Capital BlueCross partners with Change Healthcare to address costs through new Consumer Engagement, Cost Transparency tools

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Change Healthcare^®, the market leader in consumer engagement and cost transparency, announced today it is partnering with Capital BlueCross to help address the rising costs of health care. In mid-2013, the companies are rolling out Transparency Messenger™, a solution designed to help Capital BlueCross members make informed health care purchases based on value and quality of care at the best cost. The tool will be provided to Capital BlueCross members at no cost.

One of the innovative features of Transparency Messenger is Change Healthcare's Ways to Save Alerts™. This tool proactively notifies customers of opportunities to save on their most common and recurring health care services and prescriptions, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy and maintenance medications.

What makes the tool unique is that the alerts come in the form of e-mails or text messages. Based on claims history, these messages guide people through a simple, three-step process on how to act on a given opportunity, such as switching to a pharmacy closer to their home who charges less for the same medication they currently receive elsewhere.

Capital BlueCross members also will have access to Change Healthcare's complete Transparency Messenger platform, including a cost comparison tool that allows members to proactively search for personalized and relevant costs across medical and pharmacy services. Healthcare University, a series of educational videos, quizzes and challenges that use gamification techniques to improve utilization and teach the basics of health care and how to make value-based decisions, is another tool available through this platform.

"We are committed to providing our members with innovative tools that help them better manage their health and health care costs," said Brooke Nordai, Capital BlueCross director of Product Development. "Change Healthcare offers a streamlined approach to engaging and educating customers so they can become empowered health care consumers who can weigh quality, cost and convenience when making decisions that are tailored to their personal and financial needs."

"With Transparency Messenger, Capital BlueCross members will receive personalized, actionable health information, have the ability to compare health care costs in their geographic area, and, ultimately, take a more active role in their own care," said Douglas Ghertner, president and CEO of Change Healthcare. "We couldn't be more proud to be Capital BlueCross' partner in consumer engagement and cost transparency."

About Change Healthcare
Change Healthcare Corporation (www.changehealthcare.com) launched in 2007 with a mission to engage consumers in obtaining personalized and actionable cost‐savings information that changes the way they purchase healthcare services. Built on a database of medical, dental and pharmacy claims from a national client base, Change Healthcare delivers substantial savings to health plan members and employers. With an average engagement rate of nearly 60 percent, the Company's web‐ based solution, Transparency Messenger™, is the only tool able to generate and proactively communicate immediate savings opportunities customized to the employee, their plan and local area.

About Capital BlueCross
In 2013, Capital BlueCross is celebrating 75 years of serving central Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley residents and businesses as the region's leading health insurer. Through community partnerships and by collaborating with area health care providers, Capital BlueCross brings innovative services and clinical solutions to the marketplace, while expanding and diversifying its comprehensive product portfolio. Committed to delivering medical value to its communities, Capital BlueCross focuses on improving patient satisfaction, enhancing quality of care and reducing costs. The company continues to lead the change in the industry by meeting the evolving health needs of its customers, most recently by entering the retail market and building a first-of-its-kind health and wellness store in the Lehigh Valley called Capital Blue. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, employing more than 1,800 people. More information about Capital BlueCross, its family of businesses, and its offerings for individuals and employers, can be found at capbluecross.com.

SOURCE Change Healthcare