BlueChoice HealthPlan

January 11, 2010
Media Contact: Billy Quarles, 803-264-5779

S.C. BlueChoice Medicaid Exceeds Goal, Collects More Than 300,000 Diapers

Columbia, S.C. – Babies in many low-income families across South Carolina are drier, happier, and possibly a little healthier because of generous donations made to the 2009 “Diaper Change” campaign, which concluded Dec. 31.

Businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals combined to donate 308,742 diapers to the campaign, which was organized by BlueChoice® HealthPlan of South Carolina’s Medicaid Division to help families that cannot afford an adequate supply of diapers. Donors also contributed tens of thousands of baby wipes, lotion, formula, shampoo and other supplies.

BlueChoice HealthPlan launched the drive in the fall after learning that some babies in low-income families spend an entire day in just one diaper, which can lead to serious health problems. Organizers’ goal was to collect 250,000 diapers. Keeping a baby in clean, disposable diapers can cost more than $100 per month. And cloth diapers are not always an option, as child care centers usually require disposable ones.

“So many people and organizations stepped up to help South Carolina babies, and we are deeply appreciative of their generosity,” said BlueChoice HealthPlan President Mary Mazzola Spivey. “Small groups of moms held diaper drives in their own communities, churches and individuals donated, and one small department at a business canceled its Christmas gift exchange and used that money to purchase more than 5,100 diapers.

“On Nov. 18 alone, we held a citywide event in Columbia called ‘One Day; Thousands of Healthy Changes,’ and we collected 70,000 diapers in addition to other necessary items. This community certainly demonstrated an inspiring spirit of giving toward their neighbors in need.”

Most of the diapers have been distributed to families through food banks and other organizations statewide. The remainder will be delivered this month.

Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BlueChoice HealthPlan has an A+ rating from A.M. Best and an Excellent accreditation status, the highest level awarded, from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

BlueChoice HealthPlan offers four categories of group health plans, as well as individual plans for children and young adults, and a South Carolina Medicaid product. Medicaid members enjoy their normal Medicaid coverage, plus they can visit the doctor’s office as often as needed with no copayments, save money with discounts on health programs such as weight management,  receive discounts on fitness center memberships, and purchase allergy products, vitamins and more at discount savings. Members with some chronic diseases get extra help through BlueChoice HealthPlan’s Healthy Habits program. To inquire about membership, call 800-574-8864.