First Tennessee adds health insurance service for businesses - 2006-03-30

First Tennessee Bank is getting into the health insurance business.

First Tennessee Insurance Services Inc., has added an employee benefits team to provide health benefits for small businesses in Memphis and Mississippi. Jeff Goldsmith, previously of PacifiCare Health Systems, and Danny Brown, from Current White Associates, have been recruited as agents. Donna Cody was recruited from UNUM Provident as an account manager.

First Tennessee is now selling group plans underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, Inc., United Health Group and Principal Financial Group. Other companies are in negotiations.

First Tennessee Insurance Services is part of Memphis-based bank holding company First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE: FHN).