Last fall, in his first public statements as the chairman, CEO and president of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Kevin Conlin played it close the vest. He was thoughtful and deliberate, as is his way. And nothing he told ROI-NJ on that day showed what might be coming ahead.

That announcement came Monday afternoon, when Assemblyman John McKeon (D-Madison) introduced legislation that would make it possible for Horizon BCBSNJ to become a not-for-profit mutual.

The move, which — among other things — will give the company more flexibility in its ability to invest in new technologies, was quickly lauded by state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-West Deptford). And, while there are no certainties in politics, it would appear the change — which Horizon and state officials have been working on for more than a year — will take place.

Read more at ROI New Jersey.