Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island has named Ernest A. Balasco, chair of its board and executive director of Wood River Health Services, as interim CEO, effective March 7, when CEO Christopher F. Koller expects to leave to become state health insurance commissioner and head of Gov. Donald L. Carcieri’s new health Cabinet.
In a memo to his staff, Koller said Balasco’s appointment was meant to “ensure a smooth and stable transition period.” Balasco will continue to chair NHPRI’s board and run Wood River.
The company, Rhode Island’s largest Medicaid coverage provider, is launching a national search for Koller’s replacement. Joseph Nagle, CEO of Delta Dental of Rhode Island and a NHPRI board member, is chairing the search committee. Koller estimated that the group would need at least six months to do a “thorough” job.
“Although any transition is challenging, NHPRI has a solid foundation right now,” Koller wrote, adding that Balasco is “a great advocate for our members,” and that the board has recently defined a clear mission, strategic goals and objectives to guide the company.
NHPRI’s priorities for the coming year, Koller wrote, will be to preserve public support for RIte Care and NHPRI’s role in the program; innovate in children’s behavioral-health services; respond to a state proposal to improve dental-care access for children; and exploring “new business opportunities” in helping the state care for Medicaid and Medicare enrollees.
