HHS' Larsen Resigns Top Post

Larsen then began working with Ario's deputy, Tim Hill, to manage the exchange development effort, according to a copy of an internal memo sent by Larsen to CCIIO employees at the time. 

One health care lobbyist, not a fan of PPACA, asked  if folk were jumping a "sinking ship in advance of a Supreme Court decision?" 

A Washington healthcare analyst, who asked not to be quoted by name, said this decision does not imply that the Supreme Court has given a heads-up to the White House that the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will be declared unconstitutional. "The Supreme Court does not work that way," she said.

Optum confirmed Larsen would join the Eden Prairie, MN, joined firm, but did not divulge his position. 

"We are excited to welcome Steve Larsen to Optum. Steve's extensive, broad-based experience in health care will further enhance the support Optum provides to the health system and consumers in a rapidly evolving environment," stated the company, which is made up of three business segments which form an information and technology-enabled health services business.

Optum, part of UnitedHealth Group Inc., sees itself a master in the 'science of managing data." it works with  providers  to improve quality and reduce costs and helps, with its parent company, to aid government agencies "drowning in vast amounts of data, high social expectations and enormous responsibilities for health care," according to the 2011 UHC annual report.

"Our goal is for Optum to excel in execution and service, and emerge as the leading source for a more modernized, integrated health care system," the report said.

Although Larsen noted a return to private sector in his resignation letter, much of his work has been with the state and federal government. He has worked for Amerigroup Corp., a public managed care company and as a law partner.

At HHS, Larsen served as the director of the Division of Insurance Oversight for nine months prior to becoming the Deputy Administrator and director of the new CCIIO. Prior to joining the CCIIO, Larsen served in a number of capacities at Amerigroup, a public managed care company serving the Medicaid and Medicare populations. 

Larsen also served six years as Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Chief Legislative Officer for Gov. Parris Glendening, and Chairman of the Maryland Public Service Commission for Governor Martin O'Malley, and was a partner at the law firm Saul Ewing, LLP.

Although Larsen noted a return to private sector, much of his work has been with the state and federal government. He has worked for Amerigroup Corp., a public managed care company and as a law partner.

At HHS, Larsen served as the Director of the Division of Insurance Oversight for nine months prior to becoming the Deputy Administrator and Director of the new CCIIO. Prior to joining the CCIIO, Larsen served in a number of capacities at Amerigroup, a public managed care company serving the Medicaid and Medicare populations. 

Larsen also served six years as Maryland Insurance Commissioner, Chief Legislative Officer for Governor Parris Glendening, and Chairman of the Maryland Public Service Commission for Governor Martin O'Malley, and was a partner at the law firm Saul Ewing, LLP.

At the state regulatory level, various interest groups are commenting on a draft of a form review white paper now being developed by a team at the Exchanges Subgroup at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), racing against the clock for review, adoption and state implementation.