Jeff Micklos, the Executive Director of the Health Care Transformation Task Force (HCTTF), tragically passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024. His sudden death has left a deep void in the health care industry, as well as in the hearts of his family, colleagues, and many friends. Jeff's passing at the age of 57 comes as a shock to all who knew him, given his dynamic career and the meaningful contributions he made to the field of health care.
Jeff was born on July 9, 1967, in Trumbull, Connecticut, to Patricia and Edward Micklos. Growing up in Trumbull, Jeff developed an early interest in politics and public service, which would shape his career path. After graduating from Trumbull High School in 1985, he continued his education at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. His passion for law and policy deepened during his time at Villanova, leading him to pursue further studies at The Catholic University of America (CUA), Columbus School of Law, in Washington, D.C. Jeff graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1993, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in both law and health care policy.
After completing his law degree, Jeff began his professional journey in government service, working for the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA), now known as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). His experience in government provided him with valuable insight into the workings of the health care system and the challenges of policy implementation. In 1996, Jeff transitioned to private practice, joining the law firm Foley & Lardner. He quickly made a name for himself in health care law, and in 2001, he became a partner at the firm. His work at Foley & Lardner allowed him to advise health care organizations, helping them navigate complex legal and regulatory issues.
Jeff's passion for improving the health care system led him to take on increasingly influential roles. In 2004, he joined the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH), where he would serve for over a decade. During his 11 years at FAH, Jeff contributed significantly to the advocacy efforts aimed at improving the quality of care and ensuring that hospitals across the country were able to adapt to the rapidly changing health care landscape. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the organization through a period of significant reform and innovation in the health care industry.
In 2015, Jeff took on the role of Executive Director at the Health Care Transformation Task Force (HCTTF), a start-up organization focused on advancing value-based care. The HCTTF, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, has played a crucial role in driving initiatives that seek to reduce health care costs while improving quality of care. Jeff’s vision and leadership were vital to the Task Force's success, as he worked tirelessly to bring together diverse stakeholders in health care to push for systemic change. Under his guidance, the Task Force became a leading voice in the movement towards value-based payment models, advocating for reforms that prioritize patient outcomes and efficiency over traditional fee-for-service models.
Jeff’s work in health care transformation has had a lasting impact on the industry. He was a respected figure in health care policy circles, known for his deep expertise, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to improving care for patients across the country. His work helped lay the foundation for ongoing reforms that aim to create a more patient-centered, efficient, and equitable health care system.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jeff was known for his warmth, generosity, and humility. He was a mentor to many in the health care and legal fields, offering guidance and support to those who sought his advice. His colleagues describe him as a compassionate leader, someone who truly cared about the well-being of others and worked tirelessly to make a difference.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife and children, as well as his parents, siblings, and many extended family members. His passing leaves a profound void, but his legacy will live on through the work he accomplished and the many lives he touched throughout his career.
Jeff Micklos’ sudden death is a loss not only to his family and colleagues but also to the entire health care community. He was a dedicated professional, a visionary leader, and a kind-hearted individual whose contributions will continue to influence the field of health care for years to come. He will be deeply missed, but his impact on health care policy and his commitment to improving the lives of patients will never be forgotten.
Jeff is survived by his wife Monica, his children Samantha, Zachary, Katherine and Emily, and his three siblings Jonathan Micklos, Sue Kilcoyne, and Gregg Micklos. The Viewing will be held on Thursday November 14th from 5pm - 8pm at Pumphrey’s Funeral Home in Bethesda, MD, and the Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 15th at 2pm at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Washington D.C.
