Covered California, the state’s primary health insurance marketplace, has announced the appointment of Theivanai Palaniappan as its new Chief Data and Insights Officer. Bringing over two decades of experience in enterprise data management and analytics, Palaniappan is poised to strengthen the organization’s data strategy, governance, and analytical capabilities, supporting informed decision-making across the marketplace.
In her new role, Palaniappan will oversee all aspects of data-driven operations, ensuring that Covered California can leverage analytics to improve coverage access and operational efficiency. Executive Director Jessica Altman underscored the significance of the hire, stating, “Theivanai’s extensive experience leading large-scale data teams and complex projects makes her an ideal fit. We look forward to applying her expertise to further our mission of providing every Californian access to high-quality health insurance.”
Palaniappan has an impressive history of building and managing enterprise-level data functions. Most recently, she served as Vice President and Head of Data at Oscar Health, where she spearheaded critical analytics initiatives for one of the leading health tech insurers in the United States. Prior to her work in health technology, she spent more than 20 years at Wells Fargo, where she developed robust data frameworks and strategies for large-scale financial services operations.
Her professional journey began in India as a software engineer, laying a foundation in technology that would later inform her expertise in finance and healthcare analytics. She further honed her strategic and analytical skills by earning a Ph.D. in Finance from Columbia Business School, positioning her as a uniquely qualified leader capable of bridging data science with real-world business and policy impact.
Reflecting on her new position, Palaniappan expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, “It is an immense privilege to join an organization dedicated to creating a positive impact for all Californians. I look forward to working with the Data team at Covered California and applying my passion for data to make a meaningful difference in the lives of families across the state.”
Her appointment highlights Covered California’s commitment to strengthening analytics and data-driven decision-making, reinforcing the organization’s focus on improving healthcare access, streamlining operations, and delivering better outcomes for Californians. With Palaniappan at the helm of data strategy, the marketplace is set to advance its capabilities in leveraging insights to guide policy, enhance consumer experience, and support equitable access to health coverage statewide.
