The Kansas City Star, June 09, 2008
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, paper has its limits.
That’s why 35,000 of the health plan provider’s direct-pay individual members — about half of the total — receive electronic bills.
Over the past year, the insurer’s 400 largest group health plan members (organizations with more than 50 employees) made the change from paper billing and checks, according to Sue Johnson, director of corporate communications.
The pilot program — which eliminated monthly bills of 15 to 20 pages — this summer will be rolled out to Blue Cross’ thousands of smaller group plan members, she said.
The driving force behind e-billing has been convenience and efficiency for customers, Johnson said. But there also has been cost savings because of a decreased need for paper, postage and time.
“And we’re pleased green is a byproduct of our efforts,” Johnson said.
In fact, the e-billing program has been something of a green motivator at Blue Cross.
In October 2007, the company signed up for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Climate Protection Partnership, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Also, a cross-representational committee — the Green Team — has been exploring employee education and encouragement ideas, Johnson said.
“These folks have a passion about this and are excited to see it happen,” she said.
A “Blue Goes Green” program — encompassing recycling and other environmental initiatives — is to be launched in July.
“With small steps, every one of us can become more aware of the impact we have on the environment,” Johnson said, “and we can make some conscious efforts.”
Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star