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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- In remarks presented today during Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida's (BCBSF) annual policyholders' meeting, Chris Doerr, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer, reported that 2006 marked the company's eighteenth consecutive year of positive performance.

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Doerr said the company increased enrollment in its Health Business by more than 308,000 new members, posted positive financial gains and enhanced policyholders' equity.

"Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has a unique role in advancing the health and well-being of Floridians. Our corporate mission calls for a greater commitment to the public good. It is within the framework of our mission that we focus on our ultimate goal, which is providing our members access to quality, affordable health care," said Doerr.

Doerr confirmed BCBSF's commitment to creating innovative and cost effective products, delivering superior customer service, and increasing satisfaction among members, physicians and providers, employers, distribution channels and other partners.

In other business conducted at the meeting related to the BCBSF Board of Directors, DuBose Ausley was re-elected to a one-year term, Edward L. Boykin, Tracy A. Leinbach and Frank P. Scruggs, Jr. were re-elected to two-year terms, and Catherine P. Bessant, Barbara S. Thomas and Gonzalo F. Valdes-Fauli were re-elected to three-year terms. Other board activity announced today included the retirement of board members Henry H. Beckwith, who served for 21 years, and Yank D. Coble, Jr., M.D. (Director Emeritus), who served for 13 years.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida is a leader in Florida's health industry. BCBSF and its subsidiaries serve more than 8.7 million people. Since 1944, the company has been dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of all those it serves by offering an array of choices. BCBSF is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its Web site at http://www.bcbsfl.com/. Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/BLUELOGOAhttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000427/BLUELOGOBAP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.comBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida

Web site: http://www.bcbsfl.com/