Matt Eyles tapped as new AHIP president; Marilyn Tavenner to retire in June  

America's Health Insurance Plans has named Matt Eyles its new president. He'll replace Marilyn Tavenner, who will retire in June.

The group's board of directors voted unanimously to name Eyles as Tavenner's replacement, according to an announcement. Eyles has spearheaded much of AHIP's health policy work since becoming an executive vice president in 2015. He became chief operating officer in 2017. 

Tavenner will retire June 1, according to the announcement. She has served as president since 2015 and was previously the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator under the Obama administration. She joined AHIP after overseeing the tumultuous rollout of Healthcare.gov and other Affordable Care Act programs. 

Matt Eyles AHIP
Matt Eyles (AHIP)

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"Marilyn's track record of success is a model for every leader," Bernard J. Tyson, AHIP board chair and CEO of Kaiser Permanente, said in the announcement.

"Matt will build on our shared success—and the AHIP board is confident in him, his team and his leadership," he added. 

Tavenner said that she and Eyles will work closely with the board to ensure that the transition goes smoothly and that AHIP's projects and programs continue unabated. 

Eyles, she said, is "one of the most experienced leaders in Washington." 

Policy issues Eyles has overseen include drug pricing, strengthening the employer-sponsored insurance market and ongoing health reform debates in Washington. 

Marilyn Tavenner speaking
Marilyn Tavenner (AHIP)

"It's an honor to represent insurance providers and the members they serve," Eyles said.

"We will continue to focus on solutions that deliver more affordable choices and higher quality for every American." 

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Eyles takes over at AHIP during a turbulent time for health policy in general, and the insurance industry in particular, as policymakers chip away at the ACA and look to make significant changes to Medicaid

He'll "continue to lead the vision and mission established under Tavenner's leadership," according to the announcement.