Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Announces Healthy Blue to Serve NC’s Medicaid Population in Collaboration with Amerigroup

Managed Care Weekly Digest

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announces Healthy Blue, a new plan Blue Cross of NC will offer in collaboration with Amerigroup Partnership Plan, LLC (Amerigroup). Healthy Blue is designed to serve the millions of North Carolinians who participate in the state's Medicaid program. Healthy Blue leverages Blue Cross NC's deep expertise on local needs, solutions and community which is augmented by the support of Amerigroup's best-in-class Medicaid managed care capabilities (see also Amerigroup).

"Blue Cross NC knows our state and serves it well. We are deeply committed to serving as many North Carolinians as possible, and through Healthy Blue we're focusing on improving the health and quality of life for North Carolina's underserved population," said Patrick Conway, president and CEO-elect of Blue Cross NC. "Through our entry into Medicaid, Blue Cross NC will have the opportunity to insure and coordinate care for the majority of North Carolinians for most or the entirety of their lifetime. This is an opportunity for a model health insurance company that delivers higher quality at lower cost and best-in-class customer experience to all people in North Carolina."

This collaborative effort is a demonstration of the commitment to enhance health care delivery for North Carolina's most vulnerable population. In the coming months, the companies will collaborate on a plan that focuses on improving the quality of care and access to services for nearly 2 million North Carolina's low-income individuals and families.

"Amerigroup's approach centers on a strong local presence, community-based expertise, and relationships that provide members with high quality services and support," said Brian Shipp, Amerigroup South Region Medicaid President. "By collaborating with Blue Cross NC, Healthy Blue will benefit North Carolinians by combining the experience of both organizations as well as an infrastructure that offers broad knowledge, cost-efficiency and capabilities needed to best serve North Carolina's Medicaid recipients." 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 3.89 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Since 1933, we have worked to make North Carolina a better place to live through our support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. We have been recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute multiple times since 2012. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at bcbsnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. ABOUT AMERIGROUP Amerigroup Partnership Plan, LLC is an independent company that provides managed care services through state Medicaid and CHIP programs to states and partner organizations under contract. 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 afforded access to 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. To learn more about Amerigroup, visit www.amerigroup.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20171031006557/en/