The Medicare Rights Center has a new president. The board of directors appointed Frederic Riccardi, vice president of client services, president, effective May 1, 2019. Joe Baker decided to step down after serving as president for more than a decade and will continue as president emeritus.

“Fred Riccardi’s leadership skills, breadth of experience, dedication, and compassion made him the board’s unanimous choice for president,” said Board Chair Bruce C. Vladeck.

Riccardi began his tenure at Medicare Rights in 2007 as a client services associate, advancing over the years to client services director and vice president, overseeing Medicare Rights’ client programming, including the National Consumer Helpline. He has also led the organization’s policy efforts in New York, while fostering a new generation of advocates as a lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work. Riccardi holds a Masters in Social Work from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College.

“I am thrilled to serve as the president of the Medicare Rights Center and help older adults and people with disabilities live with health, dignity, and financial security through our innovative programming and successful advocacy to improve Medicare,” said Riccardi. “While we celebrate 30 years of getting Medicare right, our work is needed more than ever, as every day we continue to hear from people with Medicare who struggle to access health care and afford their coverage.”

“It has been an honor to serve the Medicare Rights Center for more than half of its 30-year history, as both president and executive vice president,” said Baker. “As president emeritus, I look forward to working with Fred, the staff, and the board to continue building upon the organization’s accomplishments, helping older adults and people with disabilities get the affordable health care they need, and protecting and strengthening Medicare. I leave Medicare Rights and its mission in good hands and that gives me a great sense of satisfaction.”