- Industry executive with more than 20 years of experience to lead organization serving nearly 540,000 members across the state
- Innovative and devoted leader focused on maternal health, mental health, health equity, rural health, closing gaps in care as well as addressing health disparities
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Amerigroup Tennessee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elevance Health, announced today that Natalie Cooper has been named president of the health plan, a leading managed care provider of health benefits for Tennessee residents enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, TennCare. TennCare currently provides health insurance to more than 1.7 million Tennesseans, including children, pregnant women, caretaker relatives of dependent children, older adults, and adults with disabilities.
In her new role, Cooper is responsible for all aspects of the health plan’s operations across the state, ensuring its nearly 540,000 members receive access to innovative, high-quality healthcare and support services. She will also lead efforts to strengthen relationships in the community with state leaders, providers, and other key stakeholders.
“Natalie is a devoted leader and respected healthcare executive who has extensive knowledge of Medicaid and healthcare plan operations as well as a passion for serving communities through an integrated whole health approach,” said Kristen Metzger, President of Elevance Health’s Medicaid East Region. “She brings a strong track record of innovation fueled by growth and health equity while building and sustaining a high-performing culture amongst her peers and associates. We look forward to her leadership as we continue to make real progress toward improving the health of the people and communities we serve across Tennessee.”
Cooper has more than 20 years of experience and executive leadership within a variety of industries including 9 years at Elevance Health focused on state and federal programs, active duty and reserve command with the United States Air Force as well as key strategic roles at the Department of Defense. Most recently, Cooper was Regional Vice President at Elevance Health where she was responsible for Medicaid growth strategies and development centered on health plan retention and operations.
“Amerigroup Tennessee is a trusted health partner with a longstanding local commitment to improving the health of humanity,” said Cooper. “I look forward to continuing the local legacy by collaborating with our state partners, members, providers, advocates, legislators, and community organizations to address the physical, behavioral, and social needs of our members. Our priority is to improve health, affordability, quality, equity, and access for individuals and communities across Tennessee. We will continue to put the people we serve at the center of all that we do, to exceed expectations, and optimize health outcomes.”
Cooper is a graduate of Park University in Parkville, Missouri, and holds a Master of Health Sciences and Master of Business Administration from Trident University International in Cypress, California. In addition, she is the recipient of a Women in Leadership Certificate from Yale University and serves as a mentor to females in business. Cooper also remains committed to giving back through her active affiliations with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc.
About Amerigroup Tennessee
Amerigroup Tennessee, Inc. helps improve healthcare access and quality for nearly 540,000 Tennessee residents who participate in the state’s various Medicaid programs. Amerigroup serves Tennesseans by developing and delivering innovative care management programs and services. Amerigroup Tennessee members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. It provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. For more information about Amerigroup, please visit our website at www.myamerigroup.com/tn.
Contacts
Buddy Castellano
(651) 219-1818
Buddy.castellano@elevancehealth.com
