News Releases

December 4, 2008
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia and West Georgia Health System Announce New HMO/POS Hospital Agreement

West Georgia Health System (WGHS) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) announce the signing of a multi-year contract, which enables West Georgia to join BCBSGa's HMO/POS network, effective November 1, 2008. WGHS has also been a long-term member of the BCBSGa PPO and Indemnity Networks, and that relationship will continue.

The new contract means that all BCBSGa members will be able to gain complete access to West Georgia's medical, surgical and diagnostic services as an in-network provider.

"West Georgia Health System has been a long-standing participant in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia's PPO network," said president and CEO, Jerry Fulks. "This HMO expansion is designed to make things easier for area employers and families by increasing their choices and access to physicians and high-quality health care services."

WGHS provides acute and long-term acute care throughout a 12 county area in west Georgia and east Alabama, and has been in the BCBSGa Indemnity network for 39 years and its PPO network for 11 years. With 1,400 employees, it is a not-for-profit Joint Commission-accredited system.

"We are pleased to welcome West Georgia Medical Center to the BCBSGa HMO/POS network," said Amy Cheslock, vice-president of health services, BCBSGa. "With the addition of West Georgia Medical Center, our members in the LaGrange and West Point Georgia area now have greater in-network access to quality medical care for HMO and POS products."

BCBSGa is the oldest and largest health plan in the State of Georgia, currently serving approximately 3.2 million lives, offering a variety of healthcare plans, including medical, dental, life and specialty programs.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross and Blue Shield Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association®. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia is available at www.bcbsga.com.

Media Contacts:

Allison Davis, 706-845-3782, davisa@wghs.org, West Georgia Health System.

Cheryl Monkhouse, 404-842-8516, cheryl.monkhouse@wellpoint.com, BCBSGa