Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri Launches 360 Degree Health(R)

ST. LOUIS, July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri, the state's largest health benefits provider, announced today its statewide launch of 360 Degree Health(R), one of the most robust health services programs in the industry to comprehensively address preventive care, health improvement and care coordination.

360 Degree Health is the industry's first program to integrate all health management programs and tools into a centralized, consumer-friendly resource that assists members in navigating the health care system, using their health benefits and providing information to help them to access comprehensive and appropriate care.

"360 Degree Health's total solution creates a culture of health by treating the whole person, not just his or her condition," says Dennis Matheis, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri. "We address each member's specific care needs and empower our members to live fuller, healthier lives. The services provided through 360 Degree Health are member-focused, harnessing the knowledge of medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, dietitians, exercise physiologists and more."

Employers also have embraced 360 Degree Health because it enables them to customize health benefits to meet their specific needs. From core components to an array of customized enhancements, 360 Degree Health delivers a comprehensive sphere of health care benefit options, including programs to help employees lead healthier and more productive lives. According to an independently chartered satisfaction survey, 9 out of 10 members believe 360 Degree Health programs are helping them receive maximum benefits from the health care system.

For instance, 360 Degree Health's MyHealth Coach program is one component of the comprehensive wellness strategy. MyHealth Coach assigns a registered nurse health coach to each participating member and family to help them better navigate the health care system. The program also provides one-on-one health coaching with a variety of health care professionals, including dietitians and exercise physiologists.

In addition to MyHealth Coach, 360 Degree Health includes:

MyHealth Advantage - This program is about communication, safety and savings. Members receive preventive care reminders about everything from doctor's appointments to overdue health screenings. MyHealth Advantage also alerts physicians immediately should a potential adverse drug issue arise. Additionally, the program suggests less expensive, equally effective alternatives to expensive prescription medications, showing how much the member can save by switching. MyHealth Advantage can save individuals hundreds of dollars a year in prescription costs.

Future Moms - Members receive support from trained obstetrical nurses dedicated to helping expectant parents have a healthy pregnancy and delivery. This award-winning maternity management program has resulted in fewer low- birth-weight babies, fewer preterm births and more initial prenatal visits than national averages.

Worksite Wellness - Provides worksite programs to promote better health such as health screenings, health education seminars, flu vaccinations and stress management - even therapeutic massage.

In addition to the wealth of health care information available through 360 Degree Health, the program helps members access a wide range of services including online wellness and lifestyle programs, access to discounts on health-related products and alternative medicine therapies. One popular online program is MyHealth Record, allowing Anthem members to access and manage their own online personal health record with their self-reported information, and which can be automatically populated with their claims data. This program empowers members to track and share their health histories with their physicians to help achieve the highest quality of care.

"360 Degree Health allows our company to focus its resources on the 20 percent of our members who are most at risk, while also helping to improve the effectiveness of health and wellness programs for the remaining 80 percent," said Wayne Meyer, M.D., medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri. "Our members will now have access to a fully integrated health improvement program that is backed by the knowledge and resources of our unparalleled network of health care professionals."

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri

In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area) Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name for RightCHOICE(R) Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance(R) Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

(R)ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri is available at www.anthem.com .

     Media Contact:     Deb Wiethop     Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri     314-923-4767,     [email protected] 

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Missouri