Florida Blue and Baptist Health Collaborate on myBlue: Two Health Care Leaders Partner to Increase Access and Affordability with New Health Plan

With the beginning of open enrollment on the federal marketplace, health insurance leader Florida Blue has unveiled myBlue — a new, low cost and comprehensive product to meet the needs of South Florida’s diverse community. Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, collaborated with Baptist Health South Florida to ensure the new product improved access to care, included generous benefits and offered the desired network of high-quality providers.

“Florida Blue and Baptist Health have enjoyed a longstanding partnership and we share a deep concern and commitment to making health care more accessible and affordable for the community,” said Penny Shaffer, market president for Florida Blue. “myBlue is the result of listening to our customers and our community, and to working together on a low-cost solution to manage health care and health costs.”

The new myBlue plan is an innovative HMO product designed for consumers under 65 who qualify for federal subsidies on the marketplace. The product is available in 10 Florida counties including Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. myBlue offers complete health coverage from wellness checkups to serious illness, and it includes prescription drugs. Florida Blue carefully selected primary care doctors committed to working closely with individuals and families on coordinating their health care needs, helping them stay healthy and saving them money.

As the patient’s care coordinator, the myBlue primary care doctor ensures each member gets the most appropriate care. That myBlue primary care doctor can manage a member’s necessary care with Baptist’s team of physician specialists. In addition, members of myBlue in Miami-Dade and Broward counties have the option of utilizing Baptist Health hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health is the largest health care organization in South Florida, with seven area hospitals and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities.

“There are still too many South Floridians without insurance, and Baptist Health is proud that this partnership provides a new option for many people,” said Ralph Lawson, executive vice president and chief financial officer for Baptist Health. “We believe people will be drawn to an affordable solution designed to keep them healthy and which allows them access to our high-quality Baptist Health facilities and specialists.”

myBlue offers comprehensive benefits presented to members in an easy-to-understand format. Most routine services are covered with simple copays. There is no copay for preventive or primary care doctor visits, routine lab work, or for immunizations and vaccinations. In addition, there is no copay for a three-month supply of mail-order generic maintenance medications or for children’s eye exams and lenses. myBlue members also have access to 24/7 online service.

“Whether preventative or routine care, or treating a chronic condition, we must engage everyone involved in managing a patient’s care,” Shaffer said. “Florida Blue is deeply committed to innovation and collaboration on the journey to improving health care outcomes and access, and to lowering costs.”

About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield company, is a leader in Florida’s health care industry. Driven by its mission to help people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue has more than 4 million health care members across the state. An additional 15.5 million people in 16 states are served through its affiliated companies. Florida Blue is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.FloridaBlue.com.

About Baptist Health South Florida
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital) and nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities spanning three counties. The not-for-profit Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,200 affiliated physicians, and also includes Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Outpatient Services and internationally renowned centers of excellence. Baptist Health Foundation, the organization’s fundraising arm, supports services at all hospitals and facilities. Baptist Health was listed by Fortune magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America (#23 in the nation) and has remained on the list for 15 years. It was also recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fifth year in a row by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.BaptistHealth.net.

Media Contact: Georgi Pipkin, Corporate Manager, 786-596-3309, [email protected]; Doug Bartel, Senior Director of Media Relations, 305-921-7007, [email protected]