PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 16, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following statement was issued today by Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Philadelphia-based Independence Blue Cross regarding the "Healthy PA" initiative that was announced today by Governor Tom Corbett:
"We all share one goal: helping people get healthy and stay healthy. We salute the 'Healthy PA' initiative which Governor Tom Corbett announced today. It's a thoughtful, innovative approach to expanding access to high quality, affordable health care for all Pennsylvanians.
"As our nation experiences the most sweeping transformation of health care in decades, the Governor's multi-faceted initiative advocates expanding the number of children covered by CHIP, funding clinics, leveraging technology, as well as promoting public health, and expanding coverage to the uninsured in Pennsylvania. Improving the quality of care, finding affordable ways to expand coverage to needy residents, and reining in medical costs is vital to the economic and social well-being of our state and is consistent with the mission of Independence Blue Cross to enhance the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve.
"We support health care reform that provides not only Pennsylvanians but all Americans access to affordable, quality health care regardless of health status. We stand ready to work with the Corbett Administration as these proposals move forward.
"IBC's Medicaid managed care subsidiary, AmeriHealth Caritas, is uniquely positioned to help the state's most vulnerable residents. The company is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for the underserved and Pennsylvania's largest Medicaid managed care provider, with health plans (AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania, Keystone First and AmeriHealth Northeast) that serve Medicaid recipients in 53 of the state's 67 counties."
About Independence Blue Cross
Proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania serving more than seven million people nationwide, including 2.2 million in the region. We are 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 about how we're changing the game, 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.