Kaiser Permanente Appointed New Health Plan Chief
The appointment of a 22-year veteran signals a continued focus on growth and value-based care strategies for health system operators.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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Kaiser Permanente has named Tom Curtin as executive vice president of its National Health Plan, effective immediately. He will oversee strategy for the system, which currently serves 12.9 million members across nine states and Washington, D.C.
Why it matters
As operators navigate rising healthcare costs, this leadership change reinforces the health system's commitment to value-based care and membership growth. Curtin is tasked with driving affordability and access within a competitive landscape.
Kaiser Permanente added 223,000 members in 2026, contributing to a total base of 12.9 million members. The new executive will manage this scale after serving as interim leader since May 2026.
The players
Tom Curtin
An executive with 22 years of tenure at Kaiser Permanente, now serving as executive vice president of its National Health Plan.
Greg Adams
The Chair and CEO of Kaiser Permanente who oversees the integrated health system's national strategy and operations.
Kaiser Permanente
A large integrated managed care consortium operating across nine states and Washington, D.C., serving 12.9 million members.
The details
In his new role, Curtin reports directly to Chair and CEO Greg Adams to manage health plan strategy and operations. The appointment follows a five-month period where Curtin served as interim head, drawing on his 22-year tenure at the company. His operational focus includes expanding access to value-based care models, a strategy designed to improve patient outcomes while managing system-wide costs.
Timeline
May 2026: Curtin began serving as the interim leader.
2026: The health system added 223,000 members.
September 29, 2026: The official news release was issued.
September 30, 2026: The appointment became effective.
Market Landscape
The appointment follows a consistent period of growth, with the health system adding 223,000 members in 2026. It reflects a shift toward established internal leadership to maintain momentum compared to growth cycles dating back to 2018.
Operators should monitor Kaiser Permanente's value-based care initiatives, as these programs often influence broader industry standards for pricing and access. Focus on whether these strategies shift reimbursement models in your specific region.
The takeaway
Curtin’s permanent appointment signals that the health system will prioritize continuity in its existing value-based growth model. Leaders should track how internal leadership transitions at major health systems impact regional care access and administrative requirements for partners.
Further reading
For more on shifts in healthcare leadership, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis.
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