CALIFORNIA – As part of its commitment to expanding access to care, addressing the needs of an aging population, and driving innovation in value-based care, Sutter Health proudly announces Aparna Abburi as its new Senior Vice President, Population Health and Health Plan Services and CEO of Sutter Health Plan. Abburi will spearhead efforts to deliver data-driven, patient-focused solutions that improve health outcomes and expand access to care for people and communities across California.

With 11,000 Americans aging into Medicare every day and the number of adults managing three or more chronic conditions expected to nearly triple by 2030, Abburi’s leadership will be critical in expanding Sutter Health’s capabilities to meet these growing demands.

“As we tackle the intensifying challenges in healthcare, including the growing demands of an aging population, it’s critical that we have experienced, strategic and innovative leaders like Aparna who can drive and accelerate change,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health. “Her extensive experience and proven success in insurance growth, care coordination and product development will help us expand the Sutter Health Plan to serve more members, as well as innovate, adapt and align our value-based care models to provide patients more equitable and personalized care.

Abburi brings nearly 25 years of healthcare experience, including leadership roles at Cigna, Centene, and UnitedHealth Group, where she developed a proven track record of improving results and building strategic initiatives. Her career has been defined by a commitment to enhancing care coordination, driving growth, and delivering patient-centered products and services.

At Cigna, Abburi was president of Cigna’s Medicare & CareAllies business where she oversaw a Medicare portfolio of products serving nearly 3 million members across all 50 states, driving major growth and leading transformational platform initiatives to simplify and improve care for patients. Previously, Abburi was president of Health Care Service Corporation’s Medicare & Duals division, and she held various leadership roles at Centene spanning their Medicaid, LTSS and Marketplace portfolio.

“It’s an honor to join Sutter Health at such a pivotal time,” said Abburi. “With the demands on our U.S. healthcare system intensifying, patients need care that is accessible, affordable, and tailored to their individual needs. I’m excited to work alongside Sutter’s exceptional team to develop integrated solutions that improve patient experience, health outcomes and create a sustainable path forward.”

In her new role, Abburi will focus on:

• Expanding access and enhancing payer performance of Medicare Advantage and Medicare risk payment contracts in partnership with health plan and regulatory organizations.
• Strengthening population health programs to ensure better care coordination and preventive care, particularly for patients with complex health needs.
• Developing innovative value-based care models to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
• Improving insurance offerings and options for employers, through expanding the Sutter Health Plan.
• Collaborating with clinical dyad partner Conrad Vial, M.D., President of Sutter Health Network to continue building out clinical programs and systems that will improve performance and connect our medical groups and community physician IPAs through a clinically integrated network.

Abburi serves on several boards and advisory roles, reflecting her commitment to advancing solutions that address today’s most pressing healthcare challenges. She holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

With Abburi’s appointment, Sutter Health continues to position itself as a leader in delivering value-based care, advancing population health, and ensuring financial sustainability for the benefit of patients across California.