IBA South: Aetna -Texas Health Resource joint venture names new chief executive

Appointment comes amidst participant’s dispute with Blue Cross over contract negotiations

Insurance News

By Allie Sanchez

The partnership formed by Texas Health Resources (THR) and Aetna has named its chief executive.

Jeffrey Cook, who was previously responsible for a faith based system in Missouri, will man the helm at the entity created by the two parties earlier this year.

Local media outfit Dallas News said in a report that the new Texas health plan was set to open on January 1, but its availability may be pushed back to a later date due to pending applications for HMO licenses from state regulators.

Once these details are finalized, the health plan will undertake independent operations with its own staff and board of directors.

Cook’s appointment comes amid THR’s contract dispute with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. The current agreement by the two parties will expire at the end of this year, and they have yet to sign a new one. If they do not reach an agreement, Blue Cross will be out of network by next year.

THR, a not-for-profit entity, provides coverage for more than seven million residents in 16 Texas counties.

Allan Baumgarten, an analyst, explained in the report that a lengthy tie-up between THR and Blue Cross could greatly affect the Aetna-THR plan’s ability to gain market share.


Related stories:
Aetna starts bid to salvage Humana deal in anti-trust trial
Ousting Obamacare – easier said than done?

 

Keep up with the latest news and events

Join our mailing list, it’s free!