About the Pool

Table of Contents

I.   Board of Directors
II.  History of the Pool
III. Recent Board Meeting Minutes 

Board of Directors

• Mr. Cole, a resident of Bullard, graduated with honors in 1965 from Texas Christian University. For many years, Gary held the office of President and Director of Combined Underwriters Life Insurance Company/Lifeline Underwriters Life Insurance Company. He has served in a leadership capacity for many insurance industry organizations.

• Mr. Ott is owner of an insurance agency in Corpus Christi. In practice since 1972, his focus is life and health insurance for individuals and groups. Rick holds the CLU and LUTCF industry designations.
   
• Mr. Barbutti  resides in Austin.  He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin.  Greg has served in leadership positions with local, state and national organizations.  Now retired from law, he is a community volunteer, healthcare advocate, and occasional outdoor adventure guide. 
   
• Mr. Baxter has served on numerous national and Texas task force and advisory groups in the field of health care delivery and reform. He is employed as an independent Consultant with The Baxter Group. Ed holds a master's degree in Human Services from St. Edwards University.
   
• Dr. Emmick who resides in El Paso, Texas, is on faculty at Texas Tech University Health Science Center and has a number of hospital/physician group affiliations. 
   
• Ms. McCandless, , Senior Counsel at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP, served for 10 years as Legislative Affairs Director and Special Counsel for Unicare Life and Health Insurance Company and Unicare Health Plans of Texas.  Pati represents UniCare and its affiliates for legislative and regulatory matters in Texas. Pati, who resides in Austin, received her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M, followed by a law degree from New York Law School.
  
  
• Ms. Paparelli graduated from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio with a Masters of Science in Nursing. A longtime Texas resident after service in the Air Force, Victoria is a Clinical Nurse Specialist with Schnitzler Cardiovascular Consultants of San Antonio in Adult Cardiology Services.
  
  
• Dr. Rainey  formerly maintained a surgery practice in Abilene.  Bill completed his general surgery residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.  Bill is a member of many professional organizations.
  
  
• Ms. Williams serves as Chief Operating Officer for Scott & White Health Plan, Temple, Texas, and was previously affiliated with Shannon Health in San Angelo.   Marinan, who resides in Temple, has a Master’s degree in health care administration from Texas Women’s University and she earned her undergraduate degree from Texas Tech University.  Marinan has 25 years of managed care and insurance industry experience and has also worked extensively with health care providers.
  
  
  

Executive Director

Steven Browning joined the Pool as Executive Director in August 1998. Steve earned his Bachelors degree from Rice University in 1980, followed by a Masters in Business Administration from U.T. Austin in 1982. Steve has primarily worked in the insurance and banking industries, including positions in marketing, claims management and accounting. In 2003 Steve served as Chair of the National Association of State Comprehensive Health Plans (NASCHIP).

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History of the Pool

The Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool was created by the Texas Legislature to provide health insurance to eligible Texas residents who, due to medical conditions are unable to obtain coverage from commercial insurers.  The Pool also serves as the Texas alternative mechanism for individual health insurance coverage, guaranteeing portability of coverage to qualified individuals who lose coverage under an employer group plan, church plan or state plan, as mandated by the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).  

The Program continues to serve the State of Texas as an important "safety net" for individuals who have been denied health insurance coverage because of pre-existing conditions, can afford the Pool's premiums, and do not have other coverage options. The stated mission of the Pool's Board of Directors is to foster public awareness of the Pool and provide eligible Texans with cost-effective health coverage that is consistent with major medical policies available in the commercial market.  

Recent Board Meeting Minutes
(Link Above will go to Board Minutes Page)

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