The move comes three months after the insurer scrapped a proposed sale to Elevance Health. The deal faced widespread scrutiny, including from physicians and state officials.
Mr. Camerlinck will succeed Steve Udvarhelyi, MD, who will retire after eight years as CEO, according to a May 7 news release from BCBS Louisiana. Mr. Camerlinck’s appointment is effective immediately.
Dr. Udvarhelyi will remain a special adviser to the company until his retirement in July, according to the release.
Mr. Camerlinck was named executive vice president and COO of BCBS Louisiana in 2021 and previously served as the insurer’s CFO. Prior to joining BCBS Louisiana, he held multiple leadership roles at BCBS Kansas City.
In the wake of the failed deal with Elevance, BCBS Louisiana is doubling down on several new initiatives, according to an April nola.com report. New goals include rolling out Epic systems, upgrading the company’s mobile app and investing in its Medicare products. The company also plans to require its employees to return to full-time, in-office work.
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