BALTIMORE, MD (August 23, 2018) — Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) Chairman Nelson J. Sabatini today announced the appointment of Katie Wunderlich as the executive director of the HSCRC, an independent state agency that oversees Maryland’s unique all-payer hospital rate setting system.

Ms. Wunderlich previously served as the deputy director of Alignment and Engagement with the HSCRC and was instrumental in negotiations with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the Maryland Total Cost of Care Model (Maryland Model). Ms. Wunderlich led legislative efforts, promoted alignment across the health care system, and developed policy to help advance Maryland’s health care transformation. Ms. Wunderlich will assume her new role on Wednesday, Sept. 5.

On May 14, Governor Larry Hogan announced the federal approval of the Maryland Model contract, in which Ms. Wunderlich played a key role. This innovative approach to health care provider payment is unique to Maryland and made possible via a contract between CMS and the state. Maryland’s current model has already saved Medicare more than $916 million through 2016, compared to national spending. The new Maryland Model is expected to provide an additional $300 million in savings per year by 2023 and a total of $1 billion over five years.

Donna Kinzer, the current executive director, led the HSCRC for five years and will continue to lend her support and technical expertise. The transition ensures a continuity of leadership during the critical implementation period for the Maryland Model.

“Donna led the HSCRC through the most significant transformation in its more than 40-year history,” said Chairman Sabatini. “She also provided the leadership and inspiration to galvanize support among diverse provider, payer, and consumer interests. She has left the HSCRC and its new executive director in a very strong position to succeed under the new Maryland Model.”

“I want to thank Donna for her leadership and dedication during her time at the HSCRC, and especially for all of her hard work on the Maryland Model,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Robert Neall. “I have had had the pleasure of working with Katie since her time in the Governor’s office and I know she will provide the type of collaborative leadership essential to spearhead this significant undertaking.”

In her previous work in the Governor’s legislative office, Ms. Wunderlich provided direct advice and guidance to the Governor on active legislation, legislative strategy, and outreach. She testified on behalf of the Administration before the General Assembly and drafted legislation and legislative amendments for Administration bills. Prior to this, Ms. Wunderlich served four years as the director of Governmental Policy and Advocacy with the Maryland Hospital Association, where she led the Behavioral Health Advisory Council, advocating for behavioral health initiatives before the General Assembly. She also provided policy analysis focusing on population health, health information technology, and behavioral health to help build coalitions with stakeholders on matters of key legislative and regulatory priorities.

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