Q&A with Mark Grippi, Chair of OAHP Board of Directors
As part of our ongoing effort to highlight the leaders shaping Ohio’s healthcare landscape, OAHP is pleased to share this conversation between our president and CEO, Kelly O’Reilly, and OAHP Board Chair Mark Grippi, who also serves as market president for Ohio and Florida at AmeriHealth Caritas. Mark brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to his work, grounded in the belief that health plans play a vital role in improving access, outcomes and coordination across the system. In this Q&A, he reflects on what drew him to healthcare, the realities of how health plans operate, and the opportunities ahead for strengthening Medicaid and advancing collaboration across Ohio.
Kelly O’Reilly: What originally drew you to the healthcare field?
Mark Grippi:
Healthcare is one of the few industries where the work you do every day has a direct and meaningful impact on people’s lives. Early in my career, I was drawn to the idea that health plans sit at the intersection of policy, providers, and communities, and that when they function well, they help people access care, stay healthy, and navigate some of life’s most challenging moments. Over time, that sense of purpose has only grown stronger, particularly working in public programs where the stakes are high and the opportunity to make a difference is real.
Kelly O’Reilly: What is one thing people often misunderstand about health plans or the work that you do?
Mark Grippi:
One common misconception is that health plans operate at a distance from the people they serve. In reality, health plans are deeply embedded in communities, working closely with providers, community‑based organizations, advocates, and state partners every day. Much of the work happens behind the scenes, but it’s focused on solving real problems: improving access to care, reducing administrative barriers, supporting quality outcomes, and addressing the social factors that influence health. At their best, health plans are conveners and collaborators, not just payers. Medicaid managed care plays an important role in strengthening Ohio’s overall healthcare landscape, creating benefits that extend beyond those enrolled in the program. By promoting greater coordination, accountability, and responsible use of public resources, managed care helps support a healthcare system that is more stable, resilient, and better positioned to respond to challenges. This benefits communities, employers, and taxpayers across the state.
Kelly O’Reilly: What healthcare trend or issue are you most focused on right now?
Mark Grippi:
Right now, I’m particularly focused on how we continue to strengthen Medicaid programs in Ohio in ways that are sustainable, innovative, and centered on member outcomes. That includes supporting value‑based care, reducing unnecessary administrative burden for providers, and ensuring continuity of coverage for members as policies and programs evolve. It also means maintaining a strong partnership between health plans, the state, and the broader healthcare community. Through OAHP, we have an important role to play in elevating thoughtful, data‑driven dialogue and helping policymakers understand what’s working and where we can do better.
Kelly O’Reilly: Why is the Ohio Association of Health Plans important to you, and why have you chosen to serve as Board President?
Mark Grippi:
OAHP provides a critical forum for collaboration among health plans and a unified voice on issues that affect Ohio’s healthcare system. I’ve chosen to stay actively involved and to serve as Board Chair because I believe strongly in the value of constructive engagement. When health plans work together through OAHP, we’re better positioned to support smart policy, share best practices, and ultimately improve outcomes for the people of Ohio. It’s an opportunity to contribute beyond any one organization and help shape the future of healthcare in our state.
