Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Tavenner To Step Down As Head Of AHIP As Diminished Organization Struggles To Maintain Influence On Hill
Politico: Head Of Major Insurer Lobby Stepping Down After Turbulent Term
Marilyn Tavenner is stepping down after three tumultuous years at the helm of America’s Health Insurance Plans, a K Street powerhouse that's seen its influence decline as Washington grew more hostile to Obamacare. Tavenner oversaw AHIP as Republicans took full control of the federal government, hellbent on dismantling the 2010 health care law. The industry group was forced to take on that fight with diminished resources, with three of the country’s largest insurers — UnitedHealth Group, Aetna and Humana — dropping out of the organization in recent years. AHIP spent $6.5 million on lobbying last year — a nearly 40 percent decline from four years earlier. (Demko, 3/14)
The Hill: CEO Of Lobby Group For Insurers Stepping Down
She will be replaced by Matt Eyles, the group’s chief operating officer. Her resignation will be effective June 1. Eyles said in an interview Wednesday that Tavenner was "certainly the right leader at the right time and has helped improve the association." He said she made a "personal decision to step down at this time," but that it was an "orderly transition" that was "not based on any surprises." (Weixel, 3/14)
Modern Healthcare: AHIP Names New CEO As Tavenner Announces Retirement
The shake-up comes as AHIP struggles to hold on to some of its largest members. Insurer Humana ditched AHIP just before the start of 2018, following in the footsteps of Aetna, which exited in 2016, and UnitedHealth Group in 2015. In the wake of those big-name losses, some have questioned the strength of AHIP's political influence. Tavenner took over in 2015 from Karen Ignagni, who stepped down as AHIP's CEO after 22 years with the organization to lead New York-based plan EmblemHealth. Tavenner came to the lobbying group just six months after ending her tenure as CMS administrator. (Livingston, 3/14)
