Dr. Danielle Pierotti Appointed to Federal Medicare Commission

Dr. Danielle Pierotti, vice president of health affairs and chief nursing officer at Mount Marty University, has been appointed to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), a federal body that advises the U.S. Congress on the Medicare program.

The appointment was officially announced by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Dr. Pierotti will serve a three-year term on the commission.

Established by Congress, MedPAC is an independent, nonpartisan agency tasked with providing evidence-based analysis and recommendations on the Medicare program. The commission analyzes access to care, cost and quality of care, and other key issues affecting Medicare, delivering highly influential reports to Congress twice a year.

High Praise from Leadership

Dr. Pierotti joins a select group of national healthcare experts on the 17-member commission. Dr. Mark Brown, president Mount Marty University, expressed strong support for her selection, noting the distinct value she brings to federal healthcare discussions.

"We are thrilled for Dr. Pierotti's appointment to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission," said President Brown. "She has an excellent understanding of the patient care issues in rural and urban settings. In her time at Mount Marty, Dr. Pierotti has made rural healthcare a focus of our academic programs and is uniquely qualified to provide nursing-centered insights to this important Commission."

Adding to the state-wide celebration, Melissa Magstadt, Secretary of Health for the South Dakota Department of Health and a 2009 alumna of Mount Marty University, shared her pride in the appointment.

"We’re proud to see Dr. Danielle Pierotti appointed to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MEDPAC)," Magstadt said. "Her deep experience in nursing and rural healthcare brings an important South Dakota voice to national discussions on Medicare. It’s an honor to have our state represented at the table."

Elevating Rural Healthcare to the National Stage

Given the critical role Medicare plays across the country, Dr. Pierotti’s background in nursing and healthcare administration brings a vital perspective to the panel's long-term policy reviews, which include looking at complex issues like the availability of home-based care.

Beginning this fall, the commission will conduct its regular cycle of public meetings, which are live-streamed from Washington, D.C. For Dr. Pierotti, the appointment represents a meaningful opportunity to bring local and professional insights to a national stage.

"I am incredibly grateful and proud, and so thankful for the opportunity to serve," Dr. Pierotti said. "I am excited to bring the experience of rural America to the policy table."