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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Recognizes Town of Chelmsford for Improving the Health of their Workforce and Lowering Health Care Costs

BOSTON — April 16, 2014 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), the trusted health plan of municipal and governmental  organizations for more than 75 years, announced today that the Town of Chelmsford is one of the winners of its sixth annual Municipal Blue Innovation Awards. The award will be presented, along with a $5,000 wellness grant, to Chelmsford on April 17 at 11 a.m. Chelmsford receives its benefits through the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the nonprofit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA).

 

“We understand the business complexities that municipalities face on a daily basis and we’ve worked hard to be their trusted advisor and resource,” said Larry Croes, BCBSMA’s Vice President of Commercial & Municipal Markets. “Chelmsford is a shining example of the benefits that can result by working cohesively to contain costs. We are honored to partner with such a forward-thinking leader.”

Find out what's happening in Chelmsfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

The Municipal Blue Innovation Awards highlight the new and inventive cost containment measures, collaborative and customized worksite wellness programs, and innovative health plan designs utilized by municipalities throughout the state.

Find out what's happening in Chelmsfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

 

Chelmsford is being recognized for their team effort in stabilizing cost increases. Chelmsford’s Town Manager and their Public Employee Committee (PEC) worked collaboratively to reach a three-year agreement to stabilize cost increases for 2015-2017, while also broadening wellness initiatives for employees.  The $5,000 wellness grant will help the Town implement a three year wellness program called Well Power.  The Well Power program is based on clinical data provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Nurse Case Managers to help the Town manage their costs while improving the health of their employees.

 

“Moving to these innovative plans through MIIA and Blue Cross will help us manage our health care costs over the next three years,” said Paul Cohen, Chelmsford Town Manager. “We are honored to accept this Innovation Award, as it is a true testament to all the hard work by our leadership team and the Public Employee Committee. The grant will help us design a wellness program that best meets the need of our employee population, and help them lead healthier lifestyles.”

 

BCBSMA has been serving Massachusetts cities, towns and regional school districts and their families for over 75 years, and 79 percent of MA municipal entities are BCBSMA customers.  Blue Cross is committed to partnering with Municipalities to reduce health care costs while improving the health of their employees. To learn more about BCBSMA’s Municipal Blue health plans and wellness options call: 617-246-7500.

 

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are the trusted health plan for more than 31,500 Massachusetts employers and are committed to working with others in a spirit of shared responsibility to make quality health care affordable. Consistent with our corporate promise to always put our 2.8 million members first, we are rated among the nation’s best health plans for member satisfaction and quality.  Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+.

 

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