Michelle Ann Passaretti, MSN, BSN, RN, CCM is the Senior Director of Innovations for Geisinger’s Steele Institute of Health
Which segment of the industry are you currently involved?
I currently work in the Steele Institute of Innovations under the health pillar for Geisinger Health System. Geisinger is an integrated care delivery system in rural Pennsylvania serving over 3 million patients in 45 counties.
How many years have you been in the Medicaid industry?
I have been involved in the Medicaid industry all of my professional career, which has been 25 years now.
What is your focus/passion? (Industry related or not)
My biggest focus as well as passion as a nurse, is addressing population health needs. I am particularly interested in just how profoundly social determinants of health has on one’s chronic disease. Its enlightening to see health care taking an interest in this space.
What is the top item on your “bucket list?”
I don’t really have a bucket list. I try to live each day to the fullest and appreciate life events both big and small, good and bad. I feel incredibly blessed to be living this life however If I had to choose something that would be considered a bucket list item, I suppose I would say a big family vacation to somewhere like Ireland to better appreciate the beauty in our Irish heritage.
What do you enjoy doing most with your personal time?
Spending quality time with my family and friends. The older I get I realize just how important time is. It seems like only yesterday my children were babies however they are far from it. My son just turned 20 and my daughter is 18. Time certainly waits for no one. Outside of quality family time, I enjoy baking and crafting.
Who is your favorite historical figure and why?
I would have to say Florence Nightingale. As the founder of modern nursing, her accomplishments in providing quality care while reducing mortality rates forever changed the role nurses played in healthcare.
What is your favorite junk food?
Pizza…Breakfast, lunch, or dinner-anytime is a good time for pizza!
Of what accomplishment are you most proud?
Personally, I am incredibly proud of my children. They are humble, kind, bright, and passionate young adults with a ton of ambition.
Professionally I am proud of the innovative programs that Geisinger has developed over the years to better care for the patients entrusted to us. There is no greater gift than caring for patients and being able
to meet their needs.
For what one thing do you wish you could get a mulligan?
If ever given a second chance, I would ask to rewind the hands of time. There were so many “little” things taken for granted, so many missed opportunities to say thank-you for everything, to show appreciation for nothing, and to
acknowledge something.
What are the top 1-3 issues that you think will be important in Medicaid during the next 6 months?
Use of artificial intelligence
Expanded focus on SDOH
Greater emphasis on wellness and prevention
Know someone in the space who’s doing great work and is an all around interesting person?
Send a note to clay@mostlymedicaid.com to nominate them for the next round of Medicaid Industry Who’s Who Interviews