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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Updates Opioid Management Strategy To Help Battle Opioid Epidemic in Alabama

November 6, 2018

Updated opioid management strategy from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s 2019 Premiums Decrease on Average for ACA Individual Plans

October 24, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama customers, who have one of our nine individual health plans compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), are being notified that premiums will decrease on average 0.5%, effective January 1, 2019. Premium changes will range from -3.8 % to 3.9 % depending on which health plan is chosen. All ACA-compliant individual plans’ premiums also take into account members’ ages, family size, and county of residence, and therefore some customers may see additional premium changes.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Encouraging Alabamians to Get a Flu Shot From Their Physician or Local Pharmacy

October 22, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama cares about you and your family’s health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from flu and its potentially serious complications. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get vaccinated by the end of October.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Ensures Access to Medical Care and Medications For Customers Affected by Hurricane Michael

October 10, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama cares about those being affected by Hurricane Michael along the Florida Panhandle, and some include our members. Blue Cross has implemented an emergency plan to ensure access to medical care and medications for our members affected by this storm. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as needed. Currently, the following policies are in place:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Announces Statewide Zero Dollar Premium Medicare Advantage Plan for 2019

October 1, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to offer for 2019 a statewide zero dollar premium Medicare Advantage plan, Blue Advantage Complete, which is one of Blue Cross’ Medicare approved PPO Plans. Effective January 1, 2019, Blue Advantage Complete will have no premium cost, and the plan will be available in all 67 Alabama counties.

National Business Group on Health Honors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama with Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles® Award

September 26, 2018

The National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of more than 420 large U.S. employers, is honoring Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for providing one of the best workforce health and employee well-being programs in the nation.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Announces No Rate Increases for C Plus Medicare Select Plans

September 24, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is pleased to announce for the third consecutive year, C PlusSM members will not see a premium increase on their 2019 C Plus Medicare Select Plans - the eleventh year since 2002 that C Plus members have had no premium increase.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Ensures Access to Medical Care and Medications For Customers Affected by Hurricane Florence

September 13, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama recognizes the tremendous loss and damage that is impacting thousands of people in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic states, and some include our members. Blue Cross has implemented an emergency plan to ensure access to medical care and medications for our members affected by this storm. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as needed. Currently, the following policies are in place:

ACOM Medical Students Selected to Receive Medical School Scholarships From Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

July 30, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has selected three Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) medical students to receive scholarships. As a condition of these scholarships, the recipients agreed to practice as primary care or behavioral health physicians in underserved areas of Alabama after graduation.

Latest Report Shows Alabama with Some of the Lowest Premiums in the Nation

July 25, 2018

For the second year, Alabama has the 3rd lowest average annual family premiums among employers nationwide, according to the federal government’s 2017 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services. Previous MEPS reports also confirm that Alabama has had some of the lowest family premiums in the country for the last seven years.

USA Medical Students Selected to Receive Medical School Scholarships From Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

July 18, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has selected three University of South Alabama (USA) medical students to receive scholarships. As a condition of these scholarships, the recipients agreed to practice as primary care or behavioral health physicians in underserved areas of Alabama after graduation. Congratulations to the following recipients:

UAB Medical Students Receive Medical School Scholarships

June 12, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has selected 10 University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) medical students to receive scholarships. As a condition of these scholarships, the recipients have agreed to practice as primary care or behavioral health physicians in underserved areas of Alabama after graduation.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Expands Initiative to Further Improve Access to Primary Care Physicians and Advance Quality of Care for Alabamians

May 16, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to announce an important initiative to further expand access to primary care physicians and improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare for our members and Alabamians.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s School Grant Program Awards over $260,000 in Grants to Address Childhood Obesity

May 14, 2018

In our commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program is awarding $261,200 in grants to 27 schools statewide enrolling students in grades K through sixth for the 2018 - 2019 school year. Each school is receiving a grant up to $10,000 for the implementation of school-based health and wellness programs, emphasizing increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement during the school year. The Blue Cross grants totaling $261,200 will benefit 11,174 students throughout the state.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Recognized by J.D. Power For Ranking Highest in Member Satisfaction in East South Central Region

May 10, 2018

According to the J.D. Power 2018 Commercial Member Health Plan Study, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama ranks highest in member satisfaction among commercial health plans in the East South Central Region. This marks the eighth time for Blue Cross to rank highest in member satisfaction in the region since J.D. Power first published the study in 2007.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Hosting National Walk@Lunch Day in Huntsville to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

May 8, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is hosting National Walk@Lunch Day on Friday, May 11, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Redstone Federal Credit Union, Research Park located at 220 Wynn Dr. NW in Huntsville. We are proud to partner with Redstone Federal Credit Union for this special health and wellness event.

Alabamians Encouraged to Participate in 100 Alabama Miles Challenge

May 7, 2018

In an ongoing effort to promote healthy lifestyles, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is encouraging Alabamians to participate in the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Giving Back to the Community With Seventh Annual Day of Caring

May 3, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is giving back to the community statewide by hosting its seventh annual Day of Caring. On Saturday, May 5, more than 450 employees and their families will work on projects that will make a positive difference in Alabama.

Forbes Names Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama One of America’s Best Employers

May 1, 2018

Forbes named Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama one of America’s Best Employers for 2018 in the mid-size category of 1000-5000 employees. Blue Cross is one of 28 insurance companies nationwide to be selected in this category. Recognition was based on feedback and survey results from 100-150 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama employees and 50 non-employees.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Announces Two Officer Promotions

April 26, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama announces the promotion of Dow Briggs, M.D. and David Platt.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Hosts National Walk@Lunch Day in Mobile

April 16, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is hosting National Walk@Lunch Day on Wednesday, April 18th at Government Plaza in Mobile. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. We are proud to partner with the City of Mobile for this special health and wellness event.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Hosts National Walk@Lunch Day in Montgomery to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

April 10, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is hosting National Walk@Lunch Day on Friday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Capitol Grounds in Montgomery. We are proud to partner with the City of Montgomery, Governor’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports, Alabama Department of Public Health, State Employee Insurance Board, and the Alabama Sports Festival Foundation for this special health and wellness event.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Hosts National Walk@Lunch Day in Birmingham to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

April 5, 2018

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is hosting National Walk@Lunch Day on Wednesday, April 11th, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. We are proud to partner with the City of Birmingham for this special health and wellness event.

Tim Vines Named President and Chief Executive Officer

March 28, 2018

Today Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Board of Directors elected Tim Vines to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the company. He assumes the office following the retirement of Terry Kellogg on April 1, 2018. Kellogg has been with Blue Cross for 36 years, having served as CEO since 2010.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Launching New Opioid Management Strategy to Help Battle Opioid Epidemic in Alabama

March 20, 2018

In a continued effort to help battle the growing opioid epidemic in Alabama, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is launching a new opioid management strategy, effective April 1, 2018. This is in response to concerns for our members’ care and safety.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Reports Low HPV Vaccination Rates Among Adolescents

February 13, 2018

While human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination rates have risen substantially, in 2016 only 34 percent of adolescents in Alabama received a first dose of the vaccine by their 13th birthday. This is according to a seven-year study of medical claims by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

A Record Breaking Number of Over 5,400 Children Running in the 2018 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Mercedes Marathon

February 5, 2018

In a continued effort to fight childhood obesity and encourage healthy lifestyles at an early age, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama will be the Kids Mercedes Marathon title sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. Blue Cross is proud that 5,413 children will run in this year’s event, a record-breaking number for participation.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Making Available $250,000 to Schools Statewide with the Be Healthy School Grant Program

January 8, 2018

In our ongoing commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to continue its Be Healthy School Grant Program. For the 2018 -2019 school year, Blue Cross will make available $250,000 and award grants up to $10,000 to 25 schools across the state that enroll students in grades K through six. Since 2012, Blue Cross has awarded more than $1.2 million in 140 Be Healthy School Grants statewide impacting nearly 70,000 students.

New Autoimmune Biologic Drug Program Improves Patient Care and Simplifies Administrative Process for Physicians

January 4, 2018

In an effort to improve patient care and safety and to help manage costs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is implementing a new autoimmune biologic drug program. Autoimmune biologic drugs are used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. Beginning January 1, 2018, a prior authorization (PA) will be required for members who are prescribed biologic medications for autoimmune disorders. This means that before medications included in the program will be covered, a member’s doctor may need to obtain approval from Blue Cross.

Primary Care Practices Recognized Through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Innovation Award Program

December 13, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama recently awarded first place to Birmingham Internal Medicine Associates, PC (BIMA) in their new Circle of Care Innovation Award Program. This award is just one of the many initiatives Blue Cross has implemented since announcing their Primary Care Select Program in 2015. The Primary Care Select Program invests in the future of primary care in Alabama by improving physician incentives, support and collaboration. Through this increased engagement with primary care practices statewide, Blue Cross has observed innovative efforts being made in a complex healthcare environment. The Circle of Care Innovation Award was created to recognize and reward these pioneering practices and inspire others to make a difference to the future of primary care. Entries for the Innovation Award are judged based on cost savings, improved member health and efficient/effective care.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Appoints New President

November 10, 2017

Tim Vines has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Vines has been with Blue Cross for 23 years. During his tenure, he has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Chief Administrative Officer; Senior Vice President, Health Management; Senior Vice President, Business Operations; Vice President, Special Claims Operations; and Vice President, Health Management.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Partners With axialHealthcare to Mitigate Opioid Misuse and Improve Pain Care for Members

October 23, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to announce they are partnering with axialHealthcare, a national leader in pain management and pain medication solutions. Together they will collaborate with Alabama physicians to help curb the continuing epidemic of opioid misuse.

National Business Group on Health Honors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama with Best Employers for Healthy Lifestyles® Award

September 26, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama was recently honored for having one of the best workforce health and well-being programs in the nation by the National Business Group on Health, a non-profit association of 425 large U.S. employers.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Ensures Access to Medical Care and Medications For Customers Affected by Hurricane Irma

September 6, 2017

In light of Hurricane Irma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proactively helping our customers adversely impacted by the storm. Effective September 6, Blue Cross has implemented an emergency plan to ensure access to medical care and medications for our customers. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as needed. The following guidelines are now in place:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Ensures Access to Medical Care and Medications For Customers Affected by Hurricane Harvey

August 31, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama recognizes the tremendous loss and damage that has impacted thousands of Texans, and some include our customers. Blue Cross has implemented an emergency plan to ensure access to medical care and medications for our customers affected by this storm. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as needed. Currently, the following policies are in place:

Pediatricians Leading the Way as Antibiotic Prescription Rates Decline in Alabama

August 24, 2017

Antibiotic prescription fill rates are declining in Alabama and nationally, and pediatricians are leading the way. Appropriate prescribing of antibiotics is critically important because the overuse or misuse of antibiotics can render the drug ineffective over time and allow diseases to build resistance against antibiotic treatments.

Five Medical Students Selected to Receive Medical School Scholarship from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

August 10, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to announce that five medical students were selected to receive a Blue Cross–funded scholarship to the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) in Dothan, Alabama. This is the second year for Blue Cross to make available the scholarship program.

Diabetes Growing Fastest Among Alabamians Age 18-34

August 1, 2017

According to recent reports from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, in 2016 over 171,000 Blue Cross members living in Alabama have a diagnosis of diabetes, a 24.4% increase (per 10,000 members) from 2014. Over 10,800 of these members are age 18-34 and represent a 28.9% increase.

Alabama Has Some of the Lowest Premiums in the Nation

July 18, 2017

Alabama has the 3rd lowest family and single annual premiums among employers nationwide, according to the federal government’s own 2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services. In 2015, MEPS reported Alabama having the 4th lowest average family premium among employers. Previous reports also confirm that Alabama has experienced some of the lowest premiums in the country for the five years of 2011-2015.

5 Ways Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Invests in a Healthier Alabama

June 21, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is dedicated to investing time and resources toward helping communities live healthier, safer and more productive lives. Here are five ways Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is working to improve the health and well-being of Alabamians:

Opioid Epidemic Grows as Alabama Ranks First Nationally Having More Opioid Prescriptions than People

June 29, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is taking action to help address the opioid epidemic in Alabama.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Giving Back to the Community With Sixth Annual Day of Caring

May 5, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is giving back to the community statewide by hosting its sixth annual Day of Caring. On Saturday, May 6, more than 450 employees and their families will work on projects that will make a positive difference in Alabama.

National Walk@Lunch Day in Huntsville Rescheduled for Tuesday, May 9th

May 3, 2017

Due to unfavorable weather conditions forecasted for tomorrow, National Walk@Lunch Day scheduled for Thursday, May 4th has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 9th. The event will still be 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Big Spring Park East in Huntsville. We appreciate the City of Huntsville partnering with us for this special health and wellness event.

Hundreds of Walkers Participating in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s National Walk@Lunch Day in Birmingham

April 24, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is hosting National Walk@Lunch Day this Wednesday, April 26th, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Linn Park in downtown Birmingham. We are proud to partner with the City of Birmingham for this special health and wellness event.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Hosts National Walk@Lunch Day in Mobile

April 24, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is hosting National Walk@Lunch Day on Wednesday, April 26th at Government Plaza in Mobile. The walk will begin at 11 a.m. We are proud to partner with the City of Mobile for this special health and wellness event.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Receives Prestigious Brand Excellence Award

March 28, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is the proud recipient of the Brand Excellence Award for “Member Retention” from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is the only Blue Plan to win a total of 22 Brand Excellence Awards since the inception of this annual awards program.

HB 284

March 8, 2017

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama currently provides coverage for treatments for children diagnosed with autism including: pharmacy care; pediatric services; psychiatric care and psychological care; along with enriched speech, physical and occupational therapies. Children diagnosed with autism also receive the same robust benefits offered to any other covered child. Some of our employer benefit plans also cover applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy. However there are currently no ABA therapists practicing in Alabama who are licensed to provide the treatment.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Continues Fight Against Childhood Obesity with Be Healthy School Grant Program

January 9, 2017

In our commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to continue its Be Healthy School Grant Program. For the 2017 -2018 school year, Blue Cross will make available $250,000 and award grants up to $10,000 to 25 schools across the state that enroll students in grades K through six. Since 2012, Blue Cross has awarded more than $1 million in 114 Be Healthy School Grants statewide impacting over 57,500 students.

Scale Back Alabama kicks off its 11th year

January 9, 2017

A new year is the perfect time to shed those extra pounds, and the state’s largest weight loss and physical activity competition can help you do that.