VAIL CO – In an effort to address high health insurance premiums in Eagle and Summit Counties Vail Valley Medical Center has partnered with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado (Anthem) to offer a plan that lowers individual premiums.

Mountain Enhanced is an HMO plan that will be available to consumers interested in purchasing insurance both on and off the Colorado health exchange marketplace beginning January 1 2015. It is a result of VVMC and Anthem’s combined commitment to finding ways to reduce premium costs and keep healthcare local giving mountain residents the ability to get comprehensive care from physicians and providers in the communities where they live and work.

“As the community’s nonprofit hospital we are committed to finding viable initiatives to address rising health insurance premiums” says VVMC President and CEO Doris Kirchner. “Mountain Enhanced is a good option for individuals to receive quality healthcare close to home and at a reduced premium.”

Mountain Enhanced Blue will be available to individuals purchasing insurance both on and off the Connect for Colorado Health Exchange which begins 2015 enrollment on November 15. It will include Anthem’s unique benefits such as its 24/7 nurse line and 360 degree health and wellness programs like Condition Care which helps members with complex medical conditions receive help following their doctor’s care plan.

“Anthem is committed to providing high-quality affordable healthcare solutions. I commend the leadership at VVMC especially Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer Charlie Crevling for being so willing to step up to make such a difference in the community” said Mike Ramseier president and general manager of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado.

Acerca del Vail Valley Medical Center
Desde sus modestos inicios en 1965, VVMC se ha convertido en uno de los hospitales de montaña más avanzados del mundo, brindando medicina deportiva de calidad olímpica, investigación líder basada en evidencia, atención oncológica moderna y amplios servicios de cardiología, todos servicios de alta calidad con resultados excepcionales. Como centro médico independiente sin fines de lucro, VVMC mantiene cientos de empleos y recursos a nivel local, sirviendo mejor a nuestra comunidad y visitantes. Al brindar servicios de salud superiores con compasión y resultados excepcionales, VVMC ofrece servicios en expansión, bajas tasas de infección, servicios comunitarios gratuitos y las puntuaciones más altas de satisfacción del paciente.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service Inc. an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com. Follow Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn or visit their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

Emily Tamberino
Communications & Publications Manager Vail Valley Medical Center