Essence Healthcare, a health insurance provider has named Richard Jones as president and chief executive officer, with a plan to streamline its operations in Medicare advantage health segment.
Jones will succeed Frank Ingari, who is resigning to become chief executive officer of NaviNet, America’s largest real-time health care communications network for physicians, hospitals and health insurers. Ingari will continue to serve as on the Board of Essence Healthcare.
Lumeris, a sister company of Essence Healthcare that specializes in the enablement of high-performing accountable health care delivery systems, together with three Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates acquired NaviNet earlier this year.
Richard Jones said, "Frank’s experience at Essence will help broaden the functionality of NaviNet’s multi-payer communications platform, which is used by many of the area’s health care providers."
"I believe that doctors and patients across the St. Louis area will benefit from a joint Lumeris-NaviNet solution that further encourages more coordinated and accountable health care."
Jones has over 20 years of executive experience in health care working with Essence and has been a member of the Essence Healthcare board of directors, while also served as the company’s chief financial officer.
Essence Healthcare provides Medicare comprehensive and affordable health insurance that focuses on wellness, care coordination and personal service.