Insured to get help via smartphones

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PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. health insurer has announced a program to provide its members with services through communications on their smartphones.

Independence Blue Cross, based in Philadelphia, says it has signed an agreement with Relay Network, a provider of communications between businesses and consumers, to launch IBX wire, a private, personalized message board for IBC members.

Members will be able to connect directly with IBC to obtain health information, complete insurance transactions and receive one-on-one support, the company said in a release Monday.

"IBX Wire connects our members with the information they want, when they want it, and in the format that want to receive it," Brian Lobley, IBC senior vice president of marketing and consumer business said.

The IBX Wire will be a free service to members.

"Independence Blue Cross is taking a progressive approach to raising the level of service it provides to its members," Relay Networks head Matt Gillin said. "Their team understands that in today's connected world, it needs to be as easy to communicate with health insurers as it is to stay in touch with friends and family."