ROUNDUP: BCBSA Offers Campaign, Health Care Issues Online
With health care taking center stage in this year's campaign, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association now offers a Web site, www.BCBSHealthIssues.com, with information on key issues, such as patients' rights, prescription drug costs and the uninsured. The Web site provides opposing views on each issue as well as BCBSA's position. In addition, the site offers links to search for congressional candidates' views on health care and party platform positions (BCBSA release, 9/11).
Drkoop.com and the Peacock
Drkoop.com Inc. last week announced that it has linked up with KNBC, the Los Angeles NBC affiliate, as its newest television partner. The KNBC Web site, www.nbc4la.com, features a full health section, titled "4 Your Health," that now will provide breaking health news, medical breakthroughs, special health reports and features provided by drkoop.com (drkoop.com release, 9/7).
Familymeds & UnitedHealthcare
Familymeds Inc., an integrated retail and online pharmacy, recently closed a $39.9 million deal with a group led by insurer UnitedHealthcare to develop a private label Web site. The site will allow UnitedHealthcare to provide its consumers "a comprehensive array of prescription, over-the-counter, health and beauty care products" via the Internet (Familymeds release, 8/28).
Online Shopping for Senior Housing
PlanningPlace.com recently announced plans to launch a "comprehensive" online resource for locating and evaluating senior housing options. The site now offers 80% of the capabilities it is set to offer after its full launch in October. Consumers can currently access a complete database of 37,000 senior living facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care and retirement communities (PlanningPlace.com release, 9/1).