Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Summerlin Life and Health Insurance Company Enter Into Endorsement Agreement as Summerlin Announces Exit From the Commercial PPO Business...( LAS VEGAS Dec. 15 /- Anthem Blue Cros...),Health

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) and Summerlin Life and Health Insurance Company (Summerlin), a Nevada-based life and health insurance organization, announced today that Summerlin is recommending and endorsing Anthem as the insurer of choice for its members and employer groups as it exits the Nevada commercial PPO business. Anthem and Summerlin have entered into an agreement that facilitates the smooth transition of current Summerlin employer groups to Anthem.

Summerlin and its affiliate companies have been providing high quality health insurance and managed care services in Nevada since 1992. However, recent changes in the health insurance market in Nevada have made it increasingly difficult for a small, local carrier to be competitive. As such, Summerlin has made the strategic decision to exit the Nevada commercial PPO business. They are subsequently recommending Anthem to their current employer groups and members. Summerlin continues to offer PPO products in Hawaii and will provide coverage for its existing accounts until the end of the employer's contract and in accordance with Nevada Revised Statute 689C.320.

"The agreement we entered into with Summerlin links two organizations that have served the needs of Nevada residents for decades. We look forward to presenting Summerlin customers with comprehensive benefit options that will serve them well into the future," said Mike Murphy, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. "Anthem offers a unique position of having national scale while at the same time maintaining a deep local presence in Nevada. That includes providing excellent customer service and broad provider networks, delivering innovative products to our members and maintaining strong community ties."

Summerlin currently insures approximately 10,500 lives in its commercial PPO business in Nevada. It has endorsed Anthem as the insurer of
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