[November 13, 2012]

Anthem Blue Cross, University of California Health Form Alliance

Anthem Blue Cross and University of California Health - UC's medical centers and health professional schools - announced today the launch of a groundbreaking alliance aimed at addressing some of the most critical issues facing the state's health care delivery system. Under this new agreement, Anthem and UC Health will focus on care innovation and California health policy development with the purpose of improving access to affordable, quality health care for California residents. The parties have named this joint venture the California Health Alliance. Both expect an enduring and productive association that will benefit the people of California.

With all five of the world-class UC academic health centers in Anthem's network, both organizations have a long-standing history of serving residents throughout the state and are uniquely positioned to understand the health care needs of Californians. And, as the state prepares to expand health care through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), both organizations believe that today more than ever a collaboration of this type can effectively address the impact expected on the state's health delivery system as more residents prepare to access medical services.

Among some of the initial areas of focus of this alliance will be the development of accountable care models to better manage costly chronic conditions and the expansion of alternate delivery systems, such as telemedicine to encourage wellness and prevention and, provide access to health care for residents in rural areas. In addition, this new alliance is expected to provid opportunities for research, analysis, literature development and policy recommendations.

"We know that residents of the state look to a future that includes access to quality health care that is affordable," said Pam Kehaly, president of Anthem Blue Cross. "By teaming with the University of California Health, we are bringing together some of the most innovative minds to help us achieve a common goal: to improve the health and wellness of California residents."

"As two of the state's leading organizations, this new affiliation has the ability to revolutionize California's health care delivery system," said John Stobo, M.D., senior vice president for UC Health. "By coming together, we know we can develop meaningful research, policy and best practices that can be leveraged on a broader scale to help improve the state's health care system and the health of the population at large."

About Anthem Blue Cross:

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook (News - Alert) at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube (News - Alert) channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

About UC Health:

University of California Health includes five academic health centers - UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, UC San Diego and UC San Francisco - with 10 hospitals and 18 health professional schools and programs on seven UC campuses. For more information, visit http://health.universityofcalifornia.edu.

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