Leanne Berge Elected Chair of ACAP Board of Directors

Leanne Berge, chief executive officer of Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW), has recently been elected as chair of Association for Community Affiliated Plans’ (ACAP) board of directors.

Berge will serve in this role through the end of 2026, marking another milestone in her successful career in healthcare.

Berge

ACAP represents 84 health plans across the nation, collectively providing health coverage to over 30 million individuals. The organization’s mission focuses on strengthening the nation’s safety net and advocating for folks relying on Medicaid, Medicare and Marketplace plans.

ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray, who is also a member of Managed Healthcare Executive’s Editorial Advisory Board, expressed confidence in Berge’s ability to lead the association.

“Leanne is a proven leader with a career in health care spanning four decades,” said Murray. “I am confident that her vision and guidance will ensure that the Association continues its longstanding commitment to strengthening our nation’s safety net.”

Berge brings much experience in the industry to her role at ACAP.

At CHPW, she has worked to reduce health inequalities and make care more accessible by addressing issues including language barriers, access to care and geographic challenges.

Under her leadership, CHPW has focused on whole-person health by integrating physical and mental health services while addressing critical factors such as housing and maternal health.

CHPW’s commitment to equity is clear through their Advancing Equity Fund, which recently donated $250,000 to 25 local groups supporting immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Since 2020, CHPW has donated over $1.2 million to 81 organizations statewide.

Reflecting on her new role, Berge said she was honored for the opportunity.

“I’m honored for the opportunity to serve ACAP’s membership, particularly at a time where the Medicaid program may be at an inflection point,” Berge said. “As chair, I look forward to working alongside my fellow Safety Net Health Plan leaders as we continue our advocacy on behalf of the 30 million enrollees who rely on us for comprehensive health care. Safety Net Health Plans are mission-focused and put people first—that will continue to be our driving force as we head into 2025 and beyond.”

Berge will serve alongside several prominent board members, including Eric Hunter, CEO of CareOregon, who is also a member of Managed Healthcare Executive’s Editorial Advisory Board.

Her new role as Chair of ACAP’s Board of Directors places her in a position to expand CHPW’s mission on a national scale, ensuring that underserved populations continue to receive the care they need.