Presbyterian’s insurance arm names new president

Presbyterian Health Plan, the insurance arm of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, will get new leadership this fall.

Heather Thiltgen, former president and CEO of WellSense Health Plan, Boston Medical Center's nonprofit health insurance system, will replace Tony Hernandez as president of Presbyterian's insurance division starting Nov. 4, the organization said in a news release.

Hernandez served as interim president of the health insurance system for the last 10 months, according to Presbyterian spokesperson Kourtney Muñoz.

In a statement, Presbyterian Healthcare Services CEO Rishi Sikka called Thiltgen a "purpose-driven leader" who understands the organization's "commitment to caring for New Mexicans, as well as the critical role we play in helping our state meet the needs of the communities we serve."

"I am thrilled to announce that Heather will be our next health plan president," Sikka said.

Thiltgen has 28 years of leadership experience in insurance, according to the release.

Presbyterian Health Plan is one of New Mexico's four managed care organizations authorized to run the state's massive Medicaid program. Presbyterian insures more than 540,000 total patients statewide, almost two-thirds of them through Medicaid and around a tenth through Medicare, Muñoz said.

"It is a challenging, dynamic time in health care and I am excited to work alongside an incredible team as we make a difference for our community," Thiltgen said in a statement.

The Presbyterian system includes nine hospitals, as well as urgent care and specialty clinics throughout the state. Presbyterian is the state's largest private employer, with approximately 14,000 employees, according to hospital officials.