Blue Cross to push wellness in plans

The movement by employers and insurance companies to put employee wellness at the forefront of consumer health choices is getting a big boost by Blue Cross. Chicago-based Health Care Service Corp., which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plans in Texas, New Mexico Oklahoma, and Illinois, has added the word "wellness" to the mission statements of its four health plans. The company has also embarked on a variety of wellness initiatives, including incorporating wellness programs in basic health benefit packages it sells.