Dr. Kellyann Light-McGroary stands as a transformative figure in healthcare, renowned for her visionary approach to care delivery and her profound impact on patient and provider experiences. As a Principal at Health Management Associates, based in Chicago, IL, Doctor Kellyann brings a wealth of expertise in reshaping healthcare systems and driving positive outcomes within the complex landscape of Medicaid and beyond.
Doctor Kellyann’s career is marked by her exceptional ability to reimagine traditional healthcare programs. Her strategic direction has been instrumental for national teams and health plans across various sectors, with a significant focus on Medicaid healthcare management. Her influence extends to both established and emerging lines of business, making her a highly sought-after expert in the field.
Prior to her role at Health Management Associates, Doctor Kellyann held the esteemed position of Vice President of Medical Services at United Healthcare’s Request for Proposals (RFP) Excellence Office and Community & State (Medicaid) Government Operations. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with national and health plan stakeholders, providing crucial strategic insights for Medicaid business development and retention. Doctor Kellyann streamlined critical processes within utilization management, pharmacy, quality assurance, care management, clinical operations, and long-term services and supports. Her approach skillfully integrated a deep understanding of state-specific needs and local healthcare dynamics with UnitedHealthcare’s extensive capabilities. Her strategic input was pivotal in securing existing business in Nebraska and expanding into new markets in Indiana and New Mexico, demonstrating her profound impact on market growth.
Doctor Kellyann’s extensive tenure at UnitedHealthcare encompassed several key leadership roles, including Interim Medicaid National Chief Medical Officer, Medicaid Central Region Chief Medical Officer, and National Senior Medical Director for Medicaid Clinical Operations. She also served as Chief Medical Officer for the Medicaid Community Plan of Iowa. Throughout these positions, Doctor Kellyann leveraged her deep clinical knowledge, financial acumen, and exceptional relationship-building skills to successfully revitalize key health plans and spearhead the launch of numerous new Medicaid markets. Her accomplishments solidified her reputation as a national leader in clinical strategy and operations, particularly within Medicaid.
Doctor Kellyann’s expertise also encompasses the development and implementation of national clinical policies. As National Senior Medical Director, she served as a clinical authority within the national Medicaid clinical policy team, contributing significantly to policy development and execution. In her role as Regional Chief Medical Officer, she provided essential clinical leadership to local medical directors and national operations, notably coordinating UnitedHealthcare’s Medicaid response to the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beyond policy, Doctor Kellyann is a driving force in affordability and clinical innovation at both national and local levels. Working alongside the national Medicaid clinical operations and quality team, she guided individual markets in developing effective strategies for affordability, cost containment, and remediation. She implemented robust support frameworks and refined utilization management strategies to optimize resource allocation and improve patient outcomes. Her exceptional ability to build strong relationships has fostered innovative partnerships with providers. Notably, she guided the Iowa Medicaid program through a period of significant cost containment and the implementation of value-based care strategies, resulting in a financially stable and actuarially sound managed care program.
Doctor Kellyann is recognized as a strategic innovator with broad experience across Medicaid, Medicare, and hospital value-based purchasing (VBP) programs. She has a proven track record of redesigning national clinical models and has been instrumental in launching new managed care health plans in markets transitioning from traditional fee-for-service models. Furthermore, as an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Doctor Kellyann has developed impactful programs aimed at enhancing patient experience and improving healthcare outcomes. With over three decades of clinical experience specializing in cardiology and heart failure, Doctor Kellyann is also highly regarded for her expertise in integrating palliative care and hospice services for individuals with advanced chronic illnesses, demonstrating her commitment to comprehensive patient-centered care.
Doctor Kellyann Light-McGroary’s academic achievements further underscore her expertise. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Delivery Science from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, a testament to her commitment to healthcare management excellence. She earned her Medical Doctor degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine, completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and her fellowship in cardiovascular disease at the University of Iowa. Her foundation in healthcare began with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the College of Mount St. Vincent, providing her with a holistic understanding of patient care from multiple perspectives. Doctor Kellyann’s diverse educational background and extensive professional experience position her as a leading voice in shaping the future of healthcare.
