Marilyn Tavenner discusses AHIP’s strategy

In this Q&A with Managed Healthcare Executive (MHE), Marilyn Tavenner, president and CEO of America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), discusses AHIP’s top priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Tavenner served as CMS administrator from 2010 to 2015, and as HHS secretary from 2006-2010.

MHE: Last year, you took over leadership of AHIP. What were some of your biggest fears moving into the position, and what were you most excited about?

TavennerTavenner: I’ve worked in many facets of the healthcare system during the course of my career and in the last five years have learned how health insurance works, both in the private sector and in the government. Coming to AHIP was an opportunity to work directly with plans during this period of transition to innovative healthcare delivery and to ensure consumers are provided the highest quality, most affordable care possible. It was also an opportunity to work on issues that will affect the long-term future of the U.S. healthcare system and the role of health plans to help make our system more sustainable.

MHE: What is one of the biggest lessons you learned at CMS that you will use/are using in your role at AHIP?

Tavenner: During my time at CMS, I watched the private sector take a lead in delivery system and payment reform efforts that were transforming the way we pay for care. Medicare Advantage and Medicaid Managed Care are two key examples of the type of innovation that can deliver better value and improved quality of care for beneficiaries in public programs. Strengthening and protecting those programs are fundamental to the work that we do at AHIP, and those remain key priorities of mine moving forward.

MHE: Recently, a few insurers have voiced concerns over their participation in the health insurance exchanges and the financial implications of participating. What is AHIP's response to these concerns and what actions is it taking as a result?

The exchange market is still in the midst of a major transition. We will continue to offer solutions to ensure long-term stability and success of the market so that consumers have access to high-quality, affordable care

MHE: There were a few recent exits from AHIP, such as UnitedHealth Group and Aetna. What efforts is AHIP taking as a result of these exits?

Tavenner: I have close relationships with both companies and will continue to have regular dialogue with their leadership, leaving the door open to working together on advocacy initiatives that are beneficial to the industry as a whole going forward. In addition, this week our board of directors approved new changes to modernize the structure of our dues and governance, the first major restructuring since 2003. These changes will allow us to build on AHIP’s strong track record of advocating on behalf of its members and the consumers they serve.

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