Paula Starnes currently serves as Chief Executive Officer for Aetna Better Health of Pennsylvania. In her role as CEO, Paula leads complex and highly impactful initiatives with a focus on operational excellence, P&L oversight, company growth, and delivering innovative solutions to address provider and member needs. Paula has been with Aetna for 5 years, previously serving as Chief Operations Officer for Aetna Better Health of VA.​

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Paula is a results-oriented and creative leader with over 25 years extensive experience in healthcare operations on both the managed care and provider sides of the industry. Prior to joining Aetna, Paula worked in multiple healthcare insurance organizations where she held various operational leadership roles with responsibility for large on and offshore production teams for all lines of business. She is known for her effectiveness in execution, consistently exceeding performance metrics, vendor oversight, large-scale implementations, and her keen ability to identify and implement critical process improvements. Additionally, Paula has experience managing diverse contracts and programs including Commercial, as well as government business such as Medicaid, Medicare and Duals. Her leadership has delivered successful reprocurements in multiple states. ​

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Paula has a passion for serving the community, particularly our most vulnerable populations, and is known for her hands-on approach to help drive change for those in need. She actively volunteers and aligns herself personally and professionally to advocate for and listen to those who need a voice to champion on their behalf. Working in the Medicaid space has empowered her to create solutions that make a difference and are relatable for this special population of individuals. She was recently appointed to Governor Josh Shapiro’s Advisory Commission for Women where serves on the women’s health subcommittee aimed at providing recommendations on programs and services affecting the experiences and needs of women in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Paula was featured on the cover of the October 2023 Women’s Edition of Diverse Business Elite Magazine as a woman of influence for her ability to break barriers and drive change in her industry.​

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Paula earned her master’s degree in Health Administration from Saint Joseph’s University and her bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications from Penn State University. She is the proud mother of 2 children, and was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA.