Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Introduces Transparency Initiative in Maine

Anthem's Care Comparison Tool Gives Members the Most Complete Picture of Costs
Associated with Medical Procedures

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue
Shield (Anthem) announced today the expansion of its industry-leading
transparency initiative into Maine. Anthem members in Maine now have access to
Anthem Care Comparison, an online tool that provides total estimated costs
associated with all aspects of nearly 40 specific medical procedures performed
at local area hospitals.
"One of the best things we can do for our members is help them become more
informed consumers of health care services so that they can make the right
decisions when it comes to their health care," said Dan Corcoran, president,
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine. "We're committed to providing more
and better information about the cost of health care services and the quality
of those services, and this tool is a significant step in that direction."
The Anthem Care Comparison tool helps members understand the typical costs
associated with all aspects of a specific medical procedure -- not just the
cost of the procedure itself, but the costs of the entire spectrum of care,
from lab tests to recovery room charges. In addition, the cost information is
facility-specific, so members can compare the differences in cost among
hospitals. Anthem members can also get information on how frequently
facilities perform each procedure, which can assist the member in assessing
the care they seek.
Anthem's Care Comparison tool generates this information while also
factoring in hospital, physician, and anesthesia costs to help provide a more
accurate total cost analysis. "These facility-specific medical care cost
estimates help consumers understand the overall costs they are likely to incur
before a medical service is provided," Corcoran said.
The data generated for the Anthem Care Comparison tool comes directly from
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's paid claims data over the past 12 months
and is updated quarterly. In addition, cost and quality information, including
ratings based on the number of services performed at each facility, is
supplied by several company-developed programs and partnerships with leading
information management companies.
"Ultimately, we want the Anthem Care Comparison tool to create
well-informed consumers of health care," said Jeff Holmstrom, D.O., medical
director for Anthem in Maine. "Creating knowledgeable consumers, employers,
physicians and hospital providers is an important element of transparency, and
an essential step in transforming the consumers' role in their own health
care."
Anthem Care Comparison is a feature of the company's 360 degree Health(R)
program, the most robust benefits program in the industry to comprehensively
address preventive care, health improvement and care coordination. It provides
health information and counsel collected from physicians, nurses, and other
health care professionals to members through a single point of contact. It
integrates all care 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
access comprehensive and appropriate care. 360 degree Health helps members
access a wide range of services including online wellness and lifestyle
programs, discounts on health-related products and alternative medicine
therapies, and 24-hour access to health care professionals who can provide
health information.
In September 2006, Anthem unveiled the Anthem Care Comparison pilot in
Dayton, Ohio, with partner General Motors, enabling thousands of Anthem
members and GM employees in Dayton to participate in this transparency
initiative. Since the rollout, Anthem has collected and analyzed member
feedback to help enhance the effectiveness of the Anthem Care Comparison tool.
More than 90 percent surveyed indicated the cost information provided by the
tool is valuable, while 84 percent said it increases their ability to make
good, informed decisions regarding where to have a medical service.
Anthem plans to continue expanding access to the Care Comparison tool to
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans across the country. With the current
expansion in Maine, New Hampshire and Connecticut, nearly 8 million Anthem
members now have access to the industry's most complete transparency tool.
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans
of Maine, Inc., and an independent licensee 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 Maine is available at
www.anthem.com .
SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine

Mark Ishkanian for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine,
+1-207-822-8454