Cord Blood America, Inc. announced it has entered into an agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBS) and is now offering the storage of umbilical cord blood at a discount rate as consistent with its other BCBS licensee contracts.

Total enrolment for BlueCross is 3 million, with more than half located in Tennessee. Members can also enrol in Cord Blood America's “Afford-A-Cord” programme which allows for storage at a lower initial fee.

“Tennessee is in the forefront of educating pregnant women about cord blood banking options because of legislation passed in the state,” said Matthew Schissler, Cord Blood America CEO and co-founder. “We are pleased that CorCell, our United States brand, can partner with BlueCross and offer these important, potentially life-saving services, to their members. We will also be offering courses to nurses and other healthcare professionals on the value of stem cell storage.”

Schissler continued, “This agreement is a direct result of focus on organic growth for CBAI. BlueCross is extremely important to us, and we look forward to educating the medical community and families of Tennessee on the importance of cord blood stem cells, all while offering a discount because of our partnership with BlueCross.”

Cord blood stem cells are used to treat more than 70 diseases including leukaemia, severe anaemia, metabolic blood disorders and immune deficiencies, while research is ongoing to determine the usefulness of stem cells in combating some of the nation's most serious diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's and other diseases for which there is currently no cure.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers its customers peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. It is focused on reinventing the health plan for its 3 million members in Tennessee and across the country.

Cord Blood America is the parent company of CorCell, which facilitates umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation for expectant parents and their children. Its mission is to be the most respected stem cell preservation company in the industry.