2010 Press Releases

Blue Cross And Blue Shield of Texas' Volunteer Of The Year Makes A Difference With DFW Neglected Children

DALLAS, TX. — As part of its on-going effort to give back to the community, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is giving well-earned recognition to encourage volunteerism.  The "Volunteer of the Year Award" is given to one person who captures the spirit of "giving back."  BCBSTX employees have volunteered 8,860 hours so far this year, however, Julie Klutts went above and beyond with her work for neglected children.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Texas Health Resources Announce New Agreement

Richardson and Arlington, TX — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and Texas Health Resources announced today that they have reached a multi-year agreement that will allow Texas Health facilities and employed physicians to remain in the BCBSTX network.  The new contracts will provide more than 1.3 million Blue Cross members with access to in-network health care services at Texas Health’s 24 hospitals and 18 outpatient facilities in the North Texas area.

Without H1N1 Pandemic Threat, Vaccinations May Decline While Seasonal Flu Cases Increase This Year

Richardson, TX — Experts say that the H1N1 pandemic prompted 21 percent more Texans to get their flu shots last fall.  Now that the pandemic threat is over, insurers like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) are concerned that their members may be less motivated to vaccinate this year. As a result, more people may suffer from the seasonal flu and related medical bills next spring.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Launches Pediatric Partnership

Richardson, TX — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has launched the Good Health Club Physician ToolkitSM — unique educational materials designed to foster better communication between pediatricians and their patients on childhood obesity and diabetes prevention. The program was launched in collaboration with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) and Blue companies nationwide. The toolkit, available in both English and Spanish, will be available to pediatricians in Texas in time for back-to-school physician visits prior to the 2010-2011 school-year.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Sponsors Innovative Cardiovascular Disease Program that Rewards Physicians

Richardson, TX — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is now collaborating with an innovative program, Bridges to Excellence (BTE), to implement the Cardiac Care Link program in both rural and metro areas across Texas. The goal of the program is to improve the care provided to patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and to financially reward BCBSTX network physicians for providing exceptional care. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting 81 million Americans, costing $316 billion annually and in Texas, causing nearly 1 out of 4 deaths.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Implements Reform

Richardson, TX — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has made the voluntary decision to expedite a provision of the new reform law and will allow dependents currently covered under their parent's health plan to stay on the plan until the age of 26. Instead of implementing the change on September 23, 2010, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas plans to extend the coverage by May 1, 2010 — in time to benefit this spring’s college graduates.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Introduces The Largest Medical Home Pilot Project in Texas to Five North Texas Counties

Richardson, TX — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has announced that it is implementing a "Medical Home" pilot program, beginning today, February 1, 2010, which will include over 90 primary care physicians (PCPs) in Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, Collin and Johnson Counties. The "Medical Home" is not a building or hospital. It's a primary care physician-based concept designed to improve coordination of care within the medical care system with emphasis on wellness, prevention and disease management.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Collects Cell Phones for Haiti Relief

Richardson, TX — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) employees are collecting old cell phones as part of a recycling drive to support relief efforts in Haiti. Phones are being collected January 26 – 29 from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. In addition to our headquarters offices in Richardson, Texas, donation tables will also be available at our other Texas locations, including: Abilene, Marshall, San Angelo, Waco, Wichita Falls, Houston, El Paso, Austin, Corpus Christi, and San Antonio.