PROVIDENCE, R.I.-- Christopher F. Koller, Rhode Island's first health insurance commissioner, is leaving to take a position as president of the New York City-based Milbank Memorial Fund, a national health policy foundation based in New York City.
CHRISTOPHER KOLLER
Koller will leave his post following the current rate factor review process, expected to be concluded at the end of June, Governor Chafee's office confirmed.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Commissioner Koller,'' Chafee said. "He has been a key partner in our efforts to make health care more accessible and affordable for Rhode Island employers and individuals. I am committed to identifying a successor who will continue the excellent work of the Office and the Executive Committee for Health Care Reform."
According to its website, the Milbank Fund engages in nonpartisan analysis, study, research on health policy issues. It publishes reports, books and The Milbank Quarterly, a peer-reviewed journal of population health and health policy.
Koller, who became commissioner in 2005, attained national prominence in health policy circles for his health-care reform efforts in Rhode Island, starting long before President Obama's health care overhaul.
Since the adoption of the health-care law, he has had key role in the state's efforts to carry it out, serving on the Health Benefits Exchange advisory board. He also is co-chairman of a new council working on a statewide plan for health services.
He has reviewed and often reduced the premium increases that insurers' propose, saying they were not justified.