Health Insurance Blog

Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance companies’ anti fraud investigations caused savings and recoveries of about $350 million for 2008 according to the article “Blue Cross And Blue Shield Companies’ Anti-Fraud Efforts Recover $350 Million In 2008″ found on BCBS’s website. 

According to data released from Blue Cross Blue Shield National Anti-Fraud Department, this is a 43% increase from 2007.  The number of cases opened increased by about 34% and closed cases increased by 43% from 2007 to 2008. 

Approximately 3% of all health care spending is lost to fraud each year according to The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association.  This totals to about $68 billion in losses.  The total savings for all BCBS companies’ anti fraud units and Special Investigative Units was around $7 for every $1 spent on anti fraud efforts.  BCBS is a leader in detecting and following up with fraud according to Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and CEO.

According to the article “Blue Cross Says It Will Cover Swine Flu Vaccine” by Shelia M. Poole on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s website, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia announced this week that it will include the H1N1 virus, also known as the Swine Flu, in its flu vaccine coverages.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia has 3 million members so this is a huge benefit to the state.  They will be covering clinician’s fees and doctor visits for those receiving the H1N1 vaccination.  October is the expected date for the vaccine to be available according to health officials. 

Health care workers, emergency staff, pregnant women, healthy patients between 6 mos and 24 years, those living with children under 6 mos, and people ages 25-64 who are at high risk for illness due to health disorders are the first groups recommended to get the vaccine according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. 

Spokeswoman for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cheryl Monkhouse, states that the majority of their policyholders have vaccine coverage so this offer will be beneficial to many of their customers.