AmeriHealth Caritas President and CEO: Health Care

PHILADELPHIA, July 23, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael A. Rashid, president and chief executive officer of AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need, will help kick off the 2013 National Urban League Conference by speaking after the conference's State of the Urban League keynote address on Wednesday, July 24, at 7:00 p.m., at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. AmeriHealth Caritas is a majority-owned subsidiary of Independence Blue Cross; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan holds a minority interest.

Rashid will emphasize the new job and entrepreneurial opportunities available to people, thanks in large part to the recent changes in the health care industry. According to a recent report from the Brookings Institution, the health care industry has added 2.6 million jobs nationwide over the last decade. This equals a 23 percent employment growth rate over that stretch, more than 10 times that in other industries.

Rashid will also stress that this is an opportunity for health care companies to build a diverse workforce that represents all people utilizing the health care industry.

"The health care industry is changing rapidly, and this has resulted in great job and entrepreneurial opportunities for all Americans, including those in urban areas," said Rashid. "Leading health care companies have a workforce that represents all segments of society. A team that reflects the people it serves is in the best position to understand and address the health care needs of all."

Rashid, a pioneer in Medicaid managed care, has been a senior executive with AmeriHealth Caritas since 1995, becoming president and CEO in January 2010. During this time, AmeriHealth Caritas has grown from 300,000 members in two states to more than 4.7 million members in 13 states and the District of Columbia. During his four decades in in the industry, Rashid has also led Federally Qualified Health Centers, health plans and other organizations dedicated to making quality health care accessible for all.

AmeriHealth Caritas is a title sponsor of this year's National Urban League Conference, which will run through Saturday, July 27 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

"Michael Rashid has dedicated his life to lifting up those most in need who have been locked out and left out," said Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban League. "With his lifelong passion and advocacy for the underserved and his strong business leadership, it is only fitting that he joins us for our State of the Urban League address as, together, we set a new course for the future."

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 .

Michelle Davidson 215-863-6364