The Urgency of Mental Health in Medicaid and Beyond

Authors:
Share:

Sellers Dorsey is proud to support Pyx Health in their efforts to operationalize innovative solutions to address loneliness and social isolation, key indicators of mental health and physical health needs. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness, fight stigma, and provide support for mental health needs, Gary Jessee, Managing Director, Sellers Dorsey, and Cindy Jordan, CEO, Pyx Health, discuss their personal commitment to this important focus area. They share highlights from their collaborative approach to improving access and ongoing support to high-quality mental healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations such as Medicaid recipients.

Watch the video to hear more about:

  • The prevalence of mental illness in the U.S. and its relationships with social determinants of health, behavioral health, physical health, loneliness, and social isolation.
  • The impact of Pyx’s healthcare solution to connect individuals experiencing loneliness with healthcare services in over 50 markets.
  • Strategies for healthcare stakeholders—government officials, providers, payers, solutions vendors, consultants, and other partners—to work together in driving further progress.

 

CLICK HERE to view the video

Contact our Experts
Gary Jessee
Gary is the recent former Deputy Executive Commissioner for Medical and Social Services in Texas, the largest division in the Health and Human Services System. In that position Gary oversaw four departments and a $50 billion budget, bringing together client services, including eligibility services, Medicaid/CHIP services and functions, and community programs under one coordinated division. Prior to this, Gary served as the State Medicaid Director where he was responsible for overseeing services and supports for more than four million Texans across the state. He also previously served as the Chief Deputy Director for Program Operations in the Medicaid/CHIP Division. Before joining Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Gary served as Assistant Commissioner for the Access and Intake Division at the Department of Aging and Disability Services, where he was responsible for overseeing functions of the Area Agencies on Aging, Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities, Community Services and Program Operations, Community Living Assistance and Support Services, Contracts, Guardianship services and other specialized programs. Gary is the past President of the Board of Directors of National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD).

Current Responsibility

Gary serves as Senior Vice President of the firm’s National Medicaid Consulting Practice. Since 2017, he has led the practice’s tremendous growth through business development and overseeing successful client engagements. As a former Medicaid Director, Gary leverages his extensive experience with Medicaid managed care, long-term services and supports, Medicaid market advisory and research, and health care policy to design and implement creative solutions for clients such as state aging and Medicaid agencies, managed care organizations (MCOs), private equity firms, and solutions partners. In his previous roles, Gary led managed care implementations and MCO oversight, and thus understands the operational challenges for both MCOs and providers. His more than 20 years of experience in state service and Medicaid has provided him with unique insight into health and human services programs, legislation and regulations impacting Medicaid, and health care operations. Gary is recognized as a national thought leader on health care trends and best practices and continues to attract peer professionals due to his longstanding relationships within the industry to join Sellers Dorsey’s growing consulting practice.

Education

      • Texas State University, MA, Interdisciplinary Studies
      • Texas State University, BS, Sociology

More Insights

Blog
RHTP Impact on FQHCs
What the Rural Health Transformation Program Really Means for Federally Qualified Health Centers
Read More
Webinars
Leading the Nations Child Welfare System Webinar
Leading the Nation’s Child Welfare System: A Conversation with Children’s Bureau Associate Commissioner, Dr. Ryan Hanlon
Read More
News & Media
2026 PHA Hosted Webinar | Suzanne & Julianne
Sellers Dorsey to Speak on Medicaid Section 1115 Waivers in PHA Webinar
Read More
CMS Special Coverage
CMS Special Coverage
Summary of Updated CMS Guidance to Strengthen Oversight of Medicaid State Directed Payments
Read More