MILWAUKEE, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Not just for teens anymore - social networking and media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are being used by adults to interact with their friends, families and to gain information. Now, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield members can add these tools to the list of ways to interact with their health insurer. In an effort to remain engaged and responsive to its members like never before, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is leveraging highly interactive social media communities as a way to interact with its members, and for members to interact with Anthem.
"At Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we understand that more teens, adults and even seniors are logging online to tweet, network, or blog about their daily activities, likes, dislikes, among other things," said Larry Schreiber, president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin. "Tools such as Twitter and Facebook provide an additional means of communicating with our members and all consumers in the communities we serve in a way that's convenient and of interest for them."
Currently, Anthem is piloting a program in which it uses Twitter to identify members who may have questions or concerns about their health benefits. Twitter allows Anthem to communicate and stay connected through the exchange of quick, real time conversation, and respond to each tweet about Anthem. Members can follow Anthem on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AnthemHealth.
Twitter is also one component of Anthem's collaboration with Bob Harper from the "The Biggest Loser" to provide information and tools to help members and people in our communities live healthy lives. After only two months since the launch, more than 12,000 people are following Bob's regular tweets with tips on how to get healthy and stay healthy at www.twitter.com/BobHarperAnthem.
Additionally, Anthem is utilizing Facebook (www.facebook.com/anthemhealthfootprint) to create a community where people can interact with Anthem and with each other, and learn about how our health is connected and how one person's healthy behaviors can positively affect someone else's health behaviors. Anthem is also launching a brand channel on YouTube (www.youtube.com/AnthemHealthConnects) to create a vital and viral community around health and wellness.
"Building relationships with our members and showing the human face of our company is critical, especially today when so many rely on online tools and communications for all aspects of their life, but even more so with something as personal as health care," said Kate Quinn, vice president of corporate marketing for Anthem's parent company. "Social media provide a great opportunity for us to engage our members, listen to them and be more responsive."
About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name used by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin ("BCBSWi") and Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation ("Compcare"), independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. (R)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 and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com.
SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin
