Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Introduces BlueMedicare(SM) Group Supplement

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Introduces BlueMedicare(SM) Group
Supplement

Groups Save on Coverage for Retirees

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- To help employers save money when
providing health care coverage to retirees, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Florida (BCBSF) is introducing BlueMedicare(SM) Group Supplement insurance
plans. BlueMedicare Group Supplement is available to Medicare-eligible
retirees, and their Medicare-eligible spouses who are 65 and older.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/BLUELOGOA )

"This new option will help groups manage the rising health care costs for
retiree coverage," said Barbara Benevento, group vice-president, Senior
Markets, BCBSF. "In this economy, it is important for us to provide lower cost
solutions for employer groups so they can continue to offer coverage to their
employees and retirees."

Plans start as low as $125 per month and typically cover the deductibles,
copayments, and 20 percent coinsurance Medicare does not cover for
Medicare-approved expenses. To qualify, applicants must be 65 or older,
enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, maintain their primary
residence in Florida, and be eligible for their employer's plan.

As there is no network, a BlueMedicare Group Supplement member has the freedom
to choose any doctor or hospital they want. Even when traveling throughout the
United States their BlueMedicare Group Supplement coverage will follow. As
long as Medicare approves the services, the plan will pay the remaining
balance.

This new Medicare Supplement solution is an addition to the suite of BCBSF
group retiree options, including BlueMedicare(SM) Group Rx prescription drug
benefit and BlueMedicare(SM) Group PPO, HMO and PFFS plans. All BCBSF senior
solutions offer increased savings and allow employers to meet the challenge of
providing coverage to their Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents.

Celebrating 65 years as Florida's leader in the health industry, Blue Cross
and Blue Shield of Florida is mission-driven to improve affordable access to
health care. BCBSF is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual
company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee
of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent
Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF,
please see its Web site at www.bcbsfl.com or to listen to Floridians speak out
on health care issues visit www.thepowerofthehumanvoice.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

Lauralee W. Shapiro of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, +1-904-905-0461,
Cell, +1-904-316-6547