Aetna Better Health of California taps Verne Brizendine as CEO
Aetna Better Health of California, the Medicaid managed care business of Aetna, a CVS Health company, is welcoming Verne Brizendine as the new CEO of the health plan. In this role, Brizendine will be responsible for the health plan’s operations and strategy to help members achieve better health outcomes. Aetna Better Health of California arranges for the delivery of health care services to families and individuals who are eligible for Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. The health plan serves approximately 33,000 members in San Diego and Sacramento counties.
Brizendine joined Aetna in 2019 as director of business development, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience in the health care industry. He previously held various leadership roles with managed care companies, including Blue Shield of California, LA Care and Anthem. Throughout his career, he built longstanding partnerships with state and local officials, community stakeholders, health care providers and community-based organizations.
“Verne’s extensive knowledge and background in managed care, coupled with his strong track record at Aetna, will be instrumental in growing our California health plan,” said Lorry Bottrill, Southwest Territory Leader, Aetna Better Health & CEO, Mercy Care. “His leadership and commitment to assisting vulnerable populations will guide our strategic initiatives throughout the state as we continue to support Medi-Cal beneficiaries on their path to better health.”
Brizendine holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephen’s College. He serves as a Board member of the My Stuff Bags Foundation, a non-profit organization serving foster children in the United States.