UnitedHealth Exec Embraces Change

Quam feels similarly passionate about the health insurance crisis. Quam has already spearheaded health care reforms in her home state that have resulted in one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country. But with 47 million Americans lacking health coverage -- and millions more finding that coverage increasingly unaffordable -- Quam sees plenty of work still ahead.

Quam says that "a country this great can absolutely" find a cure, and she hopes to do her part to help.

"It will take (the assistance) of some forward-looking and capable companies," she says. "I will be looking for ways to identify and get capital to those companies. ... It is incumbent on all of us who are leaders in this country to find a way to address the problem of the uninsured."

Even without her direct guidance, Quam sees UnitedHealth playing a big role in that revolution.

"I feel so confident about the people I have recruited over the past many years," she says. "I know the company is in good hands. It has a very strong leadership team and a very bright future.

"I look forward to its success."

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