JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In remarks presented today during Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s (BCBSF) annual policyholders’ meeting, Robert I. Lufrano, M.D., chairman and chief executive officer, reported increased enrollment and solid performance during 2003, a year characterized by economic uncertainty.
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“I am pleased to report to you that in 2003, BCBSF achieved its 15th consecutive year of positive financial performance and enrollment gains,” said Lufrano. The company added 86,000 new members during 2003, bringing the total number of Floridians it serves to more than 6.5 million.
“These results are especially important when one considers the many challenges facing the health care industry,” said Lufrano. “The results are also a testament to the satisfaction our members have with the quality of products and services we deliver in a very competitive marketplace.”
Lufrano explained that the positive performance the company achieved allowed it to increase policyholders’ equity, which is critical to BCBSF’s future viability. “Increased equity is a measure of our financial stability and allows us to continue to grow our business, remain independent and Florida-based, and enhance our service to our members,” he said. This equity ensures that the company can meet its obligations when claims or expenses are higher than anticipated or during times of economic uncertainty. “The equity provides the groundwork to develop new capabilities, products and services that improve quality, accessibility and affordability,” said Lufrano.
Lufrano also reinforced the company’s commitment to the community. “BCBSF has actively taken a leadership role in improving the health status of Floridians through partnerships with community, government and health advocacy groups of a similar mindset.” In 2003, BCBSF significantly increased its level of philanthropic giving and donations to non-profit organizations, funding programs that positively impact children, the elderly, minorities, the underserved and uninsured, as well as initiatives that positively impact the quality of life in Florida’s communities.
Also during the year, BCBSF employees donated more than 25,000 volunteer hours in community service. BCBSF employees have been the United Way of Northeast Florida’s number-one employee-giving-group for the last five years.
During today’s meeting, board members W.D. “Bill” Frederick and Bernal Quiros retired; five board members, DuBose Ausley, Catherine P. Bessant, Edward L. Boykin, Frank P. Scruggs Jr., and Gonzalo F. Valdes-Fauli, were re- elected to three-year terms; and two new board members, Tracy A. Leinbach and Barbara S. Thomas, were elected to three-year terms.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) is a leader in Florida’s health industry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 6.5 million Floridians. Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the company has been dedicated since 1944 to meeting the diverse needs of all those it serves by offering an array of choices. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF and its HMO subsidiary, Health Options, Inc., are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its Web site at http://www.bcbsfl.com/.
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CONTACT: Bruce Middlebrooks, +1-904-905-3400, or mobile +1-904-803-6795;or Mark Wright, +1-904-905-6935, or mobile +1-904-233-3481, both of Blue Crossand Blue Shield of Florida
Web site: http://www.bcbsfl.com/