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Blue Shield of California Makes Understanding Health Care Issues Easier for Consumers

Posted on: Tuesday, 30 June 2009, 10:00 CDT

-Health Plan Earns 22 Communication Awards in 6 Months-

SAN FRANCISCO, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Reflecting its ongoing effort to help consumers understand their health care options, Blue Shield of California has been awarded 22 communications honors in the last six months. The not-for-profit plan won awards from organizations including the Webbys, ADDYs and the Association of National Advertisers, that acknowledge the company's website design, marketing programs and more.

"We are honored to be recognized for our dedication to helping consumers navigate the health care system and make informed decisions about their health," said Doug Biehn, vice president of corporate marketing at Blue Shield of California. "At Blue Shield, we listen very closely to what our customers want and need from our marketing and branding efforts, and we work hard to make sure we're serving those specific needs in new and different ways."

According to a recent McKinsey Retail Healthcare Consumer Survey, most consumers are confused and unprepared when it comes to health care. The study suggests that insurers need to fill that gap by educating consumers about health-related financial risks, clarifying communications, and engaging consumers to help them better manage their health. To that end, Blue Shield developed a campaign last year titled "California Uncovered" to educate and engage consumers about California's 6.7 million uninsured. The campaign served as a grassroots platform for Californians to learn about the uninsured, share their opinions with legislators, and send emails to elected officials in support of legislation to make health insurance coverage accessible and affordable to all Californians.

In recognition of the "California Uncovered" campaign's success in connecting consumers to major health care issues, the campaign and its website, www.letsshieldcalifornia.com was awarded the following honors:

• Interactive Media Council -- Interactive Media Award for Best in Class Insurance Website
• Internet Advertising Competition -- Best Insurance Website
• World Wide Web Health Awards -- Gold Award, Insurance website; Best Interactive Site
• ADDY Awards -- Gold for mixed media campaign; Gold for the website
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association -- Best of Blue Award for Best Consumer Marketing
• American Business Awards -- Finalist, Insurance Marketing Campaign
• Webby Awards -- Nominee, Best Insurance Website
• Applied Arts -- Interactive Media Award - Best in Category
• New York Festivals Advertising Awards -- Digital/Interactive Finalist, Avant-Garde Competition Finalist
• Interactive Media Awards -- Top Ten Websites of the Year

Blue Shield was also honored with the following awards for its wellness initiatives, including Healthy Lifestyle Rewards, a program that helps members adopt and maintain healthy lifestyle habits:

• Showcase of Print Excellence -- Bronze and Silver awards
• American In-house Design Awards -- Certificate of Excellence
• Internet Advertising Competition -- Best Health Care Email Messaging

Similar recent awards won by Blue Shield of California include:

• American In-house Design Awards -- Certificates of Excellence
• Showcase of Print Excellence -- Gold award for Sales Activator; Bronze award in Broker Resources
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association -- Best of Blue Award for Best Business-to-Business Communications; Best of Blue Award for Best New Account Marketing
• Internet Advertising Competition -- Best Insurance Interactive Application

Background on Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health plan dedicated to providing Californians with access to high quality care at a reasonable price. Founded in 1939, it now has 3.4 million members, 4,800 employees, one of the largest provider networks and more than 20 office locations, providing a wide range of commercial and government products throughout the state. The company has contributed $100 million over the past three years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation to fund nonprofit organizations that improve access to quality health care in California. Contact your local agent or broker for more information about Blue Shield products and services, or visit the Blue Shield web site at www.blueshieldca.com.

CONTACT: Erica Perng Media Relations Consultant (415) 229-6171 erica.perng@blueshieldca.com

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Source: PR Newswire

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