Blue Shield of California Hits the Streets to Let Californians Have Their Say on Healthcare.-- As Part of "We (Shield) You" Campaign, Company Sets up Video "Chat Boxes" Around California California (kăl'ĭfôr`nyə), most populous state in the United States, located in the Far West; bordered by Oregon (N), Nevada and, across the Colorado River, Arizona (E), Mexico (S), and the Pacific Ocean (W). to Find Out How Californians Feel About Healthcare -- SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco (săn frănsĭs`kō), city (1990 pop. 723,959), coextensive with San Francisco co., W Calif., on the tip of a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, which are connected by the strait known as the Golden -- Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California is a not-for-profit health insurance provider headquartered in San Francisco, California. An independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Blue Shield of California is an incorporated, wholly owned subsidiary of California Physicians' announced today that it is hitting the streets to take California's healthcare pulse, giving people a chance to sound off with video "Chat Boxes" that will be set up around major cities this month. With healthcare at the top of California's agenda, the not-for-profit Not-for-profit An organization established for charitable, humanitarian, or educational purposes that is exempt from some taxes and in which no one in profits or losses. company wants to hear people's concerns, experiences and stories - the good, bad and unbearable - honest and uncensored. The "Chat Box" campaign is part of Blue Shield's broad efforts to acknowledge consumer dissatisfaction with the health insurance industry, as reflected in a Harris Interactive Harris Interactive (NASDAQ: HPOL) is an American market research company that specializes in public opinion research using both telephone and surveys on online panels. The company is the product of a 1996 merger between the Gordon S. Black Company and Louis Harris & Associates. poll released in May 2006. In the report, consumers rated health and managed-care companies just above oil and tobacco, the two lowest-ranking categories, when asked how different industries serve their customers. The company has committed to addressing consumer concerns about the cost and complexity of healthcare, and is asking Californians to share their stories. If someone had trouble understanding their health plan and that impacted their care, couldn't could·n't Contraction of could not. couldn't could not fill out the right codes to get timely treatment for a condition, or just wants to share an opinion about the possibility of universal healthcare, Blue Shield of California wants to hear it. "We're all healthcare consumers and all Californians have vital information to help us improve service," said Doug Biehn, Blue Shield's vice president of corporate marketing. "It's crucial to hear feedback from your customers in any industry, but it's somewhat revolutionary in healthcare. By letting real people have their say, Chat Boxes will provide a roadmap to help us communicate more effectively and provide better service to our members." The video "Chat Boxes" are part of a larger "We (Shield) You" marketing and advertising campaign that highlights problems in healthcare and insurance, and Blue Shield's methods to address them. Some of the most noteworthy stories culled from the "Chat Boxes" will be posted online at www.blueshieldcachatbox.com and might be considered for one of the Company's upcoming television ad spots. As part of its not-for-profit mission, Blue Shield Blue Shield A US not-for-profit health care insurer that is a reimbursement intermediary for physicians. Cf Blue Cross. has long been a leader in advocating for health coverage for all Californians. In 2002, Blue Shield CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Bruce Bruce, Scottish royal family descended from an 11th-century Norman duke, Robert de Brus. He aided William I in his conquest of England (1066) and was given lands in England. Bodaken became the first health plan chief executive in the country to propose a specific plan for universal coverage and the company is actively involved in efforts to enact comprehensive health reform in California this year. The company is also dedicated to making health insurance easier for consumers with improvements like simpler explanations of benefits, customized online portals and instant telephone access to customer service representatives. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company dedicated to providing Californians with access to high quality care at a reasonable price. Founded in 1939, it now has 3.2 million members, 4,200 employees, one of the largest provider networks and more than 20 office locations, providing a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state. In 2006, the company contributed $30 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations Nonprofit Organization An association that is given tax-free status. Donations to a non-profit organization are often tax deductible as well. Notes: Examples of non-profit organizations are charities, hospitals and schools. that improve access to quality healthcare in California. Contact your local agent or broker for more information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield website at www.blueshieldca.com. |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion