USA Health leader appointed to second Statewide Health Coordinating Council term by Gov. Ivey
Danny Rickert will continue to assist state leaders in making healthcare policy decisions, ensuring access to care and addressing health challenges in Alabama.
By Michelle Ryan
mryan@health.southalabama.edu
Danny Rickert, chief policy officer and assistant vice president for medical affairs at USA Health, was appointed to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council (SHCC) by Gov. Kay Ivey for a second three-year term through May 2025. He has served on the council since 2019.
Rickert will represent providers as the SHCC assists the State Health Planning and Development Agency (SHPDA) navigate matters related to health planning and resource development.
“I’ve enjoyed my time on the committee. It has been a great learning experience being involved in healthcare policy decisions for the state,” he said. “For the governor to reappoint me, I’m very appreciative of that.”
As a member of the council, Rickert will help advance its mission of ensuring that quality healthcare facilities, services and equipment are available and accessible to the citizens of Alabama in a manner that assures continuity of care at a reasonable cost.
“We set policy and develop the state health plan, setting guidelines for what is and isn’t allowed in terms of services and facilities,” he said. “My ability to be a part of that decision-making is important for USA Health and all of southwest Alabama.”
The committee plays a role in addressing the multiple health challenges Alabama faces. According to the America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report, challenges include a high premature death rate; a high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes; a low supply of mental health providers; an increase of e-cigarette use; and an increase in drug-related deaths.
“Danny’s extensive background in healthcare leadership makes him an ideal choice to represent providers on this state council,” said Owen Bailey, M.S.H.A., FACHE, USA Health chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs. “We congratulate him on the honor of being selected to serve a second term, and we are most grateful for his dedication to our health system.”
Rickert has more than 30 years of healthcare experience, including the last 21 years with USA Health in several roles that included director of marketing and business development, practice director for the department of obstetrics and gynecology, and associate administrator.
Previously, he spent 13 years with PrimeHealth, a managed-care organization affiliated with USA Health. During his time with PrimeHealth, he served as director of operations and marketing director. His accomplishments included developing multiple new products, negotiating a joint venture with Columbia/HCA and helping develop the first Medicaid managed-care plan in Alabama.
In his current role at USA Health, Rickert is responsible for leading the organization's managed-care initiatives, telehealth, provider outreach, regulatory affairs and government relations. He also serves as CEO of Gulf Coast TotalCare, a USA Health-owned care management organization that provides services for more than 100,000 Medicaid recipients in southwest Alabama.
