Cigna CEO Set to Lead AHIP in 2019

Eyles said in a statement that Cordani and Burdick share Tyson's commitment to finding new solutions that improve health coverage, and health care, affordability, value and access.

"We are grateful for Bernard's continuing and exceptional leadership, and we look forward to David and Ken leading our industry and helping navigate the rapidly changing U.S. health care system to ensure we deliver care for all Americans," Eyles said.

Cordani said in a statement that members of the AHIP team will "take action to advance solutions and private-sector innovations that improve the health and financial security of America's families, businesses and communities."

Burdick said in his statement that health insurers will "continue to work in partnership across the public and private sectors" to improve patient health care experiences.

Insurers v. Drug Makers

AHIP has been battling pharmaceutical manufacturers over government policies related to prescription drug prices for years.

Cordani, the incoming 2019 board chair, may be in a good position to weigh in on prescription drug price policy: His company is acquiring Express Scripts Inc., a major pharmacy benefits manager.

Express Scripts has been bargaining hard with the drug manufacturers, and, at the same time, facing accusations it may be keeping a higher percentage of the negotiated discounts than customers realize.

Cordani may also have a deeper understanding of how investors on Wall Street see health insurers, because of his position as  the head of a company with a listing on the New York Stock Exchange, and earnings releases that face the scrutiny of securities analysts every three months.

— Read Maybe Traditional Medicare Should Cover Chronic Care, Too: Hearing Witnesses, on ThinkAdvisor.

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