Joanne Bush
West Des Moines
Summary
Dynamic Medicaid leader with a proven track record at Iowa Medicaid, excelling in strategic program oversight and performance measurement. Expert in developing data visualization tools and fostering cross-bureau collaboration, driving significant improvements in managed care outcomes. Bilingual communicator skilled in contract negotiation and regulatory compliance, committed to enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Bureau Chief, Managed Care Reporting and Oversight
Iowa Medicaid
01.2022 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives to improve MCO and PAHP oversight, including the development of a robust public-facing digital dashboard to visualize key Medicaid data, delivered under budget and ahead of schedule.
- Directed a successful implementation of the Managed Care 360 feedback process, encouraging cross-bureau collaboration and leading to actionable performance enhancements.
- Oversaw the transition from operational to outcome-based performance measures, challenging staff to innovate and improve key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Established a bureau-led internal audit system that identified deficiencies in capitation payment processes, resulting in recoveries and issuance of accurate and compliant payments.
- Developed and implemented MLR audit protocols and managed pay-for-performance evaluations in alignment with strategic Medicaid outcomes.
- Spearheaded the creation of the PAHP reporting manual and system interface, supporting standardization and transparency in program data collection.
- Formed the IHAWP Task Force, a cross-functional team addressing member and provider abrasion by identifying systemic issues and implementing policy and system-level corrections.
- Directed the onboarding of a third MCO (Molina), ensuring continuity of care and stakeholder engagement through town halls, training modules, and cross-agency planning.
- Served as subject matter expert (SME) for Managed Care and Dental RFPs, shaping contractual requirements to align with federal guidelines and Iowa’s Medicaid vision.
- Championed staff development, with two direct reports receiving department-wide recognition for innovations in reporting and oversight.
Business Owner, Medicaid Enterprise Modernization
Iowa Medicaid
03.2021 - 01.2022
- Aligned business operations with strategic vision, prioritized digital transformation efforts, and ensured timely delivery of modernization milestones.
- Drove the development of Medicaid IT architecture and secured federal approvals for contracts and funding requests.
Executive Officer III – Managed Care Account Manager
Iowa Medicaid
11.2018 - 03.2021
- Directed the successful transition during a managed care contract exit, minimizing member disruption.
- Recovered nearly $1M in overpayments from MCOs and implemented passive enrollment strategies to optimize member assignment.
Executive Officer II – IT Contract Manager
Iowa Medicaid
02.2016 - 11.2018
- Managed the T-MSIS federal reporting system implementation and New Medicare Card Project, ensuring system compliance and protecting member data.
- Authored APDs to secure federal funds for IT enhancements.
Product Owner & ACA Policy Specialist
Iowa DHS – Division of Adults, Children and Family Services
10.2012 - 02.2016
- Led ACA Medicaid eligibility system reengineering and policy implementation, converting regulatory guidance into operational procedures.
Education
Master of Family and Consumer Science -
Iowa State University
12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
05.1999
Skills
- Strategic Medicaid Program Leadership
- Managed Care Organization (MCO) and PAHP Oversight
- Performance Measurement and Outcomes Reporting
- Medicaid Data Dashboards and Public Transparency
- Internal Audit and Capitation Payment Integrity
- Contract Development and Negotiation
- Federal and State Regulatory Compliance
- Cross-Bureau Collaboration
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
- Managed care oversight
- Data visualization
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Workgroup member for the 20027 and 2028 Child and Adult Core Set annual review
- Speaker and panel discussion for the 2023 Medicaid Managed Care Forum, Las Vegas, NV.
Timeline
Bureau Chief, Managed Care Reporting and Oversight
Iowa Medicaid
01.2022 - Current
Business Owner, Medicaid Enterprise Modernization
Iowa Medicaid
03.2021 - 01.2022
Executive Officer III – Managed Care Account Manager
Iowa Medicaid
11.2018 - 03.2021
Executive Officer II – IT Contract Manager
Iowa Medicaid
02.2016 - 11.2018
Product Owner & ACA Policy Specialist
Iowa DHS – Division of Adults, Children and Family Services
10.2012 - 02.2016
Master of Family and Consumer Science -
Iowa State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
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