Recently, CEO Craig Samitt, stated his retreat as President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. He added in his statement that he would be taking a break before sharing the news of his “ next adventure in the quest to reinvent US healthcare”.
- Dr. Samitt in a LinkedIn post wrote, “ After much soul searching, I am declaring today my decision to retire from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota as of May 3rd. As I look back, it’s hard to believe how much change has taken place since we started our quest three years ago to reinvent healthcare from the inside out. I couldn’t be prouder of the innovative partnership we forged with providers, the transformed culture we built, the steps we took to speak out and stand up for what is right, and the progress we have made in showing the impact an ‘unhealthy plan’ can have in driving meaningful industry change”.
- Dr. Samitt had joined BCBS of Minnestoa from Anthem in the year 2018. During his time Samitt had declared racism as a public health crisis and entered into a 6 years value-based care agreement with the Allina Health system to curb inflation by 10%.
- Former Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice and a BCBS board member Kathleen Blatz will assist as an interim CEO until the board seeks out a new successor of Dr. Samitt. Michael Robinson, Chairman of BCBS said, “ The board is obliged for Dr. Samitt’s leadership during the past 3 years and we wish him well in his retirement. His vision to reinvent health care is the blueprint for the future of BCBS and we believe it can serve as a national paradigm for health and wellness”.