Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma recently was selected to be the University of Oklahoma’s health insurance provider, effective Jan. 1, 2009. According to Nick Kelly, assistant director, office of human resources, University of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma was chosen because of a “combination of price, networks and service.”

Particularly, the University of Oklahoma was attracted to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma’s health and wellness resources. “We currently have pockets of wellness activity on all three campuses [Norman, Oklahoma City and Tulsa]. The university wants to have a more comprehensive and coordinated wellness program in the future,” Kelly said. “The evaluation committee thought the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma wellness programs offered the best partnership for the University in developing a wellness program.”

Through the agreement, University of Oklahoma employees will have the opportunity to participate in health screenings and take part in the Blue Points incentive program. Much like a credit card “reward points” program, Blue Points allows members to earn points for healthy behaviors and redeem those points for rewards such as gift cards and exercise equipment.

“The University of Oklahoma is a setting a tremendous example for their student population by taking efforts to lead in wellness,” said Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma President Bert Marshall. “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is pleased to team with OU to provide wellness benefits to their employees.”