Rep. Jason Altmire, D-McCandless, has accepted a position with Florida Blue, the state's Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurer, as a senior vice president for public policy, government, and community affairs.

Altmire, a three-term congressman, has been looking for a job since losing the primary to fellow Democrat, Rep. Mark Critz, D-Johnstown , when their two districts were reshaped into one by a GOP redistricting map. Critz lost the general election to Republican Keith Rothfus.

"Serving the people of Western Pennsylvania in the United States Congress has been the highest honor of my life," Mr. Altmire said in a statement released by Florida Blue. "During the past six years I have worked to represent every constituent in our diverse district and give Western Pennsylvania a voice in Washington."

Altmire was a health care lobbyist for UPMC before his election to congress in 2006. He is also a graduate of Florida State University and served on the staff of former Florida Rep. Pete Peterson.

“I am thrilled to join Florida Blue because of its stellar reputation and forward-focused mission – To help people and communities achieve better health," Altmire said in a statement. "At this pivotal time for our nation’s health care system, I look forward to being part of Florida Blue, a thought leader on the cutting edge of health care industry transformation."

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