The city of Tulsa, Okla., has selected Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma to be its health insurance provider, effective July 1, 2009.
According to Mayor Kathy Taylor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma was chosen because of "competitive and flexible benefits available to our diverse workforce."
The mayor said the city was attracted to the insurer’s health and wellness programs, including its implementation of on-site, free healthcare clinics for city employees and dependents.
"In addition to being the least expensive option for our employees, Blue Cross and Blue Shield also allows us to maintain important employee benefits and also expand benefits, such as on-site health clinics," Taylor said. "Keeping healthcare costs stable is important, particularly in these economic times."
Taylor noted that Oklahoma State University's Medical College would also be a part of the city's new healthcare program.
"A healthier workforce contributes to increased productivity and a decrease in overall healthcare costs," she said.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.