Current News Releases
Wellmark voluntarily delays individual market rate increases
March 16, 2010
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield evaluates the need for rate increases very carefully to ensure we continue to provide the best value to our members.
Wellmark Featured in the Sunday, March 7, 2010 edition of The Des Moines Register
March 8, 2010
Register column focuses on the cultural changes leading to higher insurance premiums.
5,280 Feet to Fitness
Inaugural 'Grand Blue Mile' Street Run slated for April 20
February 23, 2010
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Drake Relays are taking fitness to the streets – literally, by announcing the establishment of the Grand Blue Mile, a premier sports and fitness event blending community wellness and world-class athletic competition.
Understanding Rate Increases
February 19, 2010
Rate increases from health insurers have been in the news lately, and Wellmark is no exception.
Iowa hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers for spinal surgery, knee and hip replacement
January 28, 2010
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has designated 12 Iowa hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers for Knee and Hip ReplacementSM, and nine Iowa hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers for Spinal SurgerySM.
South Dakota hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers for knee and hip replacement, spinal surgery recipient
January 28, 2010
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has designated two South Dakota hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers;® for knee and hip replacement, and spinal surgery.
Avera St. Luke's Hospital brings on-site wellness services to SD communities
January 25, 2010
Avera St. Luke's Hospital offers wellness screening services to employers in their home community.
Wellmark receives Partnership's annual Diversity Award
January 22, 2010
The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Diversity Committee has selected Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Iowa as its 2010 Diversity Award recipient.
COBRA, or an individual health insurance policy?
December 28, 2009
Thousands of unemployed Iowans and South Dakotans will be faced with a difficult choice in 2010: continue paying for health benefits through their former employer (COBRA or state continuation), or purchase an individual health insurance policy for themselves or their family.
Hosford named pharmacy director
December 22, 2009
Matt Hosford, RPH, has been named director of pharmacy for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Glidden residents take 25 million steps to better health
Glidden-Ralston Junior-Senior High School to host walkers during winter months
December 14, 2009
Suzy Danner knows how to start a community wellness program… one step at a time.
Navigating the holiday buffet obstacle course
December 11, 2009
Maintaining a healthy weight through the holidays can be easy if you set limits on what, and how much, you eat.
Time running out for Medicare drug plan changes
December 11, 2009
Time is running out for seniors with Medicare drug coverage to make changes to their insurance plans.
Walk the halls of GMG Elementary for better health
December 08, 2009
GMG Community Schools is opening one of its facilities to the public to encourage physical activity during the winter months.
Understanding the true cost of health care
Tips to help consumers lower their health care costs
November 24, 2009
When health insurance picks up most of the cost of your medical care, it can be easy not to think – or even care – about how the rest of the bill is paid. Gaining an awareness of your health costs, however, is the first step in keeping your health insurance costs down.
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. Ranks in the Top 100 Plans in U.S. According to U.S. News & World Report/NCQA Report
November 19, 2009
“America’s Best Health Insurance Plans 2009-10,” a ranking of commercial managed care plans published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), has just been released. Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. ranked 63rd out of 239 ranked plans.
Making time for exercise
Easy workouts for busy people
November 10, 2009
When it comes to regular exercise, Americans have no shortage of excuses. But according to Mollie Keitges, senior program manager at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Well for Life Center, anyone can find time to exercise at the office, during a busy weekend, or even while traveling.
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa named 'excellent' for ninth consecutive year
October 29, 2009
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. has been awarded Excellent accreditation status – for the ninth consecutive year – from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
Give kids a treat: Trim the Halloween loot
October 27, 2009
Not that long ago, trick-or-treating meant getting one small piece of candy at each door.
Wellmark receives Economic Impact Award
Partnership recognizes job creation, capital investment, new headquarters
October 26, 2009
The Greater Des Moines Partnership has recognized Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with a 2009 Economic Impact Award.
Eat more, lose more?
Too much time between meals raises risk of overeating
October 19, 2009
Many dieters try to cut calories by skipping breakfast. Or eating a healthy breakfast and then skipping lunch. Or cutting out snacks during the day.
American Cancer Society, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield host seminar for healthy businesses and communities
October 12, 2009
The American Cancer Society and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota will host a seminar in November to improve health in South Dakota businesses and communities.
Vermeer Hosts Family Stress Management Night
October 9, 2009
Vermeer Corporation and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield are teaming up to help families learn how to manage and relieve stress.
The evolution of health coverage: Wellmark celebrates 60th anniversary in South Dakota
September 28, 2009
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is celebrating 60 years of service to its South Dakota members in 2009.
The evolution of health coverage: Wellmark celebrates 70th anniversary in Iowa
September 28, 2009
Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is celebrating 70 years of service to its Iowa members in 2009.
Is it a cold, or is it the flu?
Eight ways to tell the difference
September 15, 2009
The cold and flu season is fast approaching, and we hear more every day about the dangers of H1N1.
Wellmark Wellness Coordinators Offer Free Stress Workshop in Bettendorf
September 1, 2009
Stress is always around us – at work, at home, and just about everywhere in between.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield to Cover H1N1 Vaccine
August 31, 2009
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today that it will cover administration of the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to the public.
Regional Health Signs Agreement with Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
August 24, 2009
Regional Health and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield have reached a mutually beneficial, five-year agreement that covers both Spearfish Regional Hospital and Rapid City Regional Hospital.
The Wellmark Foundation Funds Eight Health Improvement Projects in Iowa
August 1, 2009
The Wellmark Foundation funded eight health improvement grants in Iowa totaling $488,902 at its recent board of directors meeting.
The Wellmark Foundation Funds Two Health Improvement Projects in South Dakota
August 1, 2009
The Wellmark Foundation funded two health improvement grants in South Dakota totaling $167,725 at its recent board of directors meeting.
Wellmark Announces Results of Physical Medicine Pilot on Quality
July 30, 2009
After only one year, a pilot program designed to measure patient quality of care shows significant clinical outcomes and health care cost reductions.
Wellmark Announces Retirement of Senior Executive, Peter Roberts and Reassignments of Other Top Executives
July 22, 2009
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield CEO John Forsyth recently announced the retirement of senior executive Peter Roberts, group vice president of the provider relations and health management division.
Des Moines Playhouse, Wellmark Host Community Night for Area Nonprofits
July 20, 2009
Approximately 399 children, one for every seat in the Des Moines Playhouse’s mainstage theater, attended a special preview performance of Disney’s High School Musical 2 co-hosted by the Playhouse and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield on Thursday, July 16.
H1N1 Flu Information
April 27, 2009
Wellmark is closely monitoring the H1N1 flu situation and encouages everyone to stay informed
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Joins National Workplace Fitness Effort
April 17, 2009
Employees Join Thousands of Americans for National Walk @ Lunch DaySM on April 18
Cost Savings Offered to Members Who Try Generic Statins
January 21, 2009
The generic statin copay waiver program is available to the more than a million Wellmark members
Wellness Coordinators Offer Weight Loss Help for the New Year
December 23, 2008
Wellmark’s Wellness Coordinators help members keep their New Year’s resolutions to lose weight
Blue Distinction Centers Improve Cardiac Care Outcomes - South Dakota
November 18, 2008
Readmission rates for certain procedures performed at Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care are lower than at other hospitals.
Blue Distinction Centers Improve Cardiac Outcomes - Iowa
November 18, 2008
Readmission rates for certain procedures performed at Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care are lower than at other hospitals
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa Ranks in the Top Third of U.S. Health Plans
November 7, 2008
The plan ranked 52nd among 239 ranked plans, according to U.S. News and World Report/NCQA “America’s Best Health Plans 2008”
Wellmark First in Nation to Measure Well-Being of Health Plan Members & Employees
October 15, 2008
Wellmark is the first employer and health plan in the United States to engage in a well-being analysis of both its employees and plan members using the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
Wellmark Forum Offers Employers Peek at the Future of Business, Health Care
October 7, 2008
Forum brought together more than 300 Iowa & South Dakota business leaders to share best practices and insights to create healthier and more productive workplaces
Wellmark Earns 2nd Prestigious WELCOA Platinum Well Workplace Award
September 25, 2008
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been recertified as a Platinum Well Workplace by the Wellness Councils of America.
Amy Anderson Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Northern South Dakota & Three Iowa counties
July 24, 2008
Anderson offers wellness resources to the more than 1,400 small business customers in her service area
Andrew Carlson Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Southern South Dakota & Three Northwest Iowa Counties
July 24, 2008
Carlson offers wellness resources to the more than 3,000 small business customers in his service area
Celeste Frey Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Southeast Iowa
July 24, 2008
Frey offers wellness resources to the more than 2,400 small business customers in her service area
Kris Hartje Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Northwest Iowa
July 24, 2008
Hartje offers wellness resources to the more than 1,000 small business customers in her service area
Laura Schlesselman Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Southwest Iowa
July 24, 2008
Schlesselman offers wellness resources to the more than 600 small business customers in her service area
Nick Stracke Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Eastern Iowa
July 24, 2008
Stracke offers wellness resources to the more than 2,400 small business customers in his service area
Sara Rens Named Community Wellness Manager for Central Iowa
July 24, 2008
Sara Rens Named Community Wellness Manager for Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Customers in Central Iowa.
Wellmark Responds to Natural Disasters by Easing Access to Care
June 19, 2008
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced today several steps the company is taking to ease the burden for members, group customers, and providers impacted by the recent natural disasters in Iowa, including flooding and tornadoes.
Wellmark Breaks Ground for Headquarters Building in Des Moines
May 28, 2008
Wellmark today held a groundbreaking ceremony at the building site for its first company-owned headquarters to be constructed in the downtown Des Moines “Western Gateway Park ” area.
Wellmark Names Blue Distinction Centers For Complex & Rare Cancers
March 27, 2008
Wellmark has named two Iowa hospitals Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers as part of a nationwide program with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and other Blue Plans across the country.
Iowa Farm Bureau and Wellmark Launch One-On-One Wellness Coaching Program to Individual Policyholders
February 13, 2008
The Iowa Farm Bureau and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa have joined forces to bring a statewide, comprehensive wellness program to individual policyholders at a personal and local level.
Wellmark, Central Iowa Hospital Corporation Reach Agreement on Proposed West Des Moines Hospital
October 3, 2007
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and Central Iowa Hospital Corporation have agreed to a 10-year contract at discounted rates for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members at a proposed new hospital in West Des Moines if it is approved by the State Health Facilities Council.
Wellmark to Build Headquarters in Downtown Des Moines
September 15, 2007
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield will construct its first company-owned headquarters building in downtown Des Moines in the "West Gateway" area pending environmental studies, approval of local incentives, and assurance of state incentives similar to those given other companies.
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa
Earns URAC Accreditation for Utilization Management Processes
September 5, 2007
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been granted full accreditation for its utilization management processes under URAC’s Health Utilization Management Standards.
Abigail Berg Named Community Wellness Coordinator for Northeast
July 24, 2007
Berg offers wellness resources to the more than 1,400 small business customers in her service area
Wellmark Files Challenge to Certificate of Need Interpretation
July 2, 2007
Wellmark, Inc. has asked the Polk County District Court to re-examine whether the building of two new hospitals in West Des Moines should be exempt from the public scrutiny required by Iowa’s Certificate of Need law.
Wellmark, Mercy Medical Center Agree on West Des Moines Hospital
June 29, 2007
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa and Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines have agreed on the financial and bed capacity terms of a 10-year contract that paves the way for a West Des Moines hospital.
Wellmark To Finalize Building Plans Soon
June 14, 2007
Purchases West Des Moines Land to Keep Options Open
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa See Small Business Health Plan Sales Surge
June 6, 2007
Small Groups Snap Up 60 New Plan Designs
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota
Sees Small Business Health Plan Sales Surge
June 6, 2007
Small Groups Snap Up 32 New Plan Designs
Thomas Litigation Statement
April 27, 2007
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield has reached an agreement with representatives of a nationwide class of physicians in a class action lawsuit.
The Wellmark Foundation Funds 10 Health Improvement Projects in Iowa and South Dakota
April 16, 2007
The Wellmark Foundation funded 10 health improvement grants in Iowa and South Dakota totaling $574,147 at its recent board of directors meeting.
The Wellmark Foundation Funds Six Health Improvement Projects in Iowa
April 16, 2007
The Wellmark Foundation funded six health improvement grants in Iowa totaling $331,501 at its recent board of directors meeting.
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. Named to U.S. News & World Report/NCQA "America's Best Health Plans 2007"
January 11, 2007
Wellmark Health Plan of Iowa, Inc. ranked 63rd out of 224 accredited commercial managed care plans in America, according to a joint ranking by U.S. News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
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