Blue365(R) Program to Add Online Health Community

New Internet forums will help Blue Cross and Blue Shield members get connected about healthcare

WASHINGTON, March 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tapping into the increased popularity of online forums, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) will add an online health community to its Blue365 program – a comprehensive, nationwide program designed to offer Blue Cross and Blue Shield members innovative healthcare tools and resources.

The new online health community will expand upon an award-winning Web site established in 2005 by Portland, Ore-based Regence BlueCross BlueShield.  Regence's online community, myRegence.com, was chosen as the model for the Blue365 online community because of the features it offers, many of which the Blue365 program hopes to include, such as self-directed wellness activities, multimedia content and educational resources, support groups, and health forums on a variety of topics.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies strive to offer our members the best value and resources to support their healthcare decisions and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle," said Scott P. Serota, president and CEO of BCBSA.  "This new online community will give members the opportunity to connect with others about healthcare issues that are important to them."

The Blue365 Online Health Community will pilot with a select group of Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, with more Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies expected to sign on in the coming months.

"We are excited that the Blue365 program has chosen our member website as a model for the national platform," said Mark Ganz, president and CEO of Regence BlueCross BlueShield.  "As our online community has grown, we've developed the expertise to identify and implement the features our customers want."

Blue365, which was launched in 2007, helps consumers navigate the healthcare decision-making process, maintain a healthier lifestyle, and maximize the value of their health benefits.  In addition to the new Online Health Community, the Blue365 program includes AskBlue™, a decision support tool designed to help educate consumers of their best choices when selecting health insurance coverage options for themselves or their families, and the Affinity Program, which provides members access to special products and discounts at Nutrisystem, Jenny Craig, Reebok, Snap Fitness, Westin Hotels, Polar, eDiets, Everlast, and other nationally recognized suppliers.

The Blue365 Online Health Community will officially launch in select markets in fall 2010.  For more information about Blue365, please visit http://www.bcbs.com/365community.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 100 million members – one-in-three of all Americans.  For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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