Secure E-Message

Obtaining a Direct Connection - Brokers, Employers, and Providers

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is an easy way to secure a connection over the Internet to facilitate transmissions between Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s e-mail relay and the e-mail relay of external entities. It’s the newest version of secure socket layer (SSL) with enhanced security features — simply put, it establishes a secure “tunnel” over the Internet.

If you answer “yes” to the questions below, then TLS is a good fit for your company.

• Do you manage your own e-mail relay server?
• Do you have your own up-to-date SSL/TLS certificate (128-bit version) installed on your e-mail relay server?
• Does your e-mail system support TLS, and do you have the ability to enable it?
• Does your work force experience high e-mail volumes?
• Do you employ multiple users who routinely transmit protected health information (PHI) to Wellmark?

TLS is low-cost, and certificates (if you do not have one) are easy to obtain, install, and maintain. TLS does not require client-side software, and the end-user is not required to register or log in to open secure e-messages.

If you think TLS might be right for your company, please contact the TLS Administrator at Wellmark by phone at 515-245-4957, or via e-mail at TLS@Wellmark.com.

Note: If you determine TLS will not work for your organization, you can communicate securely with Wellmark through secure e-messages.

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