Aetna announces departure from health insurance trade group AHIP

Michael Walter | | Health Exec | Management

Aetna has announced that it is ending its membership in America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) this year. AHIP is the health insurance industry’s largest trade group, made up of over 1,200 different companies.

This latest news comes after a rough 2015 for AHIP. The organization’s highly respected CEO, Karen Ignagni, announced in May that she was leaving to help lead EmblemHealth, and then UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the U.S., announced it was leaving AHIP just one month later. UnitedHealth commented at the time that both its own interests and the interests of its customers were “no longer best represented” by AHIP.

AHIP CEO Marilyn Tavenner, a former CMS administrator who took the position after Ignagni’s departure, commented on the news, pointing to the company’s long track record.

“AHIP's successful advocacy record speaks for itself,” Tavenner said in a statement. “Our members depend on AHIP to advance their key priorities, to strengthen the public-private programs that provide coverage for millions of Americans, and to deliver solutions that improve access to high-quality, affordable care for consumers.”

Aetna is presently close to finalizing a deal to acquire Humana. More detailed information on that transaction, first announced back in July 2015, can be found here. 

Michael Walter
Michael Walter, Managing Editor

Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Related Content

FDA issues Class I recall on counterfeit infusion pump batteries
FDA issues alert on PCNL sheath safety after patient death
Bipartisan bills in Congress would force insurance companies, PBMs to sell pharmacies
Anthem BCBS reverses course on anesthesia time limits
FDA issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death
FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business
FDA says years-long tirzepatide shortage is resolved, will give limited leeway to compounders

The tirzepatide shortage that first began in 2022 has been resolved. Drug companies distributing compounded versions of the popular drug now have two to three more months to distribute their remaining supply.

AI in Healthcare
From Capitol Hill to a hospital near you? 5 federal recommendations for healthcare AI policy

The 24 members of the House Task Force on AI—12 reps from each party—have posted a 253-page report detailing their bipartisan vision for encouraging innovation while minimizing risks. 

Cardiovascular Business
Merck spends up to $2B to license new weight loss drug with potential heart benefits

Merck sent Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, an upfront payment of $112 million to license a new investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist. There could be many more payments to come if certain milestones are met.