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VVMC Partners with Anthem to Offer New Affordable Mountain Health Plan

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.

About Vail Valley Medical Center
From modest beginnings in 1965 VVMC has grown into one of the world's most advanced mountain hospitals providing Olympic-quality sports medicine leading evidence-based research modern cancer care and extensive cardiology services – all top-quality services with exceptional outcomes. An independent nonprofit medical center VVMC keeps hundreds of jobs and resources local better serving our community and visitors. Providing superior health services with compassion and exceptional outcomes VVMC offers expanding services low infection rates free community services and top-rated patient satisfaction scores.

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