As the chief executive officer of Aetna Better Health of Illinois, Rushil Desai has redefined the healthcare landscape with innovation, equity and compassion. Since assuming the role in 2020, Desai has overseen strategic business operations for one of Aetna’s largest Medicaid plans, serving over 370,000 members across 102 counties. Guided by his vision for personalized, consumer-centric care, Desai has implemented transformative initiatives that address health disparities and elevate the quality of care for vulnerable populations.
“What makes Rushil a titan in the healthcare industry is his focus on changing how we think about the healthcare system, payment model, and his continued efforts to drive meaningful change and create a healthcare system that works for everyone,” said his staff. “Rushil is enthusiastic about innovation and using data analytics to empower the health plan to gain insights into member populations, identify gaps in care and measure outcomes.”
Under Desai’s leadership, Aetna Better Health of Illinois has introduced groundbreaking digital solutions, including an AI platform tailored for members with Type II diabetes, culturally sensitive telehealth, and telepsychiatry services for African American and Hispanic populations, and a maternal health program designed to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. A key milestone in 2023 was the implementation of a sophisticated AI-driven chatbot, enabling members to access real-time assistance with benefits, provider searches and claims inquiries. These innovations earned recognition, including a bronze Stevie Award for excellence in web achievement.
Desai’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health is evident in the expansion of programs that provide access to food delivery, affordable housing, homeless diversion initiatives and substance abuse interventions. Leveraging partnerships with CVS Health, Desai has championed workforce development programs and the creation of affordable housing units. Aetna’s efforts to promote health equity were honored by the Biden Administration and the Institute for Medicaid Innovation for the company’s impactful response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Active in the community and the industry, Desai serves on the boards of Best Buddies Illinois and Street Samaritans and has received numerous accolades, including Crain’s Chicago Business notable leaders in healthcare and the Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee’s buyer of the year.
To reignite his passion on a daily basis, Desai said he stays connected to the firm’s members and their needs. “At the end of the day, Aetna is providing an essential service to our members,” he said. “Making sure I listen to our members and build strategies to deliver the services they are requesting is what helps me keep the passion burning to make sure our plan continues to deliver adequate care to our members.”
Known as an engaged and communicative leader, Desai said if he could master any skill, it would be to speak every language. “Communication is so important and helps to break barriers and build unity,” he said. “To be able to speak with people from all over the globe would be absolutely amazing.”