In the News: Healthfirst NJ Welcomes New Executive Director

August 10, 2009 - Newark, NJ - Health Plan of New Jersey, Inc. (Healthfirst NJ) announced today the appointment of Terence L. Byrd as its new Vice President and Executive Director.

"Healthfirst NJ is an organization wholly committed to providing affordable, quality care, and as such, Healthfirst NJ required a skilled, enthusiastic and experienced leader for its growing business," said Dan McCarthy, Executive Vice President and COO. "Terence's wide-ranging healthcare experience, passion for tackling new projects and track record of management success proved to be the right combination for Healthfirst NJ. I'm confident he will be a valuable asset to our management team as we enter the NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid market and look to expand our products across the Garden State."

Mr. Byrd joins Healthfirst NJ with significant experience in operations, finance, business development and regulatory operations. Most recently he was the founder and principal of TLB Byrd & Associates, LLC a consulting company specializing in a vast array of health insurance operational components.

Mr. Byrd also previously served as Executive Vice President & COO of QMedCare of New Jersey, Inc.; Vice President of Contracting & Provider Relations, AmeriChoice of NJ/United Healthcare; and First Vice President Accident and Health Claims Operations, Reliance National/Combined Insurance Company. While at QMedCare, Mr. Byrd developed the first Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan to be approved in New Jersey by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

"I was drawn to Healthfirst NJ because of its unique hospital-sponsored business model and commitment to providing its members with high quality healthcare through an outstanding provider base," Mr. Byrd said. "The clear and compelling mission, vision and values of the organization are in line with my professional beliefs and goals. I am thrilled to be joining such a talented and forward-thinking group."

As Vice President and Executive Director of Healthfirst NJ, one of Mr. Byrd's primary focuses will be maintaining and increasing member enrollment and provider participation. He will also be actively involved with ensuring Healthfirst NJ meets New Jersey regulatory requirements for its Medicare and NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid products.

Mr. Byrd, a graduate of Lafayette College with a BA in Economics, completed advanced degree courses in Business Administration at Monmouth University and has a New Jersey license for Life, Accident, and Health Insurance.