Independence response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

This post was originally published on January 28, 2020 and is continually updated.  Independence Blue Cross is committed to serving the people who rely on us, especially when a significant health risk may be present. Along with our fellow Blue plans across the country, we are closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) which was first identified in Wuhan,...
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Independence hosts KYW Newsradio Executive Briefing for fourth year

KYW Newsradio Executive Briefing 2020
Pat Loeb, Mike DeNardo, Kristen Johanson, Jim Melwert, Cherri Gregg at Independence LIVE For the fourth consecutive year, KYW Newsradio brought its Executive Briefing to Independence LIVE. The annual event offers an opportunity to hear from the station’s anchors and reporters about the important issues they expect to cover in 2020. Independence Blue Cross was the presenting sponsor....
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Independence Among Blue Cross and Blue Shield Companies Joining Forces with Civica Rx to Lower Costs of Select High-Cost Generic Drugs

Today, Independence Blue Cross (Independence), along with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and 17 other BCBS companies announced a partnership with the nonprofit Civica Rx (Civica, Inc.) to form a new company that intends to lower prices of select high-cost generic drugs. “We are committed to finding new ways to make health care more accessible and affordable for the people and communities we serve....
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Independence expands its program with MANNA to deliver free, medically tailored meals to more of its Medicare Advantage members in 2020

MANNA food delivery driver pictured next to a truck with the MANNA logo
Philadelphia, PA — January 6, 2020 — In a continued effort to address the social and environmental conditions affecting seniors in southeastern Pennsylvania, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is expanding its program with MANNA to offer more of its Medicare Advantage members a free and nutritious meal delivery program. The expanded program, which started on January 1,...
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Independence earns 2019 Energy Star recognition for fifth year in row

For the fifth straight year, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® certification. The recognition reflects Independence’s superior energy performance and savings at its Philadelphia headquarters on Market Street. Energy Star-certified buildings have an energy performance in the top 25 percent nationwide. And compared to typical buildings, they must: Emit 35 percent fewer greenhouse gasses Use 35 percent less energy Cost less to operate....
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Dr. Ginny Calega testifies in support of bill aimed at improving treatment for opioid overdose survivors

Dr. Ginny Calega, vice president of Medical Affairs for Independence Blue Cross, testified on December 2 before the Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Public Health and Human Services to support a bill that could improve treatment for opioid overdose survivors. Calega supported a bill that will authorize the Health Department to collect additional information from local hospitals regarding the interventions and outcomes associated with nonfatal opioid overdoses....
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The Deck the Hall Light Show returns for a third season at City Hall

Philadelphia's City Hall at Dilworth Park decked out with festive lighting for the Deck the Hall light show, sponsored by Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross President Paul Tufano helped kick off a third season of the Deck the Hall Light Show presented by Independence Blue Cross. On November 25, Tufano joined Paul Levy, president and CEO of Center City District, and Bernie Prazenica, president and general manager of 6ABC, for the premiere at Dilworth Park. Deck the Hall is a free choreographed light show projected on Philadelphia’s historic City Hall....
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Brian Lobley receives Heroes Among Us community hero award

Brian Lobley holiding the Heroes Among Us Award, is photographed with Ben Baskin, Mary Stengel Austen, and Christopher Cashman
Pictured left to right: Brian Lobley, EVP Health Markets, Independence Blue Cross, Ben Baskin, HAU founder and event director, Mary Stengel Austen, president & CEO, Tierney Communications, Christopher Cashman, principal, Cashman Strategic Advisors Brian Lobley, executive vice president of Health Markets at Independence Blue Cross, was awarded the 2019 Philadelphia Community Hero Award....
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Independence hosts American Cancer Society program on survivorship

Pictured l to r: Jack Ciatterelli, Jan Schwartz White, Linda Jacobs, Tiffany Kendig, and Dr. Ginny Calega at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Forum
Pictured l to r: Jack Ciatterelli, Jan Schwartz White, Linda Jacobs, Tiffany Kendig, and Dr. Ginny Calega On November 13, Independence Blue Cross hosted more than 50 health care practitioners and cancer advocates for the seventh annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Forum. The discussion about cancer survivorship was moderated by Dr....
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Independence Blue Cross and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Co-Host Inaugural Health of America Forum to Address Millennial Health Challenges

Cari Champion and Lindsey Vonn on stage at the 2019 Health of America Forum at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia
Cari Champion and Lindsey Vonn on stage at the 2019 Health of America Forum at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia

Reports show poorer health projections for millennials compared to GenX; potential economic burden

Philadelphia – November 6, 2019 – Today, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) hosted the inaugural 2019 Health of America Forum,...
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