BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA IS TEAMING UP WITH SAS OF CARY IN RELEASING A NEW ANALYTICS SOFTWARE AIMED AT IMPROVING HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ITS CUSTOMERS. 

THE ANNOUNCEMENT THURSDAY SAYS THE NEW SOFTWARE IS DESIGNED TO HELP HEALTH PLANS PROVIDE BETTER, MORE PERSONALIZED CARE AND SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS WHILE HOLDING DOWN COSTS FOR BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYERS.  FINANCIAL TERMS OF THE DEAL HAVE NOT BEEN RELEASED.  SAS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER DR. GRAHAM HUGHES SAYS, "BETTER CARE OFTEN MEANS REDUCED COSTS, THE HEALTH PLAN WINS, THE PROVIDER WINS...MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE CUSTOMER WINS."