Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning Director to step down

Indiana Medicaid Director Cora Steinmetz will resign in early 2025 after navigating the Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning through a forecast variance that resulted in cost containment strategies, new robust monthly financial reporting, and a more thorough policy review process.

"Few individuals have made such a remarkable impact on an agency in such a short time," FSSA Secretary Dr. Dan Rusyniak said. "Her leadership came at a pivotal moment, and Indiana was incredibly fortunate to have her at the helm of Medicaid. She guided us through unprecedented challenges with vision and determination, leaving our agency stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future."

Steinmetz has been Medicaid director since August 2023. Previously, she worked as Gov. Eric J. Holcomb's senior operations director for health-related state agencies, including the Family and Social Services Administration, Department of Child Services and Indiana Department of Health.

Indiana Medicaid faced an unprecedented $1 billion forecast variance in late 2023, and Steinmetz led the office in establishing a number of review and reporting practices to enhance oversight of the Medicaid budget, address the variance and ensure such a variance does not happen again, including:

Implementation of improved financial forecasting and trend analysis, including the use of more real-time data.

Monthly reporting processes to analyze trends and ensure transparency and stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Development of agency-wide processes to review programmatic changes to ensure an understanding of enrollment, utilization, and reimbursement impacts.

Additionally, under her leadership, Indiana Medicaid has:

Launched the Indiana PathWays for Aging program, a managed Long-Term Services and Supports (mLTSS) program and the state's fourth managed Medicaid program. Indiana PathWays for Aging provides coverage for 120,000 Hoosiers, 80 percent of whom are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.

Transitioned the former Aged and Disabled waiver into two new waivers, the Indiana PathWays for Aging waiver for individuals aged 60 and older to coordinate waiver services with health coverage under the managed care program, and the Health and Wellness waiver for individuals under age 60 to improve alignment with other waivers supporting individuals with disabilities.

Submitted a five-year extension of the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Serious Mental Illness (SMI) 1115 waiver to ensure continued access to a comprehensive continuum of behavioral health services for Indiana Medicaid members.

"Leading Indiana Medicaid during this time has been a rewarding and challenging experience," said Steinmetz. "I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to meaningful progress while serving alongside a passionate and purpose-driven team."

Steinmetz, a licensed attorney, has also worked as a program director for government programs and revenue cycle compliance for IU Health and was an attorney for the Indiana Department of Revenue and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She is also a board member for Music for All, a national organization focused on music education.

She is exploring options for future employment.