PARKERSBURG -With a new name, Highmark West Virginia officials remain committed to the area, in spite of the possible outsourcing of some jobs overseas.
Earlier this year, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia, held a reception unveiling its new name (shortened to Highmark West Virginia), and reassured customers of its commitment to service.
Fred Early, president of Highmark West Virginia, said company officials felt it was time to rebrand. Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield has had an affiliation with Highmark Inc. for nearly 12 years.
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Highmark Inc. CEO Dr. Ken Melani said Highmark is committed to providing West Virginians with access to quality health care coverage. Melani also reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Parkersburg and its workforce.
Highmark Inc. CEO Dr. Ken Melani said Highmark is committed to providing West Virginians with access to quality health care coverage. Melani also reaffirmed the company's commitment to Parkersburg and its workforce.
Late last year it was discovered Highmark was considering outsourcing some of its jobs in Parkersburg overseas, a move Highmark has made at other centers.
Melani defended the company's maneuvers while acknowledging employee concerns. He said the company's outsourcing of jobs are short-term sacrifices for long-term gains and he reaffirmed the company's commitment to Parkersburg and the state of West Virginia.
Melani said anytime there is a situation where there is some change in the employee mix, people need to be concerned about the long-term intent.
Highmark West Virginia has about 700 employees in Parkersburg, about 320 of whom are employees of Highmark Inc. Statewide, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia has more than 900 employees.
Melani said Highmark is making short-term sacrifices for long-term gains. According to Melani, Highmark's outsourcing has created new jobs and opportunities within the company. He also pointed to Highmark's growth.
Melani said he couldn't predict if Highmark West Virginia will see more outsourcing of jobs, but he reiterated Highmark's commitment to the area and the state.
