BlueCross BlueShield and BlueChoice HealthPlan Pioneer Global Healthcare Alternative.

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice[R] HealthPlan of South Carolina are streamlining access to medical and surgical treatment at U.S.-accredited facilities overseas. Through BlueCross' Companion Global Healthcare, members will have a single launch point for appointments, information and travel services beginning Feb. 15.

Companion Global Healthcare recently affiliated with JCI-accredited Bumrungrad International Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, as the first hospital in its overseas network, and with World Access for travel services. The Companion Global Healthcare model is the first of its kind in South Carolina and among the first in the United States.

BlueCross BlueShield and BlueChoice HealthPlan members will have access to the program by clicking on a link on the Discounts & Value-Added page on www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com or www.BlueChoiceSC.com or by calling 1-877-232-0765.

"Including a global healthcare alternative reflects our ongoing commitment to help members seek the services they want at competitive prices," said David Boucher, BlueCross assistant vice president of health care services. "In a flattened world of increased price transparency, an international surgical network is a natural next step for those in our membership who want to travel for medical care."

BlueCross BlueShield and BlueChoice HealthPlan went to great lengths to identify credible, experienced organizations to participate in this program. "Bumrungrad treats over 400,000 international patients annually, including 80,000 Americans in 2006, and has over 150 U.S. board-certified doctors," Boucher said.

Bumrungrad International Hospital (www.bumrungrad.com) is Thailand's premier private medical center, a regional referral center for specialty care and a leader in treating international patients. The hospital is a one-stop medical center with more than 750 doctors and 554 beds. It was featured on CBS' 60 Minutes and recently named by Newsweek magazine as one of the top 10 international destinations for medical services. It is Asia's first and Thailand's only hospital accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI). JCI is the international arm of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), which has accredited over 4,000 U.S. hospitals and over 110 facilities elsewhere.

A leading provider of specialty insurance and assistance, World Access (www.worldaccess.com) will arrange and assist with travel services, including transportation and accommodations, air ambulance, and international claims management. World Access is a member of the Mondial Assistance Group and part of the Allianz family of companies.

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina are headquartered in Columbia, S.C. BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina is a wholly owned subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, and both are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. BlueChoice is a registered mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.