[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1444]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE BLUE CROSS OF CALIFORNIA STATE SPONSORED PROGRAMS FOR 
                        THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
Blue Cross of California State Sponsored Programs (BCC SSP) for their 
dedicated service to the citizens of California. The BCC SSP has had a 
tremendous impact on over one million low-income Californians who would 
otherwise be without health insurance. BCC SSP is the largest 
commercial health plan provider involved in California's Medi-Cal 
Managed Care and Healthy Families Programs, and is the only health plan 
that serves every county in the state.
  One of the primary challenges that the BCC SSP has faced is the 
vastly different ethnic and regional characteristics of California. To 
meet the challenge of serving this diverse population, the BCC SSP has 
created Community Resource Centers in eleven counties. These centers 
are staffed by local professionals who have a deep understanding and 
commitment to the community. Using this regional approach ensures that 
every community gets the most appropriate and helpful health care 
services it needs.
  The BCC SSP has received awards from the California Department of 
Health Services for quality improvement and clinical quality of care 
standard assessment studies. In 2001 the American Association of Health 
Plans recognized five of BCC SSP's innovative member service programs 
as Best Practices, including: the Asthma Management Program, the 
Prenatal Program, its AIDS Program, the Fire Safety Program and the 
statewide Telemedicine Program. The BCC SSP has received numerous 
awards for its innovation in health care.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the 
Blue Cross of California State Sponsored Programs for the tremendous 
services that they provide for the people of California. The programs 
are true assets to the State of California and its communities and I 
speak on behalf of the people of California when I thank the BCC SSP 
for its services.

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