As the health insurance industry faces historic reforms under the Affordable Care Act, the area's largest health insurer is welcoming a new president and CEO. David Anderson arrived in Buffalo this week to lead HealthNow, which includes BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.
Anderson, the former CEO of UnitedHealthcare in California, says he believes the industry is prepared to implement the reforms and to help consumers understand the changes.
The new CEO says the biggest challenge is the number of people expected to enter the system for the first time. He says it is HealthNow's responsibility to help them through that process.
"They've been somewhat insulated from that entire process and now we're going to throw all of that at them at one time, and ask them to make very good, informed decisions. I think that's a lot," Anderson said.
Anderson says consumers are also being asked to be more involved in managing the cost of their health care.
"Some that have traditional had health care coverage will now be looking for more of a consumer type option in their purchases going forward," he says.
Anderson takes over for Alphonso O'Neil-White, who retired after ten years at the helm of HealthNow.