Medicaid Health Plans of America Taps AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies CEO to Lead Its Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA), the leading trade association solely focused on representing Medicaid health plans, appointed Mr. Michael A. Rashid, president and chief executive officer of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, as their chairman.  Mr. Frank Siano, vice president of business development, Medicaid, at Coventry Health Care will step into Mr. Rashid's former position of vice chair of MHPA's board.

Comprised of appointed representatives from its member plans, MHPA's board jointly oversees the activities of MHPA and governs MHPA by establishing its policies and objectives. The board is also central in setting health policy for MHPA. Effective immediately, Mr. Rashid will have the traditional duties of chairman, including presiding over MHPA board meetings and acting as MHPA's spokesperson. Mr. Rashid will continue to serve as a member of MHPA's executive committee which reviews business matters of the association and sets the agenda for board of directors meetings. Should Mr. Rashid be unavailable to fulfill his duties as chairman, Mr. Siano, as vice chair of MHPA's board, will serve as chairman. Mr. Siano also will assume the chairmanship in the event a motion involving Mr. Rashid is being discussed. In addition to these roles, Mr. Siano will also serve as a member of MHPA's executive committee.

"Both MHPA and AmeriHealth work tirelessly to provide access to high-quality health care for the underserved while being prudent stewards of taxpayer funding," said Rashid. "Our industry is in the midst of unprecedented transformation. It is an honor to be chosen to serve as chairman of MHPA's distinguished board of directors at this time. Together, we will lead our industry into an exciting new era," Rashid said.

"Given the leadership and strategic direction that Michael has provided the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies as its president and CEO, I am confident that he will bring the same steadfast vision to MHPA's board," said Thomas Johnson, MHPA's president and CEO. "Whether health reform is implemented or repealed, there are many issues such as coordinating care for the dual eligibles where the Medicaid health plan industry can play a significant role. Under Michael's guidance, I look forward to continuing the progress we've made to date in ensuring our nation's underserved gets access to quality care."

About MHPA

Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA) is the leading trade association solely focused on representing Medicaid health plans. MHPA provides advocacy, research and organized forums that support the development of policy solutions to enhance the delivery of quality health care. For more information, visit Medicaid Health Plans of America at http://www.mhpa.org or email at [email protected].

CONTACT: Joe Reblando, 202-857-5722, [email protected]

SOURCE Medicaid Health Plans of America