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HCSC Selects Stephen Harris to Lead Government Markets
Dec. 23, 2024
CHICAGO — Health Care Service Corporation has selected Illinois Plan President Stephen Harris to serve as president of government markets starting Jan. 1. In this role, he will provide strategic and operational leadership to continue accelerating HCSC’s government programs growth, including through the previously announced acquisition of The Cigna Group’s Medicare and Care Allies businesses.
Harris has served as Illinois plan president since March 2022, delivering growth and serving the plan’s customers and members with operational excellence. With a deep background in government programs, Harris added HCSC’s president of Medicaid to his scope last year. Prior to joining HCSC, he served as regional vice president of health plan operations at Molina Healthcare.
“Stephen has the experience, skill and know-how to enhance our growing presence in government programs — a critical component to our commitment to expand access to quality, cost-effective health care through all stages of life,” said Opella Ernest, M.D., president, HCSC markets. “By consolidating our Medicare and Medicaid lines under Stephen’s leadership, we are better positioned to align with evolving regulations and requirements to best serve the needs of our members.”
“It is an exciting time to help bring HCSC’s differentiated value to a broader audience of members nationwide,” Harris said. “We are growing, and I am ready to demonstrate to Medicare and Medicaid members that we are focused on serving their needs by empowering whole person health with compassion and innovation.”
Harris holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
Replacing Harris as Illinois plan president is Brian Snell, who currently serves as divisional senior vice president of Illinois group markets. With more than 30 years of experience at HCSC, Snell has extensive knowledge of the needs of Illinois consumers, businesses and other stakeholders. As plan president, he will continue to provide the strong local presence that makes HCSC a valued health care partner to customers, providers and members in Illinois. Snell earned an MBA from DePaul University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.
Christine Kourouklis, who served as HCSC’s Medicare president, is leaving the company to pursue a new opportunity.
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About Health Care Service Corporation
Health Care Service Corporation serves more than 23 million people across the United States through its portfolio of health benefit solutions. HCSC provides health coverage options for employers large and small, individuals and families, and Medicare and Medicaid plans. HCSC also offers related health care products and services such as pharmacy solutions, life and dental insurance, and health data technology.