Horizon BCBSNJ received Gold Award recognition for its health education calendars in the 2009 Aster Awards Program for excellence in medical marketing.  Horizon BCBSNJ’s calendars provide healthy living tips for people living with diabetes, asthma, heart disease and weight management problems.

“Our calendars were developed to help remind people of the steps they need to take to live a healthy lifestyle and what they can do to stay healthy if they are dealing with common illnesses like asthma, diabetes, obesity and heart conditions,”  said Premila Kumar, Manager, Care Management Programs, Quality and Care Management, Horizon BCBSNJ.  “We are delighted to have been recognized for our efforts.”

The Aster Awards, one of the largest competitions of its kind, is hosted by Marketing Healthcare Today and Creative Images, Inc.  This elite national program recognizes outstanding healthcare professionals for excellence in their advertising and marketing efforts.

“Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is among the top in the nation for healthcare advertising expertise… specifically scoring in the top 5 percent.  It was an honor to have Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey participate in the 2009 Aster Awards,” said Melinda R. Lucas, Aster Awards Program Coordinator. “They exceeded the judges’ expectations.”

The 2009 Aster Awards consisted of approximately 3,000 entries from across America.  Entries competed against similar-sized organizations in their category.  Entries must score at least in the top 85% to receive an award.  Judging criteria includes creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality and overall appeal.

About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is the oldest and largest health insurer in the state serving over 3.6 million members. Horizon BCBSNJ is New Jersey's only not-for-profit, health services corporation and is headquartered in Newark with offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton.

Horizon BCBSNJ provides a broad array of health and dental insurance products and services for individuals and small and large companies, including national companies headquartered in New Jersey.  Horizon BCBSNJ is committed to improving the health care experience for all the communities we serve as well as helping our members become and stay healthy.

Horizon BCBSNJ’s Web site is located at www.HorizonBlue.com. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.