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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Sponsors Hearings on Impact of Obesity on State

February 26, 2010

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois President Karen Atwood Calls for Statewide Collaboration to Address Issue

Chicago, IL — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) sees collaboration as the key to promoting healthy behaviors, Karen Atwood, the health plan’s president said today at the Illinois Department of Public Health’s hearings on the impact of obesity in the state.

Together with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Blue Cross is sponsoring today’s hearings on obesity in Chicago, and additional hearings in Springfield and Carbondale, IL.

"Because the rise in obesity is one of the top health issues in this state and the country, we believe that sharing information is a key first step toward figuring out how to best reduce and prevent it," said Atwood. "That’s why Blue Cross is sponsoring these hearings, to help us all take the first steps — together. We hope that an open dialogue will make a difference."

Illinois ranks fourth worst in the nation for childhood obesity. Adult obesity alone currently adds $3.4 billion to annual health care costs.

"Costs for obesity care and co-morbidities account for 43 percent of all health care spending by U.S. business," Atwood pointed out. "Five of the top 10 claims Blue Cross pays are related to obesity."

"Our company mission is to promote the health and wellness of our members and our communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care," she added. "Reducing obesity and helping people live healthier lives is a cornerstone of that mission."

Blue Cross promotes wellness in-house among its 8,000+ employees in Illinois, its more than three million members in the state and its 30,000 employers groups. In addition, the company launched a childhood health and wellness initiative in 2008 to spearhead and sponsor activities that encourage children and families to eat healthy foods and be physically active.

"We support 14 comprehensive programs in specific communities around the state focused on improving children’s health," said Atwood. "Often, children in these communities lack parks, playgrounds, and safe places to play, as well as access to healthy food."

"By working together we can build more partnerships like these and make great strides toward reducing obesity and improving health. I want to reiterate our continued commitment to promoting wellness in Illinois. We’ve been a part of this community for nearly 75 years and are dedicated to making it a healthier place for everyone."


About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

With more than 7 million members, BCBSIL, a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, is the largest health insurance company in Illinois. Started in 1936, BCBSIL is committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and its communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSIL is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.


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