Christy Valentine Named President of Healthy Blue in Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthy Blue in Louisiana announced today that Christy Valentine, M.D., MBA has been named president of the health plan, a leading managed care provider of health benefits for Louisiana’s Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and LaCHIP programs.

“Dr. Valentine is a trusted and highly respected senior leader who has extensive knowledge of Medicaid health plan operations as well as a passion for serving communities,” said Dr. Barsam Kasravi, President of Anthem’s Medicaid West Region. “She has been recognized as a strong, influential and dynamic leader who is capable of guiding Healthy Blue through a time of tremendous growth and transformational change. We look forward to her ongoing leadership as we continue to improve health and lives across Louisiana.”

Most recently, Valentine was Medicare Regional Medical Director for Anthem where she led strategic initiatives to improve efficiency and quality of healthcare delivery. Valentine spent nearly 13 years as a physician in private practice in the New Orleans metro area affiliated with West Jefferson Medical Center and New Orleans East Hospital specializing in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine dedicated to providing quality care by optimizing community health. She has held numerous positions and appointments including New Orleans East Hospital Board Commissioner, Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME), Louisiana Statewide Medical Director for Reproductive Health, Louisiana Bureau of Community Preparedness Medical Consultant, Louisiana Medical Association VP and is currently New Orleans Medical Association President, Governing Board Member for LSBME and New Orleans East Hospital Commissioner.

“Healthy Blue has a longstanding local commitment to improving the health of our communities and we continue to address the complex and interconnected factors that shape health for our nearly 310,000 members,” said Valentine. “We will continue to focus on innovative healthcare solutions and simplified processes for our members, putting them at the center. Healthy Blue will continue to serve Louisianians as a trusted health partner improving lives and communities.”

A New Orleans native, Valentine received her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed her residency at Tulane University specializing in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine. Valentine completed her MBA from the University of Chicago-Booth School of Business.

Valentine succeeds Aaron Lambert, who recently was named Medicaid Chief Growth Officer for Anthem, Inc.

About Healthy Blue

Healthy Blue is a managed healthcare provider that has been serving the state since 2012, and currently serves the state’s Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and LaCHIP programs. Healthy Blue, a joint venture between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and Anthem Partnership Holding Company, LLC (parent company, Anthem, Inc.), recognizes the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face, and tailors its programs such that health plan members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Healthy Blue provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Also, through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Healthy Blue, visit www.myhealthybluela.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyBlueLA and LinkedIn @healthy-blue-louisiana.