Bobby Jindal, former governor of Louisiana, has been appointed to the board of directors of WellCare, a Tampa-based managed care company.
WellCare serves approximately 4.4 million members across its health plans, which span Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans. Jindal, who was elected as the nation’s youngest governor in 2007, served two terms from 2008 to 2016. He previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2005 to 2008. He also unsuccessfully sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.
Jindal was also briefly floated to replace ousted Tom Price, MD, as HHS Secretary last fall.
"We are pleased to welcome Gov. Jindal to our board of directors," WellCare Chairman of the Board Chris Michalik said in a statement. "As a leader who has dedicated his career to public service and advancing innovative healthcare policies, his broad knowledge and expertise in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and other government-sponsored programs will support WellCare's focus on providing access to high-quality care and services to our members and cost-effective healthcare solutions to our government customers."
During Jindal’s time in office, he advocated against the expansion of Medicaid in Louisiana and openly opposed it, declaring it bad for taxpayers. Jindal’s successor, Gov. John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, immediately moved to expand Medicaid in the state once he took office in 2016.
"WellCare has a long-standing mission to serve and helps millions of families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs live better, healthier lives," Jindal said in a statement announcing his appointment to WellCare. "I look forward to joining WellCare's board of directors to advance its mission, while working with the company's dynamic leadership team and sharing my experience, insights and advice with this rapidly-growing company."
Jindal also previously served as assistant secretary at HHS; president of the University of Louisiana Systems; secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals; and executive director of the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare.
WellCare recently finalized a $2.5 billion acquisition of Meridian Health Plans of Illinois and MeridianRx, a managed care company with 1.1 million members and a large pharmacy benefits manager.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."