A major player in Florida’s Medicaid system is under new direction Friday as Tampa-based WellCare Health Plans announced the replacement of Chief Executive Officer Alec Cunningham.
According to News Service of Florida, filings in the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission show the WellCare board “terminated” Cunningham as of Thursday. The health care unit appointed Chairman David J. Gallitano interim CEO.
The 65-year-old Gallitano served as chair since May, as well as an independent director of the company since 2009.
“As the company continues to expand and grow, the board felt that it was necessary to identify a new experienced leader to help write the next chapter for WellCare,” Gallitano said in a statement reported by News Service of Florida.
“I am looking forward to working with the management team to continue progress towards WellCare’s vision to be the leader in government-sponsored health care programs,” Gallitano added.
WellCare is one of the leading HMOs in the state Medicaid program. In Florida’s move to a statewide managed-care system, the healthcare company recently received contracts in seven regions.
