TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Freedom Health, Inc. (Freedom) and Optimum Healthcare, Inc. (Optimum), Medicare Advantage organizations and wholly-owned subsidiaries of Anthem, Inc., have named Jigar Desai as Chief Executive Officer and Nancy Gareau as Chief Operating Officer. Desai and Gareau bring 50 years of leadership experience in the healthcare industry and have a proven track record of delivering services that address the healthcare needs of older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions.
Desai previously served as Chief Financial Officer for both organizations. He joined the companies in 2008 and has played an integral role in the health plans’ successes through his leadership in finance and benefit development. In addition, Desai brings substantial insight into provider partnerships, which will be critical for the company’s long-term growth. Before Freedom and Optimum, Desai held leadership positions in finance at WellCare Health Plans and Universal Healthcare.
Prior to being named Chief Operating Officer, Gareau served as Vice President of Network Operations & Business Development at Freedom and Optimum. Along with overseeing daily operations, Gareau will continue to work with area care providers to ensure consumers receive high-quality, affordable healthcare services to help improve their health and wellbeing. Prior to joining Freedom and Optimum, Gareau led operations and specialty product development in various leadership positions at WellCare Health Plans and Physicians Healthcare Plans.
Freedom and Optimum have grown to become two of Florida’s preferred Medicare Advantage plans. Both plans currently serve approximately 135,000 members through their Medicare Advantage plans in 25 Florida counties. The companies serve more than 60,000 consumers enrolled in Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs).
The companies’ focus on high-quality services resulted in the health plans receiving five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2017 and 2018. The CMS’ Medicare Star Rating system rates the quality and performance of Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans to help consumers and their families compare plans.
About Freedom Health, Inc. and Optimum Healthcare, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, FL, Freedom Health, Inc. and Optimum Healthcare Inc. provide comprehensive health care coverage through their Medicare Advantage Plans in the state of Florida. The health plans offer multiple benefit options including MAPD, Dual Special Needs Plans covering individuals with both Medicare and Medicaid eligibility and Chronic Special Needs Plans focusing on individuals diagnosed with diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD).
With a combined enrollment of over 135,000 Medicare Advantage members in 25 counties throughout the state, Freedom and Optimum have consistently earned impressive quality ratings from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). For more information on America’s First Choice family of health plans, please visit one of our websites at www.youroptimumhealthcare.com or www.freedomhealth.com.