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Nashville Health Care Council Hosts Anthem, Inc. President and CEO for Conversation with U.S. Senator Bill FristToday, the Nashville Health Care Council hosted U.S. Senator Bill Frist, M.D., and Joseph Swedish, president and CEO, Anthem, Inc., for a conversation on the new dynamics for payers surrounding the shift from volume to value, along with emerging trends in consumerism and public exchange engagement.
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event photos on Flickr. More than 300 Council member executives attended the luncheon to hear from Swedish and Frist on the changing role of the payer, new payment models and Anthem's concerted efforts to innovate and encourage value-based relationships. Anthem is the second-largest U.S. health insurer, serving 37 million Americans through its affiliated health plans and 68 million individuals through its subsidiaries Swedish's diverse experiences having served in leadership of both payer and provider organizations offer a unique perspective on the evolving health care system and transformation to value-based care. "We believe that through collaboration, we can drive better quality care at more affordable prices," Swedish said. "At Anthem, we are engaging in partnerships across the country in an effort to move boldly forward with these key initiatives." Frist also spoke on the decline of the traditional "fee for service" practice and the increased emphasis on a value-based model. "Patients today are increasingly savvy and are looking for price transparency and value more than ever before," Frist said. "Payers and providers will need to get in the business of facilitating access to and helping patients use this information or they will see themselves passed over for providers and payers who will." Anthem, formerly WellPoit, has completed a number of acquisitions in recent years, including Amerigroup Corporation, CareMore Health Group, and, most recently, Simply Healthcare Holdings, Inc., a leading managed care company in the state of Florida. "The acquisition of these companies and capabilities allows us to better address the needs of our diverse member population," said Swedish. "It also advances our commitment to delivering innovative solutions to our federal and state health care partners," he said. "This Council program is another timely opportunity for our members to hear from one of the nation's chief health care leaders on issues that are top of mind," said Caroline Young, president, Council. "Today's conversation was an exclusive opportunity to hear about Anthem's commitment to finding real-world solutions that simplify processes and improve care." The Council hosted Swedish in Nashville in conjunction with the Fellows initiative, the Council's educational program for senior executives providing a forum for thought-leadership and strategy around the future of health care. The presenting sponsor for today's program was Bradley Arant Boult Cummings. Supporting sponsors were c3/consulting, emids and KPMG. Stage furnishings were provided by Interior Design Services. About the Nashville Health Care Council Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Nashville Health Care Council is a premier association of health care industry leaders working together to further establish Nashville's position as the nation's health care industry capital. Supported by nearly 300 corporate members, the Council serves as a trusted source for information on trends that influence the health care industry. The organization provides members with one-of-a-kind networking opportunities and access to Nashville's elite health care business community. Worldwide, Nashville's health care industry generates more than 400,000 jobs and $70 billion in annual revenue. The industry is Nashville's largest and fastest growing employer. For more information on the Council, please visit www.healthcarecouncil.com. About Joseph Swedish Joseph Swedish is the president and chief executive officer of Anthem. He oversees the provision of innovative health benefits solutions in 14 states as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and to 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries and 5.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries in 19 states, including those served by its Amerigroup subsidiary. Swedish previously served as president and CEO of Trinity Health Corporation and held CEO and senior leadership positions with Centura Health and HCA. |
