Big Blue Cross Plan Taps New CEO

Health Care Service Corp. has named a new chief executive with a three-decade history working for the company to lead the parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in five states.

Maurice Smith will become chief executive officer and president of Health Care Service effective June 1, when he will replace interim CEO David Lesar who will remain a member of the company’s board of directors.

Smith, who joined Health Care Service as an intern nearly 27 years ago, will be the first permanent CEO of Health Care Service since Paula Steiner surprised company observers by stepping down less than a year ago after a four-year stint as the company’s top executive. Health Care Service is parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Montana.

“Maurice has deep industry experience and a proven track record of strong leadership, and he recognizes the challenges we must confront, and the opportunities we have now to advance our purpose,” Lesar said in a statement. “The Board and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the HCSC team to ensure a continued success in simplifying the health care experience and helping people achieve their health care goals.”

Health Care Service is a mutual insurer owned by policy-holders. There has been some speculation that it could become a part of Anthem, an investor-owned publicly traded operator of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in 14 states.