UnitedHealth left America's Health Insurance Plans last June. Aetna left earlier this year. Now AHIP is doing its best to get the insurers back, according to Bloomberg.
"One of our primary goals is to make sure we meet them at their space and have them rejoin AHIP," said AHIP CEO Marilyn Tavenner. "From my perspective, the door is open and we want them back, and both of them know that."
Together, UnitedHealth and Aetna cover 25 percent of Americans. Aetna paid AHIP $1.1 million in dues each year, and UnitedHealth paid a similar amount, according to the report.
Sources close to the issue claim insurers have been experiencing issues with AHIP for years. Many large insurers — such as Aetna and UnitedHealth — were upset with the trade group because they paid more in dues but were not given any more say in AHIP's governance than smaller insurers, according to the report.
AHIP is evaluating its governance and dues systems and Ms. Tavenner wants to bring back Aetna and UnitedHealth. "I'm going to do everything I can to win them back," Ms. Tavenner said. "Part of that is about strategy, part of that is about input. The board here recognizes that and wants to work with them as well."
Ms. Tavenner may get her wish. Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini said his company might be willing to join AHIP again if it gives his company more involvement in its governance, according to a report from Inside Health Policy.