For Immediate Release:	Contact:
March 3, 2008	Chrissy Pearson
	Kristin Milam
	(919) 733-5238
Executive Director Hired for North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool
Michael Keough from NCRx to Head New Program Beginning Today
RALEIGH -- The Board of Directors of the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool today announced the hiring of a new executive director for the program, Michael Keough of Raleigh. Keough begins work today.
Created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2007, the North Carolina Health Insurance Risk Pool (NCHIRP) aims to provide affordable health insurance coverage for North Carolinians who do not have access to an employer health plan and face high insurance premiums because of their health conditions.
"NCHIRP is a highly-anticipated program for many North Carolinians in need of affordable health insurance, and it needs a top-notch leader to see it through the coming months of preparation and start up," said Insurance Commissioner Jim Long. "Michael Keough has the leadership skills needed to get his new organization off the ground in a big way."
As executive director, Keough's primary duties will be to oversee the finances of the pool, ensure long-term financial solvency and manage day-to-day operations. With Keough's leadership, the Board will focus on key tasks, including designing the plan benefits, establishing rates, developing a targeted advertising and public education campaign and accepting first members. Enrollment will open no later than January 1, 2009, and coverage is expected to begin in early 2009.
"I am very pleased for the opportunity that the NCHIRP Board has given me to lead this exciting new initiative," Keough said. "Anyone who has ever faced catastrophic health care costs knows the difference that decent health insurance coverage can make. We look forward to developing affordable and good quality insurance options for North Carolinians who need them the most."
Keough comes to NCHIRP from the NCRx and North Carolina Senior Care programs, where he served as project director since 2002. In that position he managed the nation's fastest growing state pharmacy assistance program, serving more than 100,000 senior citizens and managing a budget in excess of $80 million.
"After conducting a national search for an executive director, we are delighted to have found someone of Michael's caliber and enthusiasm for the program here in North Carolina. The Board is looking forward to working with Michael in launching this important initiative for the people of North Carolina," said John Friesen, chair of the Pool's Board of Directors.
NCHIRP is in the process of establishing an office and adopting operating guidelines. The 12-member Board of Directors, which includes appointees by the Commissioner of Insurance, Governor, Speaker of the House and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, continues to meet regularly as they guide the Pool towards its start date.
More information about the Pool is available at www.nchirp.org, where interested consumers can find basic facts and sign up to receive enrollment information once it is available. While only preliminary information is on-hand currently, more details will be posted to the Web site in the coming months. In the meantime, consumers can turn to the Department of Insurance, which is assisting during the Pool's start-up phase, to have their names placed on the Pool's mailing list. Call the Consumer Services Division at 1-800-546-5664.
-- NCDOI --