Covered California Welcomes Craig Cornett to Its Board of Directors
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Craig Cornett has been named the newest member of Covered California’s Board of Directors after his appointment to the board by the California Senate.
Cornett enjoyed a storied 42-year career in public and nonprofit service in California before retiring in January. He was most recently the CEO and president of the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF), the state’s largest and oldest nonprofit trade association representing the long-term care sector, from 2017 until 2025.
“Craig brings valuable experience to the board, with a long history of advancing improvements in long-term care for Californians,” said Covered California Executive Director Jessica Altman. “With the headwinds ahead, his expertise and leadership working with key figures in the public and private sector will be instrumental in helping Covered California ensure that all Californians have access to high-quality health insurance. We are thrilled to have him as our newest board member.”
Prior to his work with CAHF, Cornett was the budget director and chief fiscal advisor for the California Senate, a position he held under two Senate leaders, from 2008 to 2017. Over his accomplished career, he has participated in a number of initiatives to expand health care coverage and increase quality, including the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in California, the expansion of Medi-Cal and the 2010 legislation that created the health benefit exchange that became Covered California.
“It’s an honor to be a part of this incredible organization working to make health insurance accessible to as many Californians as possible,” Cornett said. “I’m excited to get to work helping the board navigate the challenges ahead, and I’m hopeful for the future of Covered California and the people of this great state.”
Cornett also served four speakers of the California Assembly, from 2000 to 2008, and worked for the non-partisan California Legislative Analyst’s Office for 17 years.
Cornett graduated from Washington and Lee University in Virginia and holds a master’s degree in public policy from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
There is no compensation for the position, but Cornett may receive a per diem and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses.
About Covered California
Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.
Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.
