Health Care Service Corporation Named a Winner of the Prestigious 2016 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Award

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center has named Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) a winner in the 2016 Corporate Citizenship Awards in the "health and wellness" category. The company was honored for its Taking on Asthma  initiative, most notably, its collaboration with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest for the Enhancing Care For Children with Asthma program.

"Asthma has a tremendous impact on families in our communities, resulting in missed days of school and work and also increased medical costs if not properly managed," said David Sandor, vice president, public affairs, HCSC." We believe replicable partnerships and programs can significantly improve health outcomes for children with asthma and address an important health need through clinical staff training and resources. We are proud to share this honor with the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest, and value their continued collaboration."

Through the Enhancing Care for Children with Asthma project, HCSC, which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield health Plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, identifies large populations of high-risk patients with asthma and delivers community-based interventions to those populations by implementing best practices and resources within health clinics to improve the quality of care delivered to individuals with asthma. Through 2015, the project is estimated to have reached more than 350,000 individuals through nearly 90 clinic locations across Illinois, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. In 2016, the program was expanded to communities in Montana.

Initial results from 28 participating clinic locations in Illinois and New Mexico demonstrated a 62 percent decrease in hospitalizations for children diagnosed with asthma and a 54 percent decrease in emergency department visits for the same population.¹ Improving the quality of care translates to better-managed asthma, reduced symptoms and associated costs, in addition to improving the quality of life for those individuals impacted.

"We are proud and encouraged by the positive impact our collaboration with HCSC has made in the lives of children and their families," said Lew Bartfield, chief executive officer, American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest. "Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions children face in our country, and programs like this one, empower children with asthma and their caretakers to be active and engaged in their treatment. Congratulations HCSC and we look forward to our continuing our work in the years to come."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Awards honor businesses for their significant positive impacts in communities around the world. For 17 years, this awards program has illustrated how every day businesses serve as a powerful force for good around the world. Companies and chambers of commerce from around the globe compete for the Citizens' Award, making them one of the most coveted opportunities for recognition in corporate citizenship.

"Because of Health Care Service Corporation's commitment to improving health outcomes, thousands of asthma patients and their families are experiencing an improved quality of life," said Marc DeCourcey, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center. "It's an honor to recognize Health Care Service Corporation and its impact in local communities."

The Chamber Foundation announced the winners of the 2016 Citizens Awards on November 17 at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the awards program here.

About Health Care Service Corporation
Health Care Service Corporation is the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall, with more than 15 million members in its Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. A Mutual Legal Reserve Company, HCSC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HCSC has a rating of A+ (Strong) from Standard and Poor's, A1 (Good) from Moody's and A (Excellent) from A.M. Best Company. For more information, please visit HCSC.com, visit our Facebook page or follow us at twitter.com/HCSC.

About The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest
The American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest is comprised of Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Our mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. Our staff, leadership boards and volunteers are dedicated to "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy, which we're able to fund through special event fundraising, grants and the generosity of our donors. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.Lung.org.

About The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is dedicated to strengthening America's long-term competitiveness. We educate the public on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive, how business positively impacts communities, and emerging issues and creative solutions that will shape the future.

The U.S .Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

¹ Based on assessment of claims data from Blue Cross and Blue Shield members receiving asthma care at least once from 28 participating Illinois and New Mexico clinic locations and who were continuously enrolled from one year before the project to 12 months post intervention (3 years of continuous enrollment).

SOURCE Health Care Service Corporation

Related Links

http://www.hcsc.com