New Agreement Announced by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and The University of Texas System

RICHARDSON, Texas and AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and The University of Texas System (The UT System) have announced that they are extending their relationship with the UT SELECT program for The UT System's employees, retirees and dependents.  BCBSTX is honored to have been the System's medical plan administrator since 2001 and this new contract extends the current agreement by another six years.   

"We take pride in the quality of our long-standing relationship with The University of Texas System.  We are pleased this agreement continues our strategic alliance moving forward," said Bert Marshall, president, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. "We will provide The UT System with customized programs and access to the largest provider network in Texas to meet the System's unique needs and continued growth."

"The UT System strives to offer high quality, competitive benefit programs for our employees, retirees and their eligible dependents," said Laura Chambers, Director of Employee Benefits for The University of Texas System.  "The UT System chose BCBSTX for the collaborative approach both organizations employ to deliver innovative solutions to improve the health and wellness of UT SELECT members.  Excellent customer service and access to the largest selection of doctors and hospitals in the state at affordable rates provide peace of mind and security to UT SELECT members."

As a division of the nation's largest member-owned health insurer, BCBSTX's primary motivation is to serve its almost five million members by delivering valued insurance products and solutions. BCBSTX has one of the largest managed care networks in the industry, with more than 60,400 professional providers and 430 hospitals in Texas, while the national BlueCard® network offers more than 930,000 professional providers and more than 5,300 hospitals nationwide.

"As the health care industry continues to evolve, BCBSTX is committed to helping our members navigate important changes to their coverage so they can make better choices and decisions about their health and wellness," continued Marshall.  "We are leading the market with innovative delivery models such as ACOs and medical homes that transform delivery of care while continuing to provide the customer service, benefits and resources that our members expect."

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas -- the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas – is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 40,000 physicians and 400 hospitals to serve 4.8 million members in all 254 counties.  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (which operates Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer and fourth largest health insurer overall.  Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 
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About The University of Texas System
The University of Texas System is one of the nation's largest higher education systems with 15 campuses, including nine academic and six health institutions.  The UT System confers about 35 percent of the state's public university undergraduate degrees and educates 70 percent of Texas' health care professionals.  The 15 campuses and UT System Administration together employ more than 90,000 faculty and staff, making the UT System one of the largest employers in the state. (www.UTSystem.edu)

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas