Independence Blue Cross launches free smartphone service for members IBX Wire gives members convenient way to manage personal health care
Philadelphia, PA- January 7, 2013 – Independence Blue Cross (IBX), the region’s leading health insurer, has contracted with Relay Network, LLC (Relay), a market leader in connecting consumers and businesses, to launch a free, innovative way to provide IBX members with an even higher level of service through timely and valuable communications on their smartphones. IBX Wire, a private, personalized message board, launched this month for all commercial Blue HMO, PPO, and traditional Blue Cross members.
The IBX Wire will allow members to connect directly to Independence Blue Cross through their own private, digital space, making it easier to stay on top of need-to-know personal health information, complete transactions, and get one-to-one support. Members will be invited to turn on the new service when they receive their 2013 IBX health plan ID cards.
“At Independence Blue Cross, our goal is to continue evolving with our members to meet their needs – whether that’s through market-leading health plans or new, customer-focused initiatives, like IBX Wire,” said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence Blue Cross president and CEO. “Caring for our customers is something we’ve always done, but now through IBX Wire we’re changing the game by raising the bar on our commitment and offering an immediate and direct connection to us.”
A new level of customer service
Through IBX Wire, Independence Blue Cross will deliver practical and usable account- and service-based information to members in real time through their private, customized message boards. This direct connection will give members a faster, easier way to stay on top of the status of their accounts, maximize plan benefits, learn ways to save money, and get the support they need from IBX. When information is posted to a member’s personal Wire, a notification is sent to the member’s enrolled mobile device.
In early 2013, IBX members will be able to experience more interactive communications with IBX Wire, including the option to submit questions and get a response via this secure, HIPAA compliant message service.
“IBX Wire connects our members with the information they want, when they want it, and in the format that want to receive it,” said Brian Lobley, Independence Blue Cross senior vice president of marketing and consumer business. “It marks the next step in delivering a consumer experience to our members that is second-to-none.”
“Independence Blue Cross is taking a progressive approach to raising the level of service it provides to its members,” said Matt Gillin, CEO of Relay. “Their team understands that in today’s connected world, it needs to be as easy to communicate with health insurers as it is to stay in touch with friends and family. IBX Wire allows Independence Blue Cross to improve the customer experience by providing an easier way to get things done.”
IBX Wire is a free service for Independence Blue Cross members. Standard message and data rates may apply based on the member’s mobile phone plan. Members have complete control over the number of notifications they receive from IBX.
IBX Wire is not available for Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement coverage, Blue Extra, Medicaid, or CHIP members.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we have 3.1 million members nationwide. For nearly 75 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we’re changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About Relay
Relay is a simple and secure way for businesses and customers to instantly connect and share private communications in real-time. Through a direct mobile interface, consumers can quickly and easily complete transactions, access timely information, and get one-to-one support from the businesses and organizations that matter most in their lives. Headquartered in greater Philadelphia, PA, Relay is backed by NewSpring Capital, First Round Capital, and ICG. For more information, visit www.relaynetwork.com. Relay, Relay Wire, and Wire are trademarks and service marks of Relay Network, LLC.
Contacts:
Kathleen Conlon
215.241.4576
Kathleen.Conlon@ibx.com
Michelle Musburger
773.230.0629
mmusburger@relaynetwork.com
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