Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Releases New Mobile App for iPhone and Android

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) makes finding health care solutions easier for Floridians with the introduction of its first Florida Blue mobile app for the iPhone® and Android™ Smartphones.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000427/BLUELOGOA )

Designed to help consumers save time and money, and stay healthy, the company's latest mobile innovation brings health care to owners of iPhones and Android smartphones. By downloading the free app, members and non-members can easily get important health care information and tools to manage their health, as well as details about their BCBSF health plan and benefits, with just a tap.

"As a leader in Florida's health care industry, BCBSF is focused on becoming a health solutions company by providing consumers better products and services they need via their channel of choice. Our mobile app offers another solution––giving our consumers access to the information they need––whenever they need it," said Craig Thomas, chief marketing and strategy officer for BCBSF. "The new Florida Blue mobile app allows us to instantaneously provide relevant health tools and information while on the go."

Last year, BCBSF launched its mobile website with great success. Now, members can view their ID card and get benefit details and plan information such as deductibles, Health Savings Account (HSA) balance, and recent claims updates––instantly. Members can also find a doctor based on their plan's network, tap to save it to their contacts and map to the location. If a member leaves the doctor's office with a prescription in hand, they can save money by comparing drug costs at local pharmacies.

Other tools and information are available for both members and non-members such as real-time updates on weather forecasts combined with weather-related health alerts such as pollen, air quality and UV levels along with tips for managing their asthma and allergy symptoms. The app also offers all users information on Florida Blue center health events based on GPS location and a health toolkit feature with tools such as the health check where by entering age and gender users receive a list of recommended health screenings and immunizations for themselves, or their family. Users can download free ringtones, enter monthly sweepstakes, and share news and information about health care reform and videos of real people in the pursuit of health, with family and friends via Facebook and Twitter™.

With a goal of giving Floridians faster access to health care information and tools from wherever they are, BCBSF focused on convenience, simplicity and value when designing the apps.

"The new Florida Blue app for iPhone and Android is the newest mobile solution available to Floridians. We are focused on understanding the needs of mobile users in the context of their health when on the go and providing mobile solutions to meet those needs," said Adriana Murillo, director of strategic development for BCBSF.

To find out more information, visit www.bcbsfl.com/mobile.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is a leader in Florida's health industry. Since 1944, the company has been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all those it serves by offering an array of choices. BCBSF is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its Web site at www.bcbsfl.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.