Anthem Blue Cross Appoints Steve Melody to Lead Medi-Cal Business in California

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Anthem Blue Cross' State Sponsored Business announced today the appointment of Steve Melody as regional vice president for California. In his new role Melody will work closely with the state of California to manage Anthem's existing contracts, which provide access to nearly 1 million members enrolled statewide in Anthem's programs including Medi-Cal, Healthy Families and Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM). In addition, he will be responsible for the strategic growth and expansion of Anthem's provider network.

Melody's experience spans 23 years of working in the health care and managed care industry in California. He joined Anthem Blue Cross in 1997 and most recently served as regional vice president for Planning and Strategy reporting directly to Anthem's president. Prior to this, he was responsible for Health Care Management operational functions in specific regions throughout Northern and parts of Southern California where he developed and maintained business and professional relationships with physicians, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers and other health care providers.

"Steve's vast experience in health care coupled with his history of working closely with physician and hospital partners in California will be a great asset to our state sponsored business at a pivotal time in our state, when more residents are expected to access state funded programs to meet their health care needs," said Kevin Hayden, president of Anthem's State Sponsored Business division. "We are very proud of our history in California and I'm excited to have Steve join our team as we continue our commitment to provide our members with personalized care and programs."

Melody holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Sacramento and has completed the Executive Education Program at the Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame.

About Anthem Blue Cross    

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California.  Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan is the trade name of Blue Cross of California Partnership Plan. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Partnership Plan are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. (r) ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc.  The Blue Cross names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross is available at www.anthem.com/ca. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.

SOURCE Anthem Blue Cross