News Releases

Media Center | News Releases | Contact Info | Mission | Fact Sheet | Leadership Bios | Images | Annual Reports | Legislation & Mandates | Blue Sites & Industry Links | Affiliates | History & Timeline

WASHINGTON, DC (July 30, 2008) - CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst) has been nationally recognized as a "Best of Blue" insurer for providing stellar customer service to its 541,203 Federal Employee Program (FEP) members in the District of Columbia and Maryland, by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). CareFirst's National Capital Area plan has been awarded "Best of Blue" for excellent service 11 consecutive years, a national record. The Maryland affiliate has received the distinction five of the past seven years.

Jeff Defibaugh, BCBSA Account Executive, visited CareFirst FEP office locations throughout the region to present the awards. "It is an honor to present these awards to the staffs at all three CareFirst offices. Associates can be very proud of the dedicated service they provide to their Federal employees. Congratulations for an outstanding year."

CareFirst was recognized in both Maryland and the National Capital Area for:

• Overall Plan Excellence
• Claims Processing
• Customer Service
• Maintaining Low Operational and Administrative Costs
• Increasing FEP Membership

CareFirst's National Capital Area plan rated 10th overall out of 59 FEP Blues plans nationwide, with Maryland ranking 5th. In 2007, CareFirst processed more than 9.5 million claims and handled more than 1.1 million calls from its FEP members. FEP enrollment increased by 13,085 members, in 2007.

In congratulating CareFirst associates for their work in 2007, Pam Deuterman, CareFirst Senior Vice President of the FEP Administrative Service Unit, summarized the immense effort by her team.

"These awards indicate dedication, perseverance, and most important, pride in your work. It is very difficult to rate among the top 10 plans in the country, even in one year; but to be recognized for an 11th straight year is extraordinary. The "Best of Blue" distinction is a significant accomplishment. We appreciate the Association recognizing our efforts, and we are working even harder to meet the mark again in 2008. Serving our members and providers is our number one priority. We are pleased to have earned this prestigious award for 11 consecutive years."

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, that collectively provide health care coverage for more than 99 million - one in three - Americans. The Association is headquartered in Chicago, Ill., with offices in Washington, D.C.

In its 71st year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care organization which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to nearly 3.3 million individuals and groups in the District of Columbia, Maryland and northern Virginia. Through its CareFirst Commitment initiative and other public mission activities, CareFirst supports efforts to increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas.

E-mail Notifications:

• Sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, or call 1-800-914-6397.
• To unsubscribe from our mailing list, click here.