Independence celebrates 25 years of family fun with the Blue Cross RiverRink

Blue Cross River Rink 25th Anniversary
Photo credit Kate Kelly

Kickoff event highlights Independence gift of free skating

Philadelphia, PA — For a quarter century, the Blue Cross RiverRink season has started on Black Friday to help ring in the holidays. This year, it’s opening up with a very special treat for Philadelphia. Thanks to a generous gift from Independence Blue Cross (Independence),...
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Preventable Hospital Readmissions Cut by More Than 25 Percent Under Innovative Contract Between University of Pennsylvania Health System and Independence Blue Cross

A year into new collaboration, Penn Medicine and Independence announce unprecedented results

PHILADELPHIA, PA — After the first year of an innovative, five-year contract between the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS) and Independence Blue Cross (Independence), the health system is reporting a more than 25 percent cut in hospital readmissions – the largest readmission reduction in both organizations’ history....
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Independence Blue Cross takes steps to help members affected by the wildfires in California

California Fire Trucks
Philadelphia, PA — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is taking extra measures to help its members who might be affected by the wildfires in various parts of Northern and Southern California. For members impacted by the wildfires, Independence will alter some of its policies now through December 14, 2018. Specific steps include: Waiving precertification, referral, and hospital admission requirements for medically necessary care for members....
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Independence Blue Cross rolls out PreCheck MyScript tool to simplify prescription experience for patients and providers and lower out-of-pocket drug costs

Philadelphia — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) recently launched a new digital tool called PreCheck MyScript that allows providers in its network to easily determine the most affordable medication options for patients. The new tool — powered by FutureScripts, an OptumRx company — delivers greater transparency and healthcare connectivity by giving care providers real-time visibility into patients’ pharmacy benefits while helping to lower prescription drug costs....
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Independence Blue Cross reports more members using generics compared with the national average for Blue Cross Blue Shield membership

Spending increases for brand drugs at Independence are lower than national average

At more than $100 billion, prescription drugs represent more than 20 percent of overall health care spending for Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) commercially insured members. Prescription drug spending among branded specialty and patent-protected drugs continues to outpace generic drugs by $79.5 billion,...
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Independence Health Group Announces Leadership Changes

Philadelphia, PA — Independence Health Group (Independence) CEO Daniel J. Hilferty announced key organizational changes at the executive level which will take effect January 1, 2019. These changes, which will position Independence for continued growth and leadership in the health care industry, include: Paul Tufano will become President, Independence Health Group. In this role, Tufano will report to Hilferty and take on additional responsibility for leading Independence’s Lines of Business,...
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As Open Enrollment begins, Independence Blue Cross offers range of options to help consumers make informed choices

With Open Enrollment for individual consumers beginning November 1, Independence Blue Cross (Independence), the region’s leading health insurer, is meeting consumers where they live, work, and play to ensure they know how to choose a health plan, enroll, and get the most from their health benefits. Independence will offer consumers convenient options to obtain information and support in-person,...
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Independence Blue Cross offers a wide range of health insurance choices for individual Open Enrollment

Philadelphia, PA — With Open Enrollment for individual consumers beginning November 1, Independence Blue Cross (Independence), the region’s leading health insurer, will continue to provide a wide range of plans to meet the needs of the community. According to a recent poll, nearly 79 percent of Americans do not know when Open Enrollment for individual consumers takes place....
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Independence Blue Cross appoints Lorena Plaza as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis

Independence Blue Cross (Independence) announced that Lorena Plaza has been appointed vice president of Financial Planning and Analysis. In her new role, Plaza is responsible for leading Independence’s annual and strategic financial planning as well as processes for forecasting, cost alignment, and analysis of results. Plaza reports to Gregory E. Deavens, chief financial officer at Independence....
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Independence Blue Cross and Premier Orthopaedics sign new five-year agreement

Premier and Independence
Independence, the region’s largest health insurer, and Premier Orthopaedics (Premier), a full-service physician owned orthopedic practice with more locations throughout Chester and Delaware counties than any orthopedic provider, have signed a new five-year agreement.
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