Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Introduces BlueComplements Discount Program

JACKSONVILLE, FL (December 18, 2001) -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) has introduced a new discount program for its members called BlueComplements. This new program provides discounts on a variety of services, including vision care, hearing exams and hearing aids, mail ordering of contact lenses and several forms of complementary health care, such as acupuncture and chiropractic services. BlueComplements also includes access to PersonalPath.com, a health care website with personally relevant health information and resources.

"BlueComplements provides more value to our members without additional costs," said Judi Williams, product manager. "As health care cost continue to rise, this is another way we can provide our members with additional benefits and value at no extra cost." BlueComplements is free to BCBSF members and is accessible simply by showing participating providers a BCBSF or Health Options ID card. Some BCBSF health plans may already cover some services available through BlueComplements. Members should exhaust their covered benefits before taking advantage of BlueComplements.

Programs available to members through BlueComplements include:

Healthy Alternatives
Healthy Alternatives is a complementary health care discount program. Members can receive discounts of up to 25 percent or more off services provided by chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists. Discounts on thousands of health and wellness products, such as vitamins and minerals, herbal supplements, and books and videos are also available through a link to Healthyroads, a complementary web-based health and wellness resource.

Vision
One Members can receive comprehensive vision care with significant savings on eye exams and eyewear through VisionOne. Discounts of up to 60 percent off retail prices for frames and lenses are available at participating optical departments at Sears, JCPenney Optical, Pearle Vision Centers and other independent vision care centers throughout Florida.

TruVision
Laser vision correction services are available through TruVision with surgeons who are credentialed in refractive surgery. The discounted fee for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida members is $895 per eye. TruVision also provides discounts on contact lenses that are 15 percent lower than other national contact lens mail-order programs.

HEARx
Members can receive free hearing exams and 25 percent discounts off hearing aids purchased at HEARx centers. Information about hearing loss and options for improved hearing are also available through the program.

PersonalPath.com
PersonalPath.com is a health care website that utilizes powerful personalization features and provides independent health information and resources. The site's features allow members to create Personal Health Records, look up diseases, check drug-to-drug interactions, read current health news, and locate health-related resources near them. PersonalPath.com protects members' privacy through a patent-pending privacy and security solution that uses de-identified health care information and allows members to remain anonymous while using the site. More information about BlueComplements, including lists of providers and how to access services, is available through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's website, www.bcbsfl.com. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is a leader in Florida's health industry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 5 million Floridians. Since 1944, the company has been dedicated to prov