Dr. Gee is the featured panelist in the Louisiana State Medicaid Spotlight on Friday, Sept.16th. For more info or to register to attend, visit this page.
Medicaid Industry Who’s Who Series: Rebekah Gee, MD
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Health
1. Which segment of the Industry are you currently involved?
I lead the Department of Health in Louisiana, a state which recently implemented Medicaid Expansion. In addition to Medicaid, my agency also includes Public Health: Behavioral Health; Adults and Aging Services; and Services for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities.
2. What is your current position and with what organization?
Secretary, Louisiana Department of Health
3. How many years have you been in the Medicaid industry?
I began working as a physician in 2002. I was recently appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health in January of 2016. Before that I served as the Medicaid Medical Director for Louisiana for three years and I work as an Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management and Obstetrics and Gynecology at Louisiana State University (LSU).
4. What is your focus/passion? (Industry related or not)
Professionally, I’m passionate about preventative health care for women; about healthy birth outcomes and preventing elective deliveries before 39 weeks; healthcare disparities; and for ensuring health care access and health care coverage to thousands of men, women and children who could not afford it without Medicaid Expansion.
5. What is the top item on your “bucket list?”
I’ve always wanted to be happy and make other people happy.
6. What do you enjoy doing most with your personal time?
I’m the mother of five energetic children, twins Elizabeth and Eva (3), Nathan (9), Eloisa (12) and Ben (12). Whether I’m out watching their tennis match or dance class, at home, or even taking short weekend trips, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family.
7. Who is your favorite historical figure and why?
Ben Franklin and Albert Einstein – Both were innovative and trailblazers.
8. What is your favorite junk food?
Cupcakes – BUT only in moderation.
9. Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
I’m proud to be part of the Medicaid Expansion team in Louisiana. With very little resources, this team worked to find innovative solutions to implement expansion. To-date, nearly 300,000 patients have enrolled and now have access to healthcare and preventative medicine they previously were not able to afford.
Personally, I’m proud to be the mother of five wonderful children.
10. For what one thing do you wish you could get a mulligan?
My dad taught me to learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward. I’ve learned many life lessons through my education and career. No need to look back. Onward and upward.
11. What are the top 1-3 issues that you think will be important in Medicaid during the next 6 months?
Access – continued enrollment to Medicaid Expansion for Louisiana residents; and network adequacy so patients have access to primary care and specialty care as appropriate.
Transparency and quality – encouraging providers to be transparent and rewarding them for positive health outcomes and positive patient satisfaction.
Dr. Gee is the featured panelist in the Louisiana State Medicaid Spotlight on Friday, Sept.16th. For more info or to register to attend, visit this page.