Westport's Michael Devine to Serve on Health Insurance Exchange Board

Westport resident Michael Devine has been appointed to the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange Board of Directors, a quasi-public panel mandated by federal law under “Obama Care.’’

Devine is CEO of Earth Energy Alliance, a company he founded, that is focused on integrating biodiesel fuel into the nation’s renewable energy strategies.

“Mike Devine is a successful entrepreneur and innovator who understands how to bring business solutions to complex issues,” said State Rep. Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., in a statement. “His abilities and experience will serve him, and our state, well on the Health Insurance Exchange. This is the body that will deal with the challenges associated with the new health care system prescribed by the federal government.”

Devine’s appointment is effective immediately and will run through June 30, 2013.

The Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange was established by the legislature in response to changes in federal law pushed by President Obama. The directors will serve as the management team of the new health care exchanges that Connecticut residents will begin accessing beginning in 2014 to purchase health insurance.

Cafero said it is critical to have someone with Devine’s business expertise and foresight at the exchange to lend the private sector vision to what is becoming greater governmental involvement in health care systems.

As per the release, Devine has been an outspoken advocate for integrating alternative and renewable resources into the state and national fuel chains. He has worked with state and federal legislators and governmental agencies, providing technical information and support for biodiesel integration.