December 17, 2007

Benefitfocus Unwraps First-of-Its-Kind Healthcare Media Studio

Joy Capps  /  Benefitfocus

Benefitfocus, the leader in software and services for the healthcare benefits market, today held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil its sophisticated in-house media studio.

Located in the Charleston headquarters, the Benefitfocus Media Studio is the first-of-its kind in the healthcare industry. Benefitfocus' high-definition studio will house leading-edge equipment with next generation post production capabilities and additional sleek components.

Through information high-fidelity videos and interactive health broadcasts, the studio will provide consumers and patients with dynamic medium to understand clinical concepts and manage their healthcare choices. This multi-million dollar media venture expands Benefitfocus' footprint in the growing healthcare consumerism marketplace by creating tools which educate consumers. Today, people are using new technology to locate medical information and simplify complex healthcare insurance terminology.

Through the healthcare studio, new features will be added to existing Benefitfocus software applications such as, easy-to-understand health videos and interactive broadcasts including patient and doctor testimonials. The uses of the healthcare media studio are numerous and evolving capabilities will be showcased to Benefitfocus carriers and employer groups in February 2008.

Some existing clients are already working with the Benefitfocus Media division to create CEO and HR administrator messaging videos. For example, one employer group is working with the studio to share a corporate message about their company's healthcare investment. That video will be delivered via their Benefitfocus employee portal. These types of productions will help insurance companies and employer groups reach their target market like never before in new and customized ways.

"This new addition to our products and services will help transform the complicated world of healthcare into easily understood videos," said Shawn Jenkins, Benefitfocus president and CEO. "The studio demonstrates our trademark anticipatory service. This significant investment further widens our lead in automating healthcare while bringing communications to consumers and patients. We are aggressively demonstrates our push to equip consumers and enable healthcare providers and employers to communicate using new mediums. The realm of possibilities is open-ended as we help our clients achieve success in reaching their key constituents."

Completed in less than ten months, the high-definition studio is fully outfitted with the latest technology including a full production Ross Vision-2 Broadcast Video Switcher with multi-level effects; which is one of the first five to be installed in the United States. Other equipment includes Panasonic AK-HC1500G Cameras, Telemetrics Robotic Camera Pedestals, a Yamaha Digital Recording Audio Mixer, a Harris Inscriber G3HD Character Generator, mobile presentation areas, a HD Doremi Video Server and Recorder, six Innovative Plasmas and LCDs, state-of-the-art post production equipment and live Web and satellite feeds. The experienced team of studio technicians round out the studios offerings to meet client needs as they provide professional grade video editing, studio and field lighting design, videography, on-camera talent, voiceovers, directing and producing.

The combination of studio and production expertise gives Benefitfocus the ability to fully produce, write, edit and distribute in-depth healthcare information. "This studio gives us the tools we need to explain healthcare to patients and consumers like never before. We will use it to empower people to make better healthcare choices," said Nina Sossaman-Pogue, director of Benefitfocus Media. "While we continue to build on our capabilities, our overarching goal is to explain the complexities of healthcare and the healthcare system. We're excited to provide consumers with information in an easy to understand format that can be accessed at any time."

About Benefitfocus
Benefitfocus is the leader in software and services for the healthcare benefits market providing "Quote to Claim" technology for both enterprise and consumer applications. By developing leading technology solutions, Benefitfocus allows consumers, employers and benefit providers to manage complex decisions in an ever-changing healthcare environment. Benefitfocus can be reached at 843-849-7476 or via the Internet at www.benefitfocus.com.

Contact:
Joy Capps
Benefitfocus
843-849-7476
joy.capps@benefitfocus.com