Nevada Blue Cross/Blue Shield gains new two-state manager

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2000 | 11:34 a.m.

The owner of Nevada's Blue Cross and Blue Shield appointed a new manager to head its operations in Nevada and Colorado.

Anthem Inc. of Indianapolis appointed Caroline Matthews to head Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the two states. Matthews will replace David Kikumoto, who has been chief executive of the operations for the past seven years.

Matthews was appointed chief operating officer of the operations, which are headquartered in Denver. She will assume the head role upon Kikumoto's resignation on April 1. Anthem said Kikumoto decided to resign after achieving "his personal and business goals with regard to Anthem's Colorado and Nevada positions."

Anthem acquired the operations in November. About 93,000 Nevadans receive health insurance through Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

Separately, Standard & Poor's withdrew its "BB-minus" rating on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado and Nevada at the company's request. The old rating had reflected "an extremely weak operating profile and capital position, and a declining business position," S&P said.

Those financial concerns have been eased by Blue Cross and Blue Shield's merger with Anthem, said an official with the Nevada Division of Insurance.

"The concern has been alleviated, because Anthem is a stronger company," said Peggy Behl, program officer with the agency.