Susan McGeehan Advances Medicaid Managed Care and LTSS Innovation in Aging

Susan McGeehan, Associate Principal at Health Management Associates in Minnesota, received the W. Fred Cottrell Distinguished Alumni Award for her leadership in aging policy, particularly in Medicaid managed care and long-term services and supports (LTSS). Her career spans advising state governments and health systems on integrating Medicaid, Medicare, and aging services to enhance care delivery for older adults. She credits her education at Miami University’s Master’s in Gerontology Studies program for shaping her strategic and applied approach to policy and program development in aging services.

McGeehan’s early research focused on dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, highlighting innovative state programs like Minnesota’s emerging managed care system. This foundation informed her shift towards improving health equity and the quality of care for older adults through policy and operational analysis. Her consultancy bridges research, policy, and practice, enabling her to support states in tailoring Medicaid and Medicare programs to local aging populations effectively.

Her upbringing in social work and commitment to health equity underscore her leadership style and mission to make gerontology more visible and understandable to stakeholders. McGeehan emphasizes the importance for professionals in aging services to articulate the value of gerontology clearly and to seek roles beyond traditional constraints, supported by continuous professional development. She leverages the Scripps Gerontology Center’s applied research legacy to combine rigorous evidence with practical implementation.

McGeehan’s influence extends to Medicaid policy innovations, home and community-based services (HCBS) improvements, and mentoring the next generation of professionals in aging. Her work impacts payment and care coordination models critical for dual eligible populations, reflecting ongoing shifts in healthcare reform targeting integrated, person-centered aging services. Her leadership highlights the evolving landscape of Medicaid managed care for older adults and the importance of adaptable, evidence-driven strategies in long-term care.