Fall 2009

BlueSelect now available in additional counties

In July 2009, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) expanded the BlueSelect plans to Broward, Charlotte, Hernando, Pasco and Polk counties. BlueSelect was introduced in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties in January 2009, as part of BCBSF's continuing effort to provide all Floridians access to affordable health care solutions.

A network of hospitals, physicians and providers was developed in the expansion counties. "We have partnered with local hospitals and other providers to develop BlueSelect for those who are uninsured or may soon become uninsured," said Craig Thomas, vice president of Marketing Operations. "By working with these community health care providers, compared to other networks, we can keep costs down and offer yet another affordable health plan option to Floridians." As part of this progressive product rollout, BlueSelect will be expanded to additional markets/counties in the coming months.

BlueSelect plans offer support services, personalized care, comprehensive prevention and wellness programs that use a community-based network without reducing benefits. The network covers all medical specialties and secondary providers, but consists of a smaller number of providers compared to other networks.

BlueSelect's coverage is comparable to traditional plans with a higher level of benefits for in-network services and a lower level of benefits for out-of-network coverage. In addition, the plans offer valuable discounts on programs and services such as weight and stress management, alternative medicine and vision and hearing care.

Members will have a unique member identification (ID) card. BlueSelect is clearly identified in the upper-right corner of the card. Providers can verify eligibility and benefits of BlueSelect members using the Availity^®1 Health Information Network.

For more information on BlueSelect plans, visit our website at www.bcbsfl.com.