CareFirst Leaps Into E-Commerce

From the Desk of Greg Devou:

CareFirst Options Offers Healthy Discounts

Greg Devou

I am pleased to announce to you that CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) is introducing CareFirst Options, the region's first complementary and integrative therapy network and discount program beginning January 1, 2000. CareFirst Options provides discounts on a wide variety of alternative therapies and wellness services including acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care, as well as fitness centers including personal trainers and spas. Yoga classes will be added in June 2000.

By simply being a member of a CareFirst plan (which includes FreeState Health Plan, CapitalCare and any other insurance plan bearing the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield logo on the ID card), members are eligible for this discount program.

In recent years, there has been increasing interest among researchers, physicians and the public in unconventional therapies that were at one time considered "alternatives" to traditional medical treatments. Recent studies show that four out of ten Americans use alternative therapies.

CareFirst recognizes that there is a place for these therapies in a patient's health care, not as an alternative, but as a complement to traditional medical services.

We have partnered with OneBody, a leader in the field of credentialed integrative medicine programs, to offer all CareFirst members discounts from 15% to 25% on certain complementary treatments and therapies. Members will not need a physician referral to take advantage of these discounts.

Keep in mind, CareFirst Options is not part of a member's CareFirst benefits, and it is not intended to replace a member's eligible benefits. It is a discount program and will not increase a group's premium. There are no claim forms, and CareFirst does not reimburse members or practitioners. The member simply has to show his/her ID card at the time of service and pay the discounted rate to the practitioner.

OneBody will develop the CareFirst Options provider network in our service area this fall and will continue to manage it. OneBody will also perform all provider credentialing. To participate in the program, practitioners must follow OneBody's stringent credentialing process, which carefully evaluates training, licensure and experience. OneBody will have a dedicated member services line to handle inquiries from our members.

For additional information about our new discount program, please call the toll-free CareFirst Options member services line at 1-888-999-4140 or visit our Web site www.carefirst.com and click on the Looking for CareFirst Options? icon. CareFirst Options positions us as an innovative company providing a program that no other regional insurance carrier currently offers. I am certain that you will find this program a valuable tool when selling any of our CareFirst products.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Devou
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer