LEWISTON — Kevin Lewis, CEO of Maine Community Health Options, recently announced that John Yindra, M.D., has joined the organization as chief medical officer.

MCHO is a nonprofit that will provide affordable health insurance to Maine people and small businesses beginning in January 2014. The enrollment start date for the plan is Oct. 1, 2013. Organized as a Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan, MCHO’s mission is to provide high-quality benefits that promote health and well-being.

As CMO, Dr. Yindra will be responsible for assuring effective and efficient delivery of quality care that is consistent with the mission and vision of Maine Community Health Options. Previously, Dr. Yindra served as associate medical director of the Maine Medical Center Physician Hospital Organization. He played an instrumental role in efforts to spread the Patient Centered Medical Home model to the organization’s primary care physicians.

Dr. Yindra has also worked as the medical director of Central and Western Maine PHO, the first physician hospital organization in Maine to enter into a risk contract with Anthem based on quality measures.

He had a full-time practice at the DFD Russell Medical center for 25 years and will continue to have a limited practice there. He and his wife live in Portland.

More information about Maine Community Health Options can be found at www.maineoptions.org.