PHILADELPHIA, July 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), two pillars of the Philadelphia health care community, announced that they have reached an agreement on new long-term contracts. The agreement, which is effective on July 1, 2015, strengthens the long-standing relationship between Independence and CHOP and benefits thousands of families in the region who rely on CHOP's care.
"This agreement gives our members continued access to an institution that is a world leader in children's health and has one of the largest pediatric research programs in the country," said Independence President and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty. "Independence and CHOP will continue collaborating on quality of care to benefit the children of the Philadelphia region."
"We are excited about this new agreement and the benefits it offers to our families," said CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell. "At a time when there are changes happening in health care every day, our relationship with Independence supports our desire to ensure children in the region have access to the health care they need as close to home as possible."
"The health and well-being of children and families in West Philadelphia and the region are of paramount importance to both CHOP and Independence," added Bell.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 10 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 535-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit www.chop.edu.