One of the nation's largest health insurance advocacy groups is welcoming in a new chief executive, amid a tumultuous regulatory environment.
At the California Association of Health Plans (CAHP), Board Chairman Paul Markovich, the CEO of Blue Shield of California, has named a successor for association CEO Patrick Johnston, who is retiring at the end of 2014 after five years on the job.
Charles Bacchi will step in as CAHP president and CEO starting next year, after spending eight years with the association, serving first as government relations vice president and then as executive VP.
"Charles has worked on implementation of the Affordable Care Act including the challenges associated with the creation of Covered California and the expansion of Medi-Cal," said Markovich in a media release. "He is immensely qualified to lead the primary trade organization representing health plans in the state."
California took a "front-runner status in implementing the Affordable Care Act," with an insurance exchange that enrolled more than 1 million consumers and a full expansion of Medicaid eligibility, and Bacchi has helped the state's health plans navigate through the new policies, said Markovich. . "Health care will continue to be a critical issue for employers, individuals, and those eligible for Medi-Cal, as we navigate the Affordable Care Act," added Bacchi, who also has worked as State Senate legislative director and legislative advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce.
Johnston departs CAHP after a long career in government and insurance, serving twenty years in the legislature, working in government relations for Health Net and teaching public policy in universities part-time.
"I have been fortunate to have had a fulfilling and enriching career engaged in public policy issues confronting California," said Johnston, in a media release. "The backing of the CAHP Board, an engaged and supportive group of member health plans, and our hardworking and talented staff have made my time at CAHP a rewarding experience."