Premera, Cord Blood America partner to offer discount on stem cell collection services

Cord Blood America, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CBAI) today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Premera Blue Cross, a leading health plan provider with operations in Mountlake Terrace, Seattle and Spokane, Washington, and Anchorage, Alaska, and more than 1.4 million members, to store umbilical cord blood at a discounted rate consistent with other Blue Cross licensee contracts. The discount will also be available to members of Premera's affiliate health plans not associated with BlueCross BlueShield.

Premera Blue Cross, with revenues topping $3 billion annually, has a network of 27,000 healthcare professionals in Washington and Alaska and more than 2,800 employees. The service will be offered to Premera members as part of the company's "Extras!" discount program.

"This addition to our discount program provides members another tool to help them make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their families," said Donald Storey, MD, vice president of medical services at Premera Blue Cross.

"We are pleased that CorCell, our United States brand, is partnering with BlueCross BlueShield programs across the country in offering our important, potentially life-saving services, to their members.  We look forward to educating families in Washington and Alaska on the importance of storing cord blood stem cells at birth," said Matthew Schissler, Cord Blood America CEO and co-founder.  

Cord blood stem cells are used today to treat more than 70 diseases including leukemia, severe anemia, metabolic blood disorders and immune deficiencies. Research is ongoing to determine the usefulness of stem cells in combating some of the nation's most serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's and other diseases for which there is currently no cure.

SOURCE Cord Blood America, Inc.