Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield said the additional staffers would enhance their downtown St. Louis headquarters on Chestnut Street; this marks a significant step forward for the gateway’s municipal employment profile.
Anthem BCBS President Stephanie Vojicic stated, “We are so excited to announce that we will be adding (250) new jobs to our St. Louis Office”.
The expansion demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to the region since it made Missouri its headquarters in the 1970s.
Anthem insures 1.7 million people on commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid plans, handling health benefits for approximately 40% of St. Louis’ citizens.
A select group has already begun training to operate what will be the call center of Anthem’s innovative Bio Plus Specialty Pharmacy; its President, Dan Mandoli, shed light on the nature of these roles: “These are high-cost drugs that affect a small portion of our population but have very specific clinical requirements that go along with them,” Mandoli said. “So we guide and walk the patients through that process.”
The company’s commitment to local hires includes bringing pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, billing specialists, financial assistance specialists, and call center customer agents online; this holistic approach aims at streamlining internal processes and efficiently handling specialized medications.
As Anthem reinforces its presence in Downtown St. Louis, Vojicic emphasized the company’s dedication to being an active participant in the area’s revitalization. “It’s very easy to engage and to remain here,” she said. “We think we must be part of the revitalization and stay here, especially when there are so many great things going on.”
Kathy Osborn, Regional Business Council president, and CEO, said, “Specialty pharmacies are going to be the wave of the future as more and more complex drugs come on the market”.
In a city that has witnessed the departure of many major corporations, Anthem’s decision to expand its St. Louis workforce has garnered praise from city leaders. Mayor Tishaura Jones expressed the importance of promoting the region. “We have to flip that narrative and let them know the great things about this city”, she said.
Anthem’s long-standing history in the region, its contributions, and commitment to the city’s revitalization will be a boon to the area’s economy. This sets the stage for a vibrant, promising future for the city’s residents.
Anthem is currently filling the 100 or so remaining positions, to complete its hiring plans by next summer. Training will take three to five weeks.
Bonuses and incentives will be offered for all positions.
