Michael Gelder currently consults on local and national health policy issues with physicians, health centers, and home and community based service providers, helping them enhance their quality and cost effectiveness in support of the triple aim of improved health, improved patient care and lower per capita costs.

Gelder was appointed senior health policy advisor to Governor Pat Quinn in 2009 and served in that capacity through January 2015. He advised the governor on all policy matters pertaining to national health reform, health system transformation, Medicaid managed care, nursing home safety, long-term care rebalancing, and the state’s health information exchange. Gelder led Illinois’ efforts to transform the state’s public health and health care delivery systems to achieve the triple aim. In January 2014, Illinois established the Office of Health Innovation and Transformation, which Mr. Gelder directed. This office was responsible for implementing the Innovation Plan, developed under Mr. Gelder’s direction in 2013 by key business, public health, health care provider and insurance stakeholders with funds from a State Innovations Model Design grant.

Mr. Gelder previously served as Director and Deputy Director for the Illinois Department on Aging. For 25 years prior to joining the Department on Aging in 2003, Mr. Gelder was principal of a consulting firm that offered technical assistance, advocacy, and policy analysis to improve access, delivery, and quality of health care services for underserved populations.