Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association elects G. Fred DiBona chairman of the board.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 17, 1994--The president and chief executive officer of Independence Blue Cross Thursday was elected chairman of the board of the national Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA).

The BCBSA is the national coordinating body for the nation's 68 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Collectively, these Plans serve more than 66 million Americans,

G. Fred DiBona Jr. was elected chairman of the BCBSA board of directors at the board's annual meeting, held in Atlanta. He will continue in his role as president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, Philadelphia, while assuming leadership of the BCBSA board.

"The nation's Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans will benefit greatly from the demonstrated commitment and leadership of Mr. DiBona," said Bernard R. Tresnowski, BCBSA president and CEO.

"The kind of innovation that Independence Blue Cross has demonstrated under his direction is absolutely critical to our organization as we take a leading role in charting the course of the nation's health care system."

Commenting on DiBona's election, Ben Lytle, CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana stated, "Fred is clearly one of the most talented CEOs in the health care industry. He has created a highly effective HMO in Keystone that competes with some of the nation's strongest managed care operations.

"He has worked diligently to improve the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System to make it a strong force in the changing health care marketplace."

Norwood Davis, CEO of Trigon Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Virginia) said, "Since becoming chief executive officer of Independence Blue Cross, Fred DiBona has quickly become a leader in the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System.

"At a time of immense change in our industry which presents huge challenges and opportunities for Blues Plans, I am particularly pleased that Fred will provide the leadership for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association."

The BCBSA board of directors consists of CEOs from Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans across the country. The board's responsibilities include the development of BCBSA positions on key national health care issues, the supervision of BCBSA administrative activities and the protection of the BLUE CROSS and BLUE SHIELD service marks throughout the country for the member Plans and their sub-licensed affiliates.

DiBona became president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross in 1990. He has spearheaded innovations in customer service, fiscal management, provider relations and product development which have positioned the Plan as an industry leader.

Most recently, he has taken the Independence Blue Cross into the forefront of health care reform with the announcement of a proposed vertical health care delivery system.

Independence Blue Cross serves more than 2.3 million subscribers and employs 2,900 people.

CONTACT: BlueCross BlueShield Association

              Iris D. Shaffer, 312/440-5572 or
              Pam Kelch, 202/626-4810