Arden Joins Federal Programs Team at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

February 17, 2009

CHATTANOOGA — Gale P. Arden recently joined BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as director of public programs, research and planning for federal programs.

In this role, Arden will be responsible for offering consultation within BlueCross' government business and emerging markets division as well as to BlueCross subsidiary, Volunteer State Health Plan. She will also participate in researching, developing and implementing solutions in federal and state health care.

"Gale has significant experience with health insurance and delivery programs including Medicare and Medicaid," said Stephen Walker, senior vice president of federal programs for BlueCross. "Her depth of knowledge and skills make her an incredible asset to our efforts to better provide solutions and quality services to those citizens accessing care through the public sector."

Before joining BlueCross, Arden was employed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). During her tenure with CMS, Arden was involved in oversight of the Medicare and Medicaid programs' national operations. She also was the first CMS senior leader of the newly created office of managed care.

Arden's other accomplishments at CMS include: managing the disabled and elderly health programs group; developing state drug benefits strategies; assisting with the application of the Medicare Modernization Act; leading HIPPA insurance reform implementation efforts; and assisting in the policy development for Medicare supplemental insurance products.

Prior to her service at CMS, Arden held various leadership positions in the Social Security Administration. In addition, she served as a vice president in an integrated health system in the Midwest.

She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University.

About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee offers its clients peace of mind through affordable solutions for health and healing, life and living. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on reinventing the health plan for both its 3 million Tennessee-based members as well as consumers across the country. Through its personal health advocacy approach, BlueCross is developing patient-centric products and services that positively impact affordability, patient safety and quality. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.bcbst.com.