Dive Brief:
- UnitedHealth Group Inc., the nation's largest health insurer, has announced that it is leaving the industry trade group America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) by June 30.
- United said it would be parting ways with the group because its interests are "no longer best represented" by AHIP.
- The move follows the May departure of AHIP's former head, Karen Ignagni, to become CEO at New York nonprofit EmblemHealth.
Dive Insight:
This is a huge statement that raises more questions than it answers—especially in the wake of departure of CEO Karen Ignagni, announced last month. UnitedHealth did not elaborate on how it considers AHIP, which has nearly 1,300 member companies, to no longer be representing its best interests. Neither did Ignagni, who will become the CEO of New York-based EmblemHealth in September—although it's completely possible that the two withdrawals are unconnected.
In other words, UnitedHealth's decision is a mystery right now.
"UnitedHealth Group believes the interest of our company and the customers we serve are no longer best represented by AHIP and accordingly are ending our membership effective June 30," company spokesman Matt Stearns said in a prepared statement. "AHIP has set forth a strategy and direction it feels best serves a membership profile and need that does not fit UnitedHealth Group and our diversified portfolio."
AHIP, meanwhile, says the group remains committed to its agenda.
"AHIP has a strong and demonstrated track record of successful advocacy on behalf of the health insurance industry," AHIP interim CEO Dan Durham said in a statement. "Our board has focused us on the critical issues facing health insurers and the customers we serve, including affordability, high cost drugs, and Medicare Advantage."