Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth Caritas to Help America’s Underserved ‘Redeem the Dream’ as Title Sponsors of 2013 National Urban League Conference

GlobeNewswire

PHILADELPHIA, PA., July 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need, announced today that they will serve as title sponsors of the 2013 National Urban League Conference, to be held Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. AmeriHealth Caritas is a majority-owned subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan holds a minority interest.

"We are proud to co-sponsor this conference and welcome all of the attendees to our home in Philadelphia," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO, who will speak during the 2013 conference at the Leadership Reception hosted by AmeriHealth Caritas. "What an exciting time in our country. Millions will soon gain access to quality health care and the new health care law will increase opportunities for individuals and for business development. We look forward to working with the National Urban League to identify opportunities for minority business people and health care professionals."

The theme of this year's conference, the National Urban League's signature event, is "Redeem the Dream – Jobs Rebuild America," tying into this year's 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, as well as the National Urban League's efforts to improve job opportunities for all Americans. Michael A. Rashid, AmeriHealth Caritas' president and chief executive officer, marched with Dr. King in Birmingham, Ala. in April 1963. Rashid will speak during the conference's "State of the Urban League" kickoff address on Wednesday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

Rashid received The Urban League of Philadelphia's Power of Diversity Award in May 2012. The Urban League of Philadelphia is the host chapter for this year's convention.

"The National Urban League and AmeriHealth Caritas share the same commitment to helping the underserved build healthier, stronger and more empowered communities. And advancing civil rights, another goal of the National Urban League, is also a cause dear to my heart," said Rashid. "We are pleased to sponsor this conference, and we look forward to welcoming current and aspiring leaders to this great city."

Other AmeriHealth Caritas executives will share their insights during the conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Jay Feldstein, D.O., regional president, Northern Division for AmeriHealth Caritas, will speak at the event's opening press conference on Tuesday, July 23 at 10:00 a.m. In addition, Karen Dale, executive director of AmeriHealth District of Columbia, will emphasize the importance of expanding primary care during a workshop titled "Save Our Sisters: Expanding Preventive Care for Empowered Lives" on Friday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m.AmeriHealth District of Columbia is AmeriHealth Caritas' newest line of business, serving nearly 100,000 Medicaid recipients in the District.

Also, Ron Baldwin, AmeriHealth Caritas' director of supplier management, will speak at the conference's small business matters summit about doing business with Fortune 500 companies on Saturday, July 27 at 9:05 a.m. And Annette Turner, M.D., medical director, utilization management for AmeriHealth Caritas, will encourage children to explore careers in medicine and managed care at the conference's Youth Empowerment Summit Legacy of Success and Awards Luncheon at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Saturday, July 27.

"We are honored that a national health care leader such as AmeriHealth Caritas has chosen to sponsor this seminal conference," said Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. "For three decades, AmeriHealth has advocated for our nation's vulnerable and underserved. It is gratifying to have them join us as, together, we move forward on our journey to 'Redeem the Dream' of a better life for all Americans."

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights and urban advocacy organization dedicated to economic empowerment in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910, the National Urban League has improved the lives of more than two million people nationwide through direct service programs that are implemented locally by its 95 Urban League affiliates across 300 communities in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The organization also conducts public policy research and advocacy activities from its Washington, DC bureau. The National Urban League, a BBB-accredited organization, has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, placing it in the top 10 percent of all U.S. charities for adhering to good governance, fiscal responsibility and other best practices.

The National Urban League Conference attracts newsmakers, policy makers and business and community leaders from across the country.

About Independence Blue Cross

Proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania serving more than seven million people nationwide, including 2.2 million in the region. We are enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we're changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. AmeriHealth Caritas operates in 13 states and the District of Columbia, and serves more than 4.7 million Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management services, behavioral health services and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven company with 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

CONTACT: Donna Farrell, Independence Blue Cross          215.241.4451          donna.farrell@ibx.comMichelle Davidson, AmeriHealth Caritas          215.863.6364          mdavidson@amerihealthcaritas.com