About Us
We are dedicated to improving healthcare through partnerships with our communities and the people we serve
About Us
Twelve health plans established by local healthcare systems across Texas comprise the dynamic membership of the Texas Association of Community Health Plans (TACHP). Our mission is to engage our membership in collective efforts promoting quality healthcare and administrative efficiency, particularly for services to Texans at low to moderate incomes. Over 2 million people receive healthcare through our member health plans, covering most counties in the state
About our Members
TACHP health plans have earned the reputation as leaders in their communities through a dedication to consumer-focused healthcare for their residents and an understanding of the importance of partnerships with providers. All 12 member health plans serve the Texas Medicaid and CHIP programs. In addition, some of our membership also provides health insurance for individuals in the Marketplace, Medicare, through employers, and for community health coverage for the uninsured. TACHP health plans are frequent sponsors of community events and donors to numerous local programs and services.
Parent Organizations
Hospital Districts
- University Health System in San Antonio for Community First Health Plan
- Harris County Healthcare Authority in Houston for Community Health Choice Health Plan
- El Paso Hospital District for El Paso First
- Dallas County Hospital District for Parkland Community Health Plan
- Travis County Healthcare District dba Central Health in Austin for Sendero Health Plans
Children’s Health Systems
- Cook Children’s Health System for Cook Children’s Health Plan
- Driscoll Children’s Health System for Driscoll Children’s Health Plan
- Texas Children’s Hospital for Texas Children’s Health Plan
Community Health Systems
- Covenant and Hendrick Health Systems for First Care Health Plans
- Baylor/Scott & White Health System for Baylor/Scott & White Health Plan
- Seton Healthcare System for Seton Health Plan
Our History
In 2009, seven Texas provider-sponsored health plans began a consortium without a legal entity, operating as a loose affiliation of individual health plans working collectively on a number of projects. A common interest in furthering collaborative opportunities and expanding the circle of membership organizations led to the formal incorporation in March 2012 of the Texas Association of Community Health Plans (TACHP) as a non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation with 12 member health plans.
Since its establishment, TACHP has regularly brought together member CEOs and managers to develop and discuss strategies for managing and improving health care for Texans. TACHP has also worked with member health plans to negotiate and oversee contracts commonly held by member health plans, including the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) used by all 12 health plans.
Staff
Janet Walker, President & CEO of TACHP
Janet Walker is the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Texas Association of Community Health Plans (TACHP)
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Janet Walker is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Association of Community Health Plans. In this role, Janet leads the Texas-based community health plans in collective efforts to improve the health and well-being of Texans through accessible, quality, and cost-effective health care. As CEO, Janet represents and advocates for issues important to the TACHP mission of supporting and strengthening the delivery and outcomes of health care in Texas communities through the engagement of health care consumers, community providers, and other stakeholders.
Janet has more than twenty years of experience working with health systems and health plans, focusing on and advising on both the strategic direction and the legal and policy considerations related to health plan operations, Accountable Care Organizations, Bundled Payment Initiatives, Medicare Advantage, and Direct to Employer Contracting, to name a few. Janet also has experience working with insurance departments across the country. Janet’s experience also includes handling complex, regulated entity transactions. in the wake of increased value-based care joint ventures. Lastly, Janet has extensive experience advising managed care and insurance entities facing challenges from state and federal administrative agencies. Janet received both her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate with honors from The University of Texas at Austin.
Janet’s board experience includes Past Board Chair, Board Member, Chair of Audit & Compliance Committee, Mercy Care, Phoenix, Arizona; Past Board Member, Seton Cove / Mandorla, Austin, Texas; Past Board Member, Capital Area Tennis Association, Planning Committee The University of Texas Health Law Conference; and Past Member of Advisory Council, Healthcare Law and Compliance Institute.
Board of Directors
Theresa Scepanski, TACHP Chair & President & Chief Executive Officer Community First Health Plans
With over 35 years of experience in human resources development and leadership, Theresa’s skills and abilities have led to her being promoted to several key management roles.
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Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski is a dynamic leader in the healthcare sector, renowned for her unwavering commitment to advancing health access and improving community wellness. As the President and Chief Executive Officer at Community First Health Plans, Theresa has made significant strides in shaping and expanding healthcare services that cater to diverse populations, especially those historically underserved.
Theresa began her career with University Health in 1995. With almost 40 years of experience in healthcare operations, human resources development, and leadership, Theresa’s skills and abilities have led to her being promoted to several key executive positions.
Promoted to Senior Executive Director, Health System Administration in 2005, Theresa provided leadership and support to the Detention Health Care Services, University Health Foundation, and CareLink departments. Theresa led several initiatives to strengthen the fiscal health of CareLink. Under her leadership, CareLink improved access to health care through expanded collaborative arrangements with non-profit clinics, federally qualified centers, the local mental health authority, and community physicians.
Theresa served as Interim Chief Executive Officer for Community First Health Plans in 2010. She was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at University Health in 2012. In this role, she spearheaded significant improvements and expansions in all her areas of responsibility, Human Resources, Center for Learning Excellence, Volunteer Services, Employee Health, Safety & Wellness, Environment of Care, Emergency Preparedness, and Detention Health Care Services. Beginning in August 2019, Theresa served a second term as Interim Chief Executive Officer for Community First Health Plans and was appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2020.
Since joining Community First Health Plans, Theresa has utilized her expertise to drive innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities. Under her leadership, the organization has launched numerous programs designed to address the unique needs of its members, including expanded access to preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in creating partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, further amplifying the impact of Community First Health Plans in the community.
Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Theresa is known for her ability to inspire her team and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Her work has garnered recognition within the industry, including several awards highlighting her contributions to health equity and community engagement.
Theresa continues to be a driving force in the healthcare industry, embodying a vision of accessible, equitable, and compassionate care. Her contributions to Community First Health Plans, University Health, and the broader healthcare landscape underscore her commitment to creating healthier, more equitable communities for all.
Board affiliations include serving as Chair of the Texas Association of Community Health Plans, Texas Association of Health Plans, and The Bexar County Health Collaborative. Theresa served as Chair for the University Health annual United Way Campaign from 2006-2022. Theresa grew up in San Antonio, Texas.
Education:
Theresa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications from Texas State University and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development, graduating with honors from Webster University.
Craig Smith, TACHP Vice Chair & President & Chief Executive Officer Driscoll Health Plan
Craig Smith began as President and CEO of the Driscoll Health Plan in 2021, returning to South Texas and the Gulf Coast area to serve the people and communities where he was raised.
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Craig Smith began as President and CEO of the Driscoll Health Plan in 2021, returning to South Texas and the Gulf Coast area to serve the people and communities where he was raised.
Prior to Driscoll, Craig spent several years working within the Medicaid division of a national health plan. In his most recent role in that organization, he served as Market President running Medicaid health plans in both Washington state and Nevada. He also served as a Regional Vice President in Government Affairs based out of Texas and managing a 12-state government relations team across the central U.S.
Craig’s background in health stems from a decade of serving as policy advisor to multiple Texas State Senate and House legislative officials. In that capacity, he was integrally involved in sweeping healthcare initiatives like creation of the state’s first public educator health insurance program and CHIP eligibility reform. He carries a wealth of diversity in professional experience, having also worked in law, architecture and public education reform.
Education:
Craig is a licensed Texas attorney with a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center, a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston, and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas.
Stephen Bush, TACHP Treasurer & Chief Financial Officer of Scott and White Health Plan
Stephen Bush joined Scott and White Health Plan in 2009 as Controller for the organization. He became Chief Financial Officer in May 2015.
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Stephen Bush joined Scott and White Health Plan in 2009 as Controller for the organization. He became Chief Financial Officer in May 2015.
He has successfully improved health plan operating margin performance and reduced administrative cost ratios in each year since becoming CFO. In addition, he was a key contributor in the initiation of the following health plan programs:
• Medicaid STAR program – 2012
• Affordable Care Act individual market – 2014
• Medicare Advantage program – 2014
• Acquisition of FirstCare Health Plan – 2019
Prior to joining the Scott and White Health Plan, he was the Controller for MHNet Specialty Services, a managed behavioral healthcare organization in Austin, Texas specializing in behavioral health and substance abuse services for Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid clients.
His expertise played a key role in the acquisition of MHNet by Coventry Health Care in 2008. In addition to his role as Controller, he also served as the Corporate Tax Manager for MHNet’s complex structure of company entities and held an interim role as Director of Information Systems.
Mr. Bush also served in financial and accounting roles with service and manufacturing organizations in Tampa, Florida and Houston, Texas.
Education:
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in both Accounting and in Business Management from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. He earned his Masters of Business Administration degree from Sam Houston State University. He is also currently licensed as an active Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas.
Our Members
Jeff Ingram
Baylor Scott & White and FirstCare
Lisa Wright
Community Health Choice
Sara Daugherty
Dell Children’s Health Plan
Carol Smallwood
El Paso Health
Sharan Alvis
Sendero Health Plan
Michael Murphy
Texas Children’s Health Plan
Theresa Scepanski
Community First Health Plans, Inc.
Karen Love
Cook Children’s Health Plan
Craig Smith
Driscoll Health Plan
Victoria Mora
Parkland Community Health Plan