The New Jersey Association of Health Plans (NJAHP) has officially seated its leadership team for the 2026–2027 term, electing Alicia Palombo of CVS Health/Aetna as chair of the bBoard.
The announcement, made Tuesday by the Trenton-based nonprofit, comes at a pivotal moment for New Jersey’s health care sector. As federal financing structures undergo significant shifts—including the widely discussed expiration of enhanced federal premium tax credits—the NJAHP is bracing for a term defined by affordability and advocacy.
Palombo, a licensed pharmacist, steps into the role with a deep background in pharmacy policy. Her appointment signals NJAHP’s intent to tackle rising medical and pharmacy costs, which have been identified as primary drivers of rate adjustments in the state’s individual market.
“I am honored to serve as Chair,” Palombo said in a statement. “As New Jersey continues to focus on affordability, access, and sustainability across the health care system, I look forward to working with our members and stakeholders to support policies that benefit patients, providers, and working families.”
2026–2027 Executive Board Officers
The newly elected board represents a cross-section of the state’s largest health insurers:
| Position | Officer | Organization |
| Chair | Alicia Palombo | CVS Health/Aetna |
| Vice Chair | Jill Squiers | AmeriHealth |
| Secretary | Mishael Azam | United Health Group |
| Treasurer | John Fuller | Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ |
| Legislative Chair | Alison Birzon | Cigna |
| Medicaid Chair | Brendan Peppard | Fidelis Care |
| Medicaid Actuarial/Finance Chair | Nikhail Bharwani | Fidelis Care |
| Dental Chair | Pat Gillespie | Wellpoint |
The leadership transition arrives as New Jersey navigates a complex regulatory environment. Ward Sanders, president of NJAHP, noted that the association is preparing to guide its members through a period of “unprecedented challenges.”
Key issues on the 2026 horizon include:
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Federal funding: Addressing the fallout from changes in federal healthcare financing.
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Market stability: Maintaining access within the commercial market and public employee plans.
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Medicaid oversight: Guiding the state’s Medicaid managed-care organizations through actuarial and financial shifts.
“Our Board represents a diverse cross-section of health plan expertise,” Sanders said. “This leadership team is well positioned to address challenges and opportunities across the commercial market, Medicaid, and public employee plans.”
The NJAHP serves as the primary voice for health plans in the state, representing members that cover over seven million New Jersey residents. Its member roster includes industry giants such as Aetna, AmeriHealth, Cigna, Fidelis Care, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Oscar, UnitedHealth Group, and Wellpoint.
The association focuses on educating policymakers and the public on the value of health plans while promoting collaborative efforts to expand access to high-quality care.
