Jeff Stelnik
Senior VP for Strategy, Sales & Marketing Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona continued from page 180 patients after release, resulting in a reduction in admissions and “saving our customers tens of millions we anticipate this year, which leads to lower premiums down the road,” he said.
•
A mobile app helps customers find urgent care centers, helping to avoid pricy emergency room visits when urgent care is appropriate, and a pharmacy cost calculator allows customers to compare prescription costs at different pharmacies.
•
In 2015, BCBSAZ will introduce a tool that Stelnik described as a cost and quality tool, where patients can review facilities and physicians and view quality metrics, helping customers to make informed choices.
“It’s not all about cost,” Stelnik said. “You need to find the best doctor to give you the right treatment, but cost is a big factor. We can help customers manage their health and wealth.” Rich Boals, BCBSAZ president and CEO, said staying local allows the company to understand customers’ needs. “Members can count on local service from an organization that knows them,” Boals said. “And we’ll continue to listen to Arizonans so we can develop products and programs that meet our state’s specific healthcare needs.” The company expects to grow by 60,000 to 70,000 customers this year and has experienced growth every year for more than a decade, Stelnik said. This fall will bring open enrollment for the Medicare Advantage program for seniors. The company hopes to branch into Medicaid in the future. Another area of potential growth is Pima County’s uninsured population of about 200,000. “We want to be at the forefront of education to these individuals to help them understand the value of insurance, the intricacies, complexities, opportunities and challenges of the healthcare law and the value that Blue Cross brings continued on page 184 >>> 182 BizTucson
<<<
Fall 2014
www.BizTucson.com
PHOTO: BRENT G. MATHIS
BizMILESTONE