EmblemHealth announces appointment of Karen Ignagni as CEO with the retirement of Mike Palmateer

Contact: 
EmblemHealth Public Relations Office | Email: [email protected]

New York, NY (Sept. 17, 2026) - EmblemHealth, one of the nation's largest nonprofit health insurers, today announced that Mike Palmateer, who has served as Chief Executive Officer for the past two years, has retired from the organization after 20 years of service.

"Mike has led our organization with distinction, guiding EmblemHealth through a period of growth, modernization, and deepened engagement with the communities we serve," said John Feerick, Dean Emeritus and Professor, Fordham Law School and Lead Independent Director of the EmblemHealth Board of Directors. "We congratulate him on his many contributions and thank him for his dedicated leadership."

The Board of Directors will initiate an executive search and has asked Karen Ignagni, current Executive Board Chair, to reassume the Chief Executive Officer role.

"It is an honor to serve our members, work with our provider partners, and ensure that the City of New York and its workers continue to have broad access to care at an affordable price," said Ignagni. "I look forward to once again working with the men and women of EmblemHealth who have transformed our plan and continue to make such a strong impact on the communities we serve."

Ms. Ignagni is a nationally recognized healthcare leader who led EmblemHealth's transformation and modernization, earning acclaim for her customer-focused leadership. She has been consistently recognized by leading industry publications and has appeared on Modern Healthcare's "100 Most Influential People" list for over a decade. Previously, she served as President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans, representing more than 200 million Americans, and has held key advisory and board positions in government and academia.

About EmblemHealth
EmblemHealth is one of the nation's largest not-for-profit health insurers, serving members across New York's diverse communities with a full range of commercial and government-sponsored health plans for employers, individuals, and families. With a commitment to value-based care, EmblemHealth partners with top hospitals and doctors, including its own AdvantageCare Physicians, to deliver quality, affordable, convenient care. At over a dozen EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care locations, members and nonmembers have access to community-based health and wellness guidance and resources. For more information, visit emblemhealth.com.