BCBSA and NCCN Announce Strategic Collaboration

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., March 13, 2008 — This week, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) announced that the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a strategic collaborator in oncology.

For the last 23 months, the two organizations have worked together to develop Blue Distinction Centers for Complex and Rare Cancers^SM, a designation that focuses on multidisciplinary treatment planning and complex, major surgical treatments for 13 specific types of cancer. Blue Distinction® Centers meet rigorous, objective, evidence-based criteria for clinical quality, established in collaboration with leading medical specialists and professional organizations. Blue Distinction Centers for complex and rare cancers, cardiac care, bariatric surgery, and transplants are all part of the Blues’ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of healthcare for all Americans.

“The NCCN is pleased to work with such a prominent organization as BCBSA in our mutual efforts to improve the overall quality of cancer care rendered to so many people afflicted with this disease,” said William T. McGivney, PhD, NCCN CEO.

“The expansion of the Blue Distinction designation to include complex and rare cancers will help a very specific patient population in need of identifying skilled and dedicated facilities that treat these very complicated cancers,” said Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and CEO.