AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa Names Cheryl Harding Market President

Business Wire

DES MOINES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan that will serve Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries as part of the state’s new IA Health Link program beginning January 2016, today announced that it named Cheryl Harding as its market president. A longtime health care professional with more than 20 years of leadership in Iowa health, dental and life insurance companies, Harding brings to the team a significant understanding of and appreciation for Iowa health care issues.

Harding most recently served for eight years as chief operating officer for Delta Dental of Iowa, where she managed the company’s government programs, strategic plan development and execution, finance, operations, technology and compliance areas, and served as secretary/treasurer of its foundation. Before joining Delta Dental in 2007, Harding served as vice president and controller for American Enterprise, a life and health insurance company. Harding is a board member and secretary/treasurer of the Iowa Health Foundation, as well as a board member of Urbandale Chamber of Commerce. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from The Ohio State University.

“Cheryl is an accomplished health care leader who shares our passion for serving Iowans who are most in need,” said Russ Gianforcaro, regional president for AmeriHealth Caritas. “Cheryl has extensive experience in public insurance programs and trusted relationships across the state, both of which are critical to ensuring that AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa helps Iowa become an even healthier state.”

The new IA Health Link program will serve the majority of Iowa’s Medicaid population, or about 600,000 Iowans, through four managed care plans.

“IA Health Link is an innovative program that will enhance the quality of life for Iowans in greatest need,” said Harding. “I’m excited to join AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa as its market president and lead our team as we work with our partners across the state to provide access to quality health care for all of our members.”

For more information about the IA Health Link program, visit: http://dhs.iowa.gov/.

About AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is one of four Medicaid managed care plans that will participate in IA Health Link beginning in January 2016. AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa will help Iowans get proper care and stay well, working with communities in need to achieve positive health outcomes throughout the state.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 15 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 6.9 million Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.