BlueCross Expands Commercial Operations Unit

Member benefits administration offices to open in Nashville

April 17, 2009

CHATTANOOGA — BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is expanding its commercial operations unit into the Nashville market.  The new unit will begin operations April 20 with expansion continuing in phases over the following months.

The expansion is designed to help BlueCross attract operations staff from the growing Nashville market, a national health care center, for current and future operations.

The new member benefits administration (MBA) unit will eventually have 60 employees including claims processors, consumer advisors, research associates and analysts.  It will administer member benefits for the State of Tennessee, Nissan, Metro Government and Metro Teachers accounts.  Member support for TVA will remain in Chattanooga.

Venessa Marsh, who currently oversees MBA operations for the State, TVA and Metro accounts in Chattanooga, will manage the operations.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us.  Nashville is one of the nation's foremost health care hubs," said Marsh.  "With this necessary expansion, current BlueCross employees will be offered the new positions first.  For BlueCross this represents an opportunity to tap into the abundant Nashville talent pool."

Currently, all operations are located in Chattanooga and Memphis.  The new commercial operations unit will be housed in the BlueCross headquarters located in Nashville's West End.

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 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.  For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.bcbst.com.