AHIP announces changes to dues, governance without providing details

The health insurance industry’s largest trade group said it will overhaul its membership fees and governance structure, but didn’t explain how in a press release issued June 7.

Tucked away on the bottom of a release announcing the next two chairmen for America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the group said the changes to dues and governance would be its “first major restructuring since 2003.”

“These changes establish a modernized dues and governance structure that allows AHIP to build on its strong track record and advocacy on behalf of its members and the consumers they serve,” the statement said.

That’s as much detail as the statement provided, and a spokesperson for AHIP didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The changes come after a rough year for the 1,200-member group, in which lost two of its biggest companies, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, which The Hill points to as a sign the lobby is “losing clout.”

AHIP’s statement went into more detail regarding the backgrounds of its next chairmen. Anthem President and CEO Joseph R. Swedish will chair the board of directors in 2017, followed by Kaiser Permanente Chairman and CEO Bernard J. Tyson in 2018.

“Joe and Bernard are recognized leaders who will bring a strong vision for the industry’s consumer-driven priorities over the next two years,” AHIP President and CEO Marilyn Tavenner said.