health insurance plays in keeping our communities healthy."

"As one of Arizona's largest social services organization, we are always looking for new opportunities to expand our service and support those who are historically underserved. Healthcare is a fundamental need and helping individuals understand how the Affordable Care Act impacts their lives and the best way to get coverage is our goal," said Edmundo Hidalgo, CPLC President and CEO. Working with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we have the opportunity not only to educate the community, but assist individuals in getting health insurance through local, personalized service."

Healthcare reform open enrollment begins October 1 and runs through March 31, 2014. Within Arizona it is estimated that 480,000 people will be eligible for financial assistance. If a person is eligible for a subsidy, they must purchase their health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, also known as the exchange. Health insurance plans can also be purchased directly through a broker or BCBSAZ.  

More healthcare reform information can be found in English at azblue.com or in Spanish at salud.azblue.com. BCBSAZ representatives can be reached at (877) 874-9958.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is the largest Arizona-based health insurance company. The not-for-profit company was founded in 1939 and provides health insurance products, services or networks to 1.3 million individuals. With offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Tucson and the East Valley, the company employs more than 1,300 Arizonans. Follow BCBSAZ at www.facebook.com/bcbsaz or on Twitter at @bcbsaz to get information on health and wellness, a knowledgeable perspective on health insurance reform, and become a part of what we're doing in your community.

About Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc.
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) is a community development corporation (CDC) that provides services in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. Since 1969, CPLC has been changing lives by developing self-sufficiency and instilling empowerment in those we serve. Our focus areas are economic development, education, housing, and social services. CPLC provides a better life through offering business and employment opportunities; ensuring everyone has the solid foundation of an education; providing hope through a pathway of recovery, restoration, and resiliency; and ensuring that a safe, secure, affordable home is available to every individual we serve. Today, we have 48 programs & services, 800 employees, and 60 offices, making CPLC the third-largest Hispanic CDC in the nation and the leading Cultural and Educational CDC and non-profit in Arizona. www.CPLC.org

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona