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News Story: University of Maryland School of Nursing Faculty Member Appointed to Maryland CareFirst Board
December 11, 2013
Ann B. Mech is serving a three-year term on the Board.
Ann B. MechBaltimore, Md. – Ann B. Mech, JD, MS '78, BSN '76, RN, assistant professor and legal affairs coordinator, University of Maryland School of Nursing (UMSON), has been appointed to the Maryland CareFirst Board of Directors. Mech, a resident of Howard County, is the only nurse on the Board.
The Maryland CareFirst Board approves modifications to state benefit plans, provider networks, provider reimbursement levels, product underwriting guidelines, rating plans, marketing goals, and availability or affordability of health care in Maryland. As a member of the Board, Mech is tasked with ensuring that the officers of CareFirst act in accordance with the mission of its nonprofit health service plan.
“I am honored to be a member of the board of directors of CareFirst of Maryland as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is implemented. CareFirst will play a vital role in making affordable health insurance accessible to individuals and families through the largest network of health care providers in the region,” Mech said. “I am looking forward to helping to ensure that the company adheres to its goal of providing health benefit services of value to customers across Maryland.”
Mech is a long-time community volunteer having served on several local health-related boards, including Howard County's Board of Health and Howard County General Hospital’s Board of Trustees. In addition to the Maryland CareFirst Board of Directors, she is currently a member of the Vantage House Board of Trustees and the Nursing Advisory Board of Howard Community College.
“Ann Mech has continually exhibited her leadership finesse and capabilities. She epitomizes the term ‘nurse leader’,” said UMSON Dean Jane M. Kirschling, PhD, RN, FAAN. “CareFirst has remained a staunch champion of nurses and their critical importance in the transformation of health care. I speak for the entire Maryland Action Coalition in praising this appointment.”
CareFirst is a nonprofit health care company independently licensed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The health care company offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.4 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia through its affiliates and subsidiaries.
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The University of Maryland School of Nursing, founded in 1889, is one of the oldest and largest nursing schools, and is ranked eleventh nationally. Enrolling more than 1,700 students in its baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, the School develops leaders who shape the profession of nursing and impact the health care environment.