Arches Health Plan Members Elect Three to Board of Directors

SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Arches Health Plan is proud to welcome three of its members to the Arches Health Plan Board of Directors.  Arches Health Plan members Joy Blankenship, Teri Jensen, and Scott Woolley were elected by their fellow members to the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2015.

A large number of Arches members voted in the election that was held between December 1st and December 24. "We are proud to be breaking new ground while, at the same time, fulfilling the commitment to our members that they would have a major role in governance," said VP of Outreach and Government Relations, Lorena Riffo-Jenson. "It's vitally important we engage our membership to help govern this company. Only together can we revolutionize the health insurance industry in Utah."

Arches Health Plan is a member-governed, non-profit health insurance option for Utah residents. The company offers individuals, small businesses and large groups lower-cost, high-quality care with a focus on developing innovative plan design, medical home solutions, cost transparency, payment reform, and its unique member-governance structure. "We were fortunate to have three exceptionally strong member candidates who have a strong commitment to the CO-OP's mission and to their fellow members," said Riffo-Jensen.

The new board members are:

Joy Blankenship, MoA, director of Payroll and Benefits - Overstock.com

Blankenship is a longtime professional who has had a career in finance and human resources. From her experience at Overstock.com and Coldwater Creek, Blankenship brings a vast knowledge of businesses health needs to the Arches Health Plan board of directors. She is passionate about bringing transparency to healthcare and is excited to help innovate.

Scott Woolley, MBA, president/owner – Home Care Management

Woolley has spent his professional life dedicated to improving the health of the people in Utah. He has been working in an administrative role with hospitals, and various home health/ hospice companies for nearly 20 years. "I believe that I have the experience and qualification necessary to assist Arches Health Plan to continue the advancement of community and member directed health care financing," he said. Woolley has been an outspoken advocate for accountable care organizations (ACOs). He hopes his knowledge of ACOs will help improve care for Arches' members.

Teri Jensen, MBA, vice president of Finance – Utah Paper Box

After 25 years of managing the health benefits for Utah Paper Box, Jensen says that severe change is needed to the current system. The co-op model brought to Utah by Arches Health Plan brings a great opportunity to enable that change. "Over the past year, Arches proved that health care can be delivered efficiently and affordably at both the group and individual level. Affordable access to health care benefits our community, our employers, our friends, and our families. Arches gives us another choice." he said.  Jensen's knowledge will be a great addition to the Arches Board.

SOURCE Arches Health Plan

Related Links

http://archeshealth.org