Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin: CompareBlue subsidiary to aquire Atrium Health

Media Contacts:
BCBSWi:
Jill Becher

414-226-5413

Atrium/BCBSMN:
Joel Swanson, APR
651-662-2882

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – CompcareBlue, the HMO subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), announced today that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Atrium Health Plan, Inc., a Hudson, Wis., based health plan serving 28 counties in northern and western Wisconsin. Atrium Health Plan is a non-Blue Cross Blue Shield branded subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

Atrium Health Plan provides health coverage to more than 52,000 people including groups and individuals in its PPO and HMO plans, seniors who subscribe to Medicare select plans, and those in Medicaid programs. CompcareBlue will purchase the assets of Atrium, which includes all of its commercial and Medicaid business.

“This acquisition will allow Atrium members to take advantage of the strength that the Blue Brand offers,” said Stuart K. Campbell, BCBSWi president. “We look forward to enhancing our presence and providing superior service and value to Atrium’s members in northwest Wisconsin. As part of CompcareBlue, Atrium members will now enjoy access to a broad statewide provider network and our portfolio of products that include our nationwide provider network.”

“Atrium is proud to have served the northwestern Wisconsin community for more than 20 years by providing a full spectrum of affordable healthcare coverage,” said Mary Haffenbredl, president of Atrium. “This transaction will allow us to keep our commitment to quality healthcare and service in this region while benefiting our members through the long-term stability provided by the larger Wisconsin Blues organization.”

The agreement is slated to close sometime this summer pending approval from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin is the State’s largest health insurer. Headquartered in Milwaukee, the company offers a flexible product portfolio with a broad range of options for small, medium and large groups, as well as individual plans for people without access to group coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin is an operating subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., the nation’s largest publicly traded commercial health benefits company serving the health care needs of 28.5 million medical members nationally. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and can be found on the web at www.bluecrosswisconsin.com.

Serving 28 counties in northern and western Wisconsin, Atrium Health Plan provides health coverage to more than 52,000 people. Atrium has served Wisconsin for more than 20 years and has earned an A.M. Best rating of A-. Members include groups and individuals in its PPO and HMO plans, seniors who subscribe to Medicare select plans and those in Medicaid programs. Atrium Health Plan is headquartered in Hudson, Wis. For more information about Atrium and its products, call 715-386-6886 or 800-535-4041.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.