BCBSAZ Launches Expanded Portfolio of Specialty Insurance Products for Employers

PHOENIX, Arizona, April 25 -- The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona issued the following news release:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) has teamed up with leading insurance companies with additional products--dental, disability1, and life1 insurance--to help employers create an integrated benefits program through one of the most trusted names in the industry. The BCBSAZ specialty portfolio makes it easier for businesses to provide competitive coverage options to their employees for all health or life events.

This comprehensive approach to care simplifies the administration and ongoing management of benefits. It also provides insights between plans that are often lost when plans are managed separately.

"Arizona companies have long relied on BCBSAZ for their medical, pharmacy, and wellness benefits. Now they can turn to us to help round out their benefits package with affordable specialty products," said BCBSAZ's Chief Growth Officer Paige Rothermel. "Integrated benefits packages provide employers with an affordable way to create the kind of programs that will attract and retain high-quality talent."

These new products are made available with leading partners, including AXA(1) for life and disability options, and Dominion National for administrative services on dental products. BCBSAZ now provides the following market-driven solutions to qualifying employer groups:

* Dental plans with a range of services, such as routine exams, X-rays, and teeth cleaning.

* Life and disability insurance plans that include:

* Worldwide travel assistance, such as emergency medical transportation, and concierge support.(2)

* Employee assistance programs to address work-related or personal problems that may impact health as well as mental and emotional well-being.(3)

Employers that take advantage of BCBSAZ's portfolio of integrated specialty products can expect benefits to work together seamlessly, affordable options that provide additional levels of protection, and local service to address all their questions. For more information, visit azblue.com.

Footnote:

1. AXA is a brand name of AXA Equitable Financial Services, LLC and its family of companies, including AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company (AXA Equitable), MONY Life Insurance Company of America (MLOA) (AZ stock company, administrative office: Jersey City, NJ), AXA Advisors, LLC (member FINRA, SIPC) and AXA Distributors, LLC.

2. Travel Assistance services are considered non-insurance services and are provided by AXA Assistance USA, Inc., which is affiliated with AXA Equitable and MONY America. Certain benefits provided under the Travel Assistance Program are underwritten by a licensed third-party insurance company. The Travel Assistance Program and services provided are separate and apart from the insurance provided by AXA.

3. Employee Assistance Program ("EAP") work/life services, which are provided by ComPsych(R) Corporation, are not insurance, and the charge is segregated from the insurance cost but included in the total amount billed. AXA is not responsible or liable for care, services, or advice given by any provider or vendor of the services. AXA reserves the right to discontinue any of the services it provides at any time. It is not insurance. ComPsych(R) is not affiliated with AXA, and services it provides are separate and apart from the insurance provided by AXA.