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BlueChoice Pumps Up Regional
Strength of CareFirst Product Line
CareFirst BlueChoice is now available for sales throughout Maryland and the Washington, D.C. region. It is the first truly regional product available from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) since the affiliation of the Maryland and National Capital Area plans in 1998.
The regional network of providers available under CareFirst BlueChoice (BlueChoice) makes it easier for members to receive medical treatment regardless of where they live, work or travel in the region.
| This Special Edition of Sales Source presents useful information about the development of BlueChoice, the unique features of this new product and a report on the recent broker training seminars. Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about BlueChoice can be found by clicking here. |
Quick Background
The foundation of BlueChoice was CapitalCare, an HMO which had been successfully serving members in the Washington metropolitan area for many years. As part of a product streamlining initiative, CareFirst decided to expand the service area of this popular product, rename it and place it in the product mix as the foundation for future managed care consolidation.
In late July, the name change was officially announced and about 122,000 CapitalCare members became BlueChoice members. The new name was chosen because it capitalizes on the strength of the familiar Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand name and makes it easier for customers to recognize BlueChoice as a part of the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield family of products and services.
According to Greg Devou, Executive Vice President of Marketing at CareFirst, "By creating BlueChoice we fulfill our commitment to offer an HMO that can be accessed on a regional basis. It provides several advantages over other available products including an expanded, regional network of providers and specialists, a single claims processing platform to simplify and streamline that function, and a single customer service number to better serve members."
