CEO of Texas Health Insurer Fired for Spying on Customers

Mark Sanders, the CEO of Superior HealthPlan, has been fired following his testimony at a Texas legislative hearing where he admitted to hiring private investigators to conduct background checks on customers, state lawmakers, and journalists. His dismissal was announced by Centene, Superior's parent company, which stated that Sanders' conduct does not reflect the company's values. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating the allegations that the company engaged in potentially illegal practices, including surveilling private citizens to avoid paying claims and trying to influence lawmakers.

During the hearing, Sanders described the background checks as 'routine' research while facing intense questioning from lawmakers. He claimed that these checks involved public information, but their ethical implications raised concerns about the company’s culture. Lawmakers expressed outrage over the company's actions, emphasizing the need for increased transparency and accountability in government contracts. In response, legislators have proposed bills to prevent similar incidents in the future.