Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and Amerigroup Announce Collaboration to Serve the State’s Medicaid Members

DURHAM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross) and Amerigroup Partnership Plan, LLC, one of the nation’s leading providers of Medicaid managed care services, have announced an agreement to collaborate in the forthcoming North Carolina Medicaid reform effort to serve North Carolinians who participate in the state’s Medicaid program. This collaboration brings together Amerigroup’s experience in developing comprehensive, best-in-class Medicaid programs across the nation with Blue Cross’s established, local expertise in serving millions of North Carolinians across the entire state. Together, the organizations will work to make a profound impact on successfully evolving health care for North Carolina’s residents.

“Blue Cross has a proven, 84-year track record of serving North Carolinians through all stages of life and a deep commitment to our state. Combined with Amerigroup’s expertise in addressing the continually evolving and diverse needs of Medicaid beneficiaries across the nation, this collaboration offers great potential for improving health care outcomes,” said Brad Wilson, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Blue Cross has been serving North Carolina since 1933, and is the largest health care insurer in the state with nearly 4 million members and high-quality insurance products that provide familiar, trusted solutions for North Carolinians in every one of the state’s 100 counties. Amerigroup has 26 years of nationwide experience developing innovative Medicaid programs for more than 6.5 million members across 20 states. The organizations will combine experience and resources to effectively address the needs of North Carolinians.

“Amerigroup understands the unique health and social challenges faced by Medicaid beneficiaries and values the local resources and expertise contributed by our partners to improve access to services and overall health outcomes,” said Brian Shipp, South Region Medicaid President representing Amerigroup. “Aligning our efforts with Blue Cross perfectly positions us to succeed in improving lives while enhancing efficiencies and mitigating risks.”

Both companies have proven track records of successfully achieving positive health results and savings by focusing on high-quality care, program integrity and transparency. They have experience working with all types of health care providers in collaborative and accountable relationships, as well as with social services agencies, community advocates and local experts to create solutions that eliminate unnecessary services, close care gaps and make measurable impacts in improving the health of entire communities. As a combined force, Blue Cross and Amerigroup are uniquely positioned to offer North Carolina the best possible solutions that are unrivaled in value and potential.

ABOUT BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina improves the health and well-being of our customers and communities by providing innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. The company employs more than 4,900 North Carolinians to serve our members through partnerships with 96 percent of the state’s medical doctors and 99 percent of the state’s acute-care hospitals. BCBSNC has been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute every year since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

ABOUT AMERIGROUP

Amerigroup, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anthem, Inc., provides managed care services through state Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and Long Term Services and Supports programs. Through a family of affiliated companies serving more than 6.5 million beneficiaries who participate in government-sponsored health programs, Amerigroup recognizes the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face. They tailor programs such that health plan members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Also, through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles. Amerigroup’s parent company, Anthem, is working to transform health care with trusted and caring solutions. Its health plan companies deliver quality products and services that give their members access to the care they need. With over 74 million people served by its affiliated companies, including more than 40 million within its family of health plans, Anthem is one of the nation’s leading health benefits companies. For more information about Anthem’s family of companies, please visit www.antheminc.com/companies. To learn more about Amerigroup, visit www.amerigroup.com.

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Denise Malecki, Amerigroup

(813) 830-6986

[email protected]

or

April Umminger, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

(919) 765-4730

[email protected]

Source: Amerigroup