Interviewed by Carlos Acosta and Fernando Méndez

We could tell right from the start that Frank Azan is a busy man, but also a forgiving man. We were late because the traffic had been unusually heavy that morning. But we waited only a few minutes and then were led to his tidy office with a great view of the Philadelphia skyline. Frank Azan must wonder many days about the road that brought him to the top of this agency in Philadelphia. He was born in Cuba, and came to the United States at the age of 12. He attended High School in Easton, Pennsylvania and studied at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey. Later, he worked for Chase in New York, and then a series of jobs in the health care industry: Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Delaware, Coventry in Delaware, and Tri-State in Baltimore. He worked as an accountant in New Jersey with Brother Consulting. He also worked as a COO, responsible for information, teaching, provider affairs, customer provider service, claims operations. He is married and has two children. His daughter is a teacher and his son works at MBNA. He has been with Health Partners for over a year.

After the introductions his first response was to place Health Partners as the preeminent non-profit health provider in Pennsylvania for the Latino community. "Health Partners Plan has more Latinos enrolled as members than any of the other health plans--30%--and all our communications to our plan members are done in both languages Spanish and English. The largest group in our membership is the Hispanic in all the Southeast Pennsylvania area, but is also the highest percentage in the Commonwealth that participates in Health Choices."

What do you perceive as the main need?

"The needs of the Hispanic population are the same as other populations that we service"

But do you approach Hispanic clients differently?

"The income is the same. It is not that different from any other sector of the population. We make an effort to provide quality providers and in their languages. Arabic is the second highest community with needs in our health plan."

The Puerto Rican community, being the largest Hispanic group in the Delaware Valley, has always sought the support of companies like Health Partners to launch informational campaigns as well as social events. Mr. Azan reveals pride in his company’s participation in the traditional Puerto Rican Parade.

How do you increase your membership?

"We participate in community events and the members themselves market it to one another. Word of mouth is the most important tool. We participate in the events of a large number of agencies. As an example we are very proud of winning the First Prize float last year in the Puerto Rican Week Parade. We also, participate in other events with the various ethnic community groups."

Have you seen drastic changes in the last decade?

"The Latino community has grown within Health Partners, becoming the highest we have ever had. Geographically, we serve a five county area: Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester Counties. Ninety-one percent of the membership is concentrated in Philadelphia for Health Choices. Another program, Senior Partners, is available only in Philadelphia."

There has been tremendous growth in the Mexican community around Kennett Square with over 5,000 people working in the mushroom industry. How do they qualify for your services?

"Health Partners does not do the qualifications, the State does it via Medicare or Medicaid."

Mr. Azan made many sacrifices along the way. He knows the value of a good education. As many other immigrants before him, he understood early on that education would open some doors. He exudes energy and self-confidence but he seems relaxed in spite of his heavy responsibilities. He oversees a staff of 200 people.

Without prompting he reflects on the topic of a good education.

"I have a daughter who is a teacher. She teaches 3rd grade. Has great use for the Spanish language. Being bilingual is more important today than before because of the growth of the Latino community. I lived in the United States for six years before my parents came over. I went to school, worked and sacrificed a lot to get to where I am today. Education is very critical. I always try to do a better job and prove to myself that I can always do better."

When did you leave Cuba?

"I Left Cuba in 1961. When I left Cuba it was not as hard as it was later. "

Mr. Azan, has had international experience. He knows his field so well, that he traveled to consult with other countries on how to institute health plans. An undertaking of such magnitude implies a profound knowledge of how the system works, from beginning to end. He speaks of those experiences with a sense of pride. After all, he says, the system he implemented is still at work in Uruguay.

"I also established a medical plan in Montevideo, Uruguay for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Had I not been bilingual, I could not have been given an opportunity to work in Latin America. I started the plan in Uruguay from scratch. I negotiated with providers and worked setting up a Health Plan for Argentina but the company decided not to go in."

What are your plans for the future?

"To work at Health Partners-- to work with the community. Because of my position, I can influence the community. Making sure that healthcare is accessible to all."