A Major Recognition for Ohio
Ohio Department of Aging (AGE) Director Ursel McElroy has earned a prestigious spot on a new federal advisory body. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced her selection to the Healthcare Advisory Committee on March 26, 2026. This appointment places McElroy among the nation’s top healthcare leaders working to reshape how Americans receive and pay for care.
What the Healthcare Advisory Committee Does
The Healthcare Advisory Committee is a newly formed federal body. It brings together experts from across the U.S. healthcare system to advise senior federal officials. Specifically, the committee will guide HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on improvements to care financing and delivery.
Programs Under the Committee’s Scope
The committee’s guidance will span several major federal healthcare programs, including:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
- Health Insurance Marketplace
Secretary Kennedy described the committee’s mission clearly. “This Administration is bringing leaders together to tackle the challenges facing American patients,” he said. “This committee will help us shift from a sick care system to a true health care system by delivering practical solutions that drive real change.”
Key Focus Areas for U.S. Healthcare Reform
Prevention and Chronic Disease Management
One of the committee’s top priorities is reducing chronic disease. Members will develop actionable policy solutions to prevent illness and improve long-term disease management. Additionally, they will advance accountability for patient safety and outcomes while cutting unnecessary administrative burden.
Data, Technology, and Care Quality
The committee also aims to expand the use of real-time data. Consequently, this will support faster claims processing and stronger quality measurement. Furthermore, members will work to enhance care for vulnerable populations, particularly those served by Medicaid.
Medicare Advantage Sustainability
Another critical focus is the long-term health of Medicare Advantage programs. The committee will work on modernizing risk adjustment systems and quality measurement methods to strengthen sustainability.
How Members Were Selected
The selection process was rigorous and highly competitive. More than 400 nominations came in from across the country. Dr. Mehmet Oz noted that members bring deep expertise in care delivery, financing, innovation, and patient engagement. Therefore, each member adds unique value to the committee’s work.
Full Committee Membership
The 18 appointed members include healthcare executives, physicians, policy attorneys, and public health leaders:
Robert Bessler MD, Kimberly Brandt JD, Sebastian Caliri, Stephanie Carlton, David Carmouche MD, Elizabeth M. Fago, Clive K. Fields MD, William J. Gassen JD, Jenni Gudapati PhD, Valerie D. Huhn, Dennis Laraway, Dan Liljenquist JD, Andrew Lynch PhD, Ursel J. McElroy, Kyu Rhee MD, Tony Robbins, Russ Thomas JD, and Linda Thomas-Hemak MD.
Members serve two-year terms and will meet regularly throughout the year. Moreover, all meetings remain open to the public under federal transparency requirements.
About Director Ursel McElroy
A Visionary in Aging Policy
Director McElroy is a nationally recognized leader in aging policy. She hosted and planned Ohio’s first Policy Summit on Healthy Aging. She also organized the state’s first Elder Abuse Research Symposium and the Elder Financial Exploitation Symposium. In addition, she has presented at the White House Conference on Aging.
Currently, McElroy serves as President of the ADvancing States Board of Directors. This nonpartisan association represents state and territorial agencies on aging and disabilities across the country.
McElroy’s Vision for Aging in America
Director McElroy brings a clear and compelling perspective to federal healthcare reform. “Aging is our shared reality,” she said. “To truly meet the needs of our aging populations, we must reimagine care systems by leveraging innovation and designing systems that prioritize prevention, coordination, and accessibility.”
She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Ohio nationally. “The committee’s work will ensure that we don’t just react to change, but that we lead and shape it,” McElroy added. “I look forward to collaborating with Secretary Kennedy, Dr. Oz, and my fellow members to advance solutions that support the next generation of older adults.”
What Comes Next
The committee will hold its first meeting later in 2026. Meeting notices and public engagement opportunities will appear in the Federal Register and on the CMS website. Accordingly, Ohioans and healthcare stakeholders nationwide can follow the committee’s progress through official federal channels.
The Ohio Department of Aging serves Ohioans age 60 and older, along with their families, caregivers, and communities. Its programs include home and community-based long-term support, as well as health and wellness initiatives. Visit aging.ohio.gov for more information.
