Former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services head Marilyn Tavenner has been tapped to lead the America's Health Insurance Plans. On July 15, the AHIP board of directors unanimously elected Tavenner as president and CEO.
"There is no better individual than Marilyn to lead our industry through the increasingly complex health care transformation that is underway. As the unifying voice for our industry, AHIP and its members are uniquely positioned to address the pressing health care challenges facing consumers, and Marilyn is a recognized leader who brings the experience, tenacity, and dedication to achieve our advocacy goals and to move the health system forward in a way that is patient-centered. She has the respect and trust of policymakers and stakeholders from all sides, and a personal commitment to advance meaningful solutions for improving access to quality, affordable care for all Americans," said AHIP Board Chair Mark Ganz in a statement announcing her selection to the post.
Tavenner replaces Karen Ignagni, who departed the organization in late May to join EmblemHealth as president and CEO. Ignagni had been AHIP's top lobbyisst for more two decades.
Prior to her role as administrator at CMS, Tavenner served as Secretary of Health and Human Services for the state of Virginia. She also held a number of leadership roles with Nashville-based Hospital Corporation of America (HCA), where she was president of HCA's Central Atlantic Division as well as group president of Outpatient Services.