CMS Leadership

Melanie Bella is the Director of the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This office, officially the Federal Coordinated Health Care Office, was established by the Affordable Care Act (Section 2602). As Director, Ms. Bella leads the work of this office charged with more effectively integrating benefits for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and improving coordination between the federal government and states for such beneficiaries.

Prior to joining CMS, Ms. Bella was the senior vice president for policy and operations at the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). She led the organization's efforts to integrate care for complex populations, including people with multiple chronic conditions, disabilities, serious mental illness, and dual eligibles. In addition, she directed a unique leadership training institute to help Medicaid directors enhance the skills they need to transform their state programs into national models for high-quality, cost effective care.

Prior to CHCS, Ms. Bella served as Medicaid director for the state of Indiana from 2001 through 2005. During her tenure, one of Ms. Bella's most notable accomplishments was spearheading the creation of the Indiana Chronic Disease Management Program. She earned a master's in business administration from Harvard University and a bachelor's degree from DePauw University.

Deputy Director: Cheryl Powell