A New Focus on Maine Businesses

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is now offering Blue View Vision(SM), an affordable and flexible vision plan that provides access to more than 125 network providers across the state, and more than 50,000 providers and provider locations nationwide.

The Blue View Vision(SM) network includes ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians. In addition to private practitioners, Blue View Vision(SM)'s broad national network includes retailers like LensCrafters®, Sears® Optical and Pearle Vision® locations.  

"According to a study from the Vision Council of America, vision disorders account for more than $8 billion in lost productivity for American businesses each year," said Dan Corcoran, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.  "Further, the study also states that uncorrected vision can decrease employee performance by as much as 30 percent.  That's why we're especially pleased to offer this new benefit to Maine employers.  Under the Blue View Vision(SM) plan, employees can receive access to the quality care they need quickly and conveniently."

Blue View Vision(SM) members are entitled to a number of important benefits and discounts on products and services, including comprehensive eye examinations and coverage for lenses and frames or contact lenses. Members also enjoy additional savings of up to 40 percent on the purchase of extra pairs of eyewear, conventional contact lenses, lens treatments, specialized lenses and other non-covered items, even after they've exhausted their covered benefits.

With many provider locations open evenings and weekends, members also have greater flexibility when scheduling appointments. And as many people buy glasses on evenings and weekends, Blue View Vision(SM) customer service is available seven days a week to answer questions.

Regular eye exams are important for any age, but particularly so for older workers. The National Eye Institute estimates that millions of Americans age 40 and older experience blindness, low vision or an age-related eye disease, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts or diabetic retinopathy.

"An eye exam is one of the best forms of preventive medicine today," said Jeffrey Holmstrom, D.O., medical director, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine.  "We think it is important to offer an integrated health benefits plan that includes medical and vision coverage to consumers with important preventative services that focus on overall well-being and good health."

He added that when Anthem members are covered by Blue View Vision and 360 Degree Health ConditionCare Diabetes programs, they can also be enrolled in the Diabetic Program.  "This enables us to help them proactively manage their condition if their vision claim includes a diabetic-related diagnosis. By integrating medical and vision services, we can help employers and their employees reduce health care costs through prevention and early detection and management of medical conditions," he said. Dr. Holmstrom, in addition to serving as Anthem's medical director, maintains an active primary care practice.  

With Blue View Vision(SM) now available in Maine, Anthem offers employers a single source for a comprehensive, competitive total insurance package that can help them to recruit, engage and retain employees.

About Anthem

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.  

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine