Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia Introduces New Generation of Consumer Driven Healt...( Lumenos suite of products helps cons...),Health

Lumenos suite of products helps consumers manage costs and adopt healthier

lifestyles

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia is now offering new health plan options for employers and individuals that will change the way consumers think about health care-helping them to lead healthier lives and gain control over the rising cost of care. These consumer driven health products (CDHPs) and services will be available for large and small businesses, and individuals, effective Jan. 1, 2008.

"Anthem members who choose these consumer-driven products will have better support to help them lead healthier lives," said Tom Byrd, president, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia. "These plans give consumers the decision-making power and control to direct how they want to spend their health care dollars. For physicians, the products help create more informed patients who know what kind of questions to ask. And for employers, these products help engage employees and make them active partners in helping to control the rising cost of health care. More informed consumers can make better health care decisions."

Anthem will offer the following core consumer-driven health products:

* Lumenos(R) Health Reimbursement Account

* Lumenos Health Savings Account

* Lumenos Health Incentive Account

* Lumenos Health Incentive Account Plus

Anthem's CDHP options will combine an employee- and/or employer-funded health account with traditional PPO health coverage. Each is paired with powerful online decision support tools, and personal health coaching, that consumers can use to learn more about their health care treatment and cost options. Extensive preventive care, and smoking cessation and weight management programs are also benefits of the products.

Not only does Anthem's Lumenos suite of products put consumers more in control of their health
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