Cord Blood America, Inc. announced it has entered into an agreement with Regence to offer the storage of umbilical cord blood to members of its BlueCross and BlueShield plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington at a discount rate consistent with its other BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) licensee contracts.

The partnership gives Regence members considering cord blood banking access to discounts on CorCell's Saving Baby's Cord Blood programme. “This addition to our member discount programme gives members another tool to help them make informed health care choices for their families,” said Chris Smith, Regence specialty business manager.

“We are pleased to be participating in the Regence member discount program, Regence Advantages,” said Erin Tecca, Cord Blood America business development manager.

“Our relationships with BlueCross BlueShield programs across the country have proven both a popular benefit for their members and an excellent way to grow Cord Blood America,” said Matthew Schissler, Cord Blood America co-founder and CEO.

Cord blood stem cells, which are collected at birth, are used today 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.

Regence is a non-profit total health solutions company based in the Pacific Northwest/Intermountain region. Through insurance, wellness, and consumer engagement products and services, Regence promotes health and helps people make informed decisions about their health care.

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.