Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin (Anthem) today announced the expansion of an innovative disease management program designed to help improve the care accessed by members suffering from Bipolar Disorder, a disease that impacts over 5.7 million Americans each year. The Bipolar Condition Care Program will help facilitate treatment adherence and knowledge of their illness for members with Bipolar Disorder.   The new program seeks to help members who suffer from Bipolar Disorder, also known as manic depression, achieve their optimal health through education and care management support.  Medication adherence is a critical component in effectively treating Bipolar Disorder, impacting the member's short-term recovery and long-term stability as well as the overall cost of care associated with psychiatric and medical treatment.   Anthem Blue Cross in California and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado piloted the Bipolar Condition Care Program, and, as a result of their success, the program was rolled out to seven additional affiliated health plans in the fourth quarter of 2008 including Wisconsin, as well as Nevada, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri and Georgia.   "Bipolar Disorder is a treatable condition that can be managed through education, lifestyle changes, supportive therapy and medication," said Dr. Michael Jaeger, managing medical director for Anthem in Wisconsin. "By giving members access to the tools and support they need to make informed health care and lifestyle choices, we are empowering members to take control of their health care needs and increase medication compliance, thereby helping to decrease hospitalizations, reduce cost of care and improve their overall quality of life."   Those who sign up for the voluntary program are offered a continuum of interventions ranging from education to close monitoring by a behavioral health clinician. The Bipolar Condition Care Program's proprietary tracking system mails educational information to members and physicians, manages staff refill reminder calls to members, and maintains the members' refill and case management history. The program uses daily pharmacy claims to identify members who are late in refilling their bipolar medications. Care managers will also provide the support necessary to increase member adherence to a physician-prescribed treatment plan.   Members are identified for inclusion into the program through clinical reviews and pharmacy reports and are organized based on the severity of their condition. Members 18 years of age and older who have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder and who fill a medication used to treat Bipolar Disorder are eligible for voluntary enrollment in the Bipolar Condition Care Program.   About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin ("BCBSWi") underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation ("Compcare") underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.