Medicaid Leadership Exchange

Running a state Medicaid program means steering policy, budgets, and teams that shape health care for millions of people in the United States. Yet few directors remain at the helm of Medicaid programs long enough to witness — and drive — decades of change. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast features two of the nation’s longest tenured Medicaid directors, who share what drew them to their roles, how they approach leadership, and moments that defined their public-service careers: Stephanie Azar, Alabama Medicaid director Judy Mohr Peterson, Hawaii Medicaid director, former Oregon Medicaid director The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Kate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSKate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, NAMDStephanie Azar, JD, Alabama Medicaid directorJudy Mohr Peterson, PhD, Hawaii Medicaid director, former Oregon Medicaid director The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Reflections on Leadership from Long-Serving Medicaid Directors appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Stakeholder voices — including parents, community members, advocacy groups, and providers — play a vital role in shaping Medicaid. Their on-the-ground insights help drive policies that make the program stronger and more responsive to the people it serves. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast discusses how collaborating with stakeholders and understanding their perspectives can spark meaningful change within Medicaid programs. The episode features individuals with leadership experience in state Medicaid and at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): Barbara Edwards, MPP, principal, BCE Health Policy, former director, Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, CMS, and former Ohio Medicaid director Josip Ambrenac, director, Office of Long Term Services and Supports, Utah Medicaid The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Barbara Edwards, MPP, principal, BCE Health Policy, former director, Disabled and Elderly Health Programs Group, CMS, and former Ohio Medicaid directorJosip Ambrenac, director, Office of Long Term Services and Supports, Utah Medicaid The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Listening, Learning, Leading: Stakeholder-Driven Change in Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

The path to Medicaid leadership isn’t always a straight one. In fact, it is the breadth of experience and expertise — spanning sectors both inside and outside of state government — that is essential to building teams with the skills and agility to manage multi-billion-dollar programs. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast features three Medicaid leaders whose unique backgrounds — in nursing, technology, and politics — have helped shape their roles as trusted advisors to Medicaid directors. The episode features perspectives from Medicaid leaders in New Mexico, Alabama, and Wisconsin: Alanna Dancis, DNP, MSN, chief medical officer, Medical Assistance Division, New Mexico Health Care Authority Mason Tanaka, deputy commissioner and chief information officer, Alabama Medicaid Agency Krista Willing, MPA, assistant administrator, Systems, Fiscal, and Operations, Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Alanna Dancis, DNP, MSN, chief medical officer, Medical Assistance Division, New Mexico Health Care AuthorityMason Tanaka, deputy commissioner and chief information officer, Alabama Medicaid AgencyKrista Willing, MPA, assistant administrator, Systems, Fiscal, and Operations, Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post How Wide-Ranging Experiences Strengthen Medicaid Leadership appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“We need to tell our stories because the state will listen — they have listened.”Erin Peterson, parent advocate and member When Medicaid agencies partner with families, it brings together two essential perspectives: state officials who understand the policies and processes behind the programs, and families who offer on-the-ground insight into navigating those programs. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores North Dakota’s Cross-Disability Advisory Council — a unique partnership between agency staff and parents working together to improve programs for children with disabilities and their families. The episode highlights the value each unique perspective brings in shaping more responsive, effective Medicaid programs. The conversation features perspectives from a North Dakota Medicaid leader and parent advocate: Katherine “Kat” Barchenger, Children’s Waiver Administrator, Medical Services Division, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Erin Peterson, parent advocate and member, North Dakota Cross-Disability Advisory Council The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Katherine “Kat” Barchenger, Children’s Waiver Administrator, Medical Services Division, North Dakota Department of Health and Human ServicesErin Peterson, parent advocate and member, North Dakota Cross-Disability Advisory Council The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Stronger Together: North Dakota Medicaid and Families Partnering for Impact appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Medicaid can partner with Tribal communities to better serve their members, who face persistent and significant health disparities. But before deciding how to address Tribal needs, it is critical for Medicaid agencies to forge strong partnerships by actively listening to what the Tribes need and want. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid can better serve Tribes by establishing clear lines of communication between Tribal communities and Medicaid staff. The episode highlights the importance of respect in building partnerships with Tribes and acknowledges how the rich histories of these communities impact their needs, health, and well-being. The conversation features perspectives from two Tribal leaders and an Arizona Medicaid leader: Kim Russell, executive director, Navajo Nation Department of Health and former Director of the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care Monica Antone, former Lieutenant Governor for the Gila River Indian Community Marcus Johnson, deputy director, Community Engagement and Regulatory Affairs, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSKim Russell, executive director, Navajo Nation Department of Health and former Director of the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health CareMonica Antone, former Lieutenant Governor for the Gila River Indian CommunityMarcus Johnson, deputy director, Community Engagement and Regulatory Affairs, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Creating Supportive Partnerships Between Medicaid and Tribal Communities appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Supporting families of children with special health care needs is critical to ensuring their health and well-being, and helping them stay together as a family. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid agencies can better serve children with special health care needs and their families. The episode emphasizes the importance of partnering across silos and opening lines of communication between agencies and the people they serve. It also discusses OhioRISE, an innovative managed care program for youth with complex behavioral health and multisystem needs. The conversation features perspectives from Ohio Medicaid leaders and a parent advocate: Maureen Corcoran, Medicaid director, Ohio Department of Medicaid Sala Webb, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, chief medical officer, Aetna Better Health of Ohio, OhioRISE Mark Butler, parent advocate, OhioRISE Advisory Council Member The episode is hosted by Jami Snyder, CEO, JSN Strategies, and former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Maureen Corcoran, Medicaid director, Ohio Department of MedicaidSala Webb, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, chief medical officer, Aetna Better Health of Ohio, OhioRISEMark Butler, Parent Advocate, OhioRISE Advisory Council Member The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post How Medicaid Can Better Support Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Navigating Medicaid can be daunting, especially when an individual or family member has complex needs. This challenge is compounded when siloed state agencies have poor communication, which can prevent individuals and families from receiving coordinated services that meet their needs. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast shares the story of Mark Butler, parent advocate and OhioRISE Advisory Council member. Mark shares how he is working with Ohio Medicaid to break down silos and improve communication across state agencies serving families, especially those who have complex needs. The episode is hosted by Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN StrategiesMark Butler, Parent Advocate, OhioRISE Advisory Council Member The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Navigating Medicaid: Insights from a Parent Advocate appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Better serving people who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid is complex, but a key priority for many Medicaid agencies. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores the importance of integrating benefits for this population to create more person-centered care and services for members. It also highlights the power of designing integrated programs in partnership with members and their caregivers. The conversation features perspectives from Medicaid directors in New Jersey and Texas: Jennifer Langer Jacobs, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, New Jersey Department of Human Services Emily Zalkovsky, Chief Medicaid and CHIP Services Officer, Texas Health and Human Services Commission The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN StrategiesJennifer Langer Jacobs, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, New Jersey Department of Human ServicesEmily Zalkovsky, Chief Medicaid and CHIP Services Officer, Texas Health and Human Services Commission The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post How Can States Better Serve Dually Eligible Populations? appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“If you can invest in the mother, you can change a generation.”Cheryl Roberts, Virginia Medicaid director Addressing maternal health disparities is a key priority for many Medicaid agencies. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast highlights the need to better address maternal health disparities, particularly for Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native women, and people living in rural communities. It explores how Medicaid agencies are working to address maternal health disparities by collecting reliable data, engaging communities to tailor solutions, and keeping members at the heart of all decisions. The episode features perspectives from: Cheryl Roberts, Agency Director, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Drew Snyder, Executive Director, Mississippi Division of Medicaid This episode is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Cheryl Roberts, Agency Director, Virginia Department of Medical AssistanceDrew Snyder, Executive Director, Mississippi Division of Medicaid The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post The Critical Role of Medicaid in Addressing Maternal Health Disparities appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

No matter where someone lives — in rural regions, urban areas, or in-between — they should have equitable access to high-quality health care. This first episode in a new season of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast highlights the importance of Medicaid to the millions of people living in rural communities across the country. It delves into the unique challenges faced by Medicaid directors in predominantly rural states and breaks down the common misconceptions surrounding rural America. The episode features perspectives from: Lee Grossman, senior administrator, Wyoming Division of Healthcare Financing; and Sarah Aker, executive director, North Dakota Division of Medical Services. In this season of Medicaid Leadership Exchange, hear how states and territories are working to achieve better outcomes for individuals served by Medicaid, and the creative mechanisms being used to address health disparities — including by listening to communities’ needs. The season is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSJami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies.Sara Aker, executive director, North Dakota Division of Medical ServicesLee Grossman, senior administrator, Wyoming Division of Healthcare Financing The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post The Impact of Medicaid on the Rural Health Care Landscape appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Listen in to this season 5 overview of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange to learn how the season will explore access-related challenges faced by Medicaid members across the nation and the work Medicaid agencies are doing to ensure high-quality, equitable care. The season will focus on priority populations — centering both Medicaid members and the people working in and with government to better serve these individuals. The season is hosted by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president of Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. In this season overview, they are joined by Karen Seaver Hill, director of Leadership Development, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for more episodes, or listen wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Achieving Better Outcomes for Priority Populations: What to Expect in Season 5 of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“Embrace the opportunity to tackle big [issues] … There are things you can do incrementally to prepare: building staff knowledge, making connections with other states, and gathering the resources … The time will come when you can activate on major transformation, it’s just a matter of time.” Allison Taylor, Medicaid Director, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration For many older adults, having the opportunity to age at home — including receiving needed long-term services and supports (LTSS) in the home and community — is important to maintaining independence and quality of life. Improving LTSS is on the minds of many state Medicaid agencies, including how to better support the LTSS workforce, enable greater member choice, and collaborate across state government and with communities to improve member experience. In this new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange, Medicaid leaders from Michigan and Indiana discuss strategies they’re using to address these issues, including their efforts to co-design solutions with Medicaid members. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange features Allison Taylor, Medicaid Director, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration; Farah Hanley, Senior Chief Deputy for Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; and Mark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies. It is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMDAllison Taylor, Medicaid Director, Indiana Family and Social Services AdministrationFarah Hanley, Senior Chief Deputy for Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human ServicesMark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Improving Aging Supports Through Collaboration appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“We have a housing crisis. It’s really important that we come with that servant’s heart — and essentially a hustle — and recognize the importance of our position and get out into the community and practice innovation to meet the needs of our members.”Elizabeth Da Costa, Director of Housing, Arizona Medicaid Agency Social factors, such as access to stable housing, sources of adequate nutrition, and environments free from violence, significantly influence health and well-being. In this episode of Medicaid Leadership Exchange, public officials from Wisconsin and Arizona share how their state’s Medicaid programs are partnering with the housing sector to tackle the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores how these two states are using innovative program and policy mechanisms to develop solutions like rental assistance, housing consultation, and other support services that address the housing needs of Medicaid members, and ultimately their health. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange features Amy Pulda, Homelessness Services Manager, Wisconsin Department of Health Services; Elizabeth Da Costa, Director of Housing, Arizona Medicaid Agency; and Mark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies. It is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMDElizabeth Da Costa, Director of Housing, Arizona Medicaid AgencyAmy Pulda, Homelessness Services Manager, Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesMark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post The Intersection of Housing and Health appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“Reach out to other states who have [created cross-agency partnerships] and ask, ‘What did you do to make this successful?’, ‘How did you get over this hurdle?’ We always ask other states where the potholes are, so we don’t fall in.”Adrienne Fegans, Deputy of Programs and Operations, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Service Cross-sector collaboration is essential for addressing critical issues faced by state Medicaid and behavioral health agencies, such as behavioral health provider shortages and funding challenges. In this new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, representatives from Virginia’s Behavioral Health division and Medicaid discuss the intricacies of aligning their programs to meet shared goals and better serve enrollees. The episode explores how involving cross-agency teams at the beginning of efforts to design, implement, or improve programs can streamline processes across agencies and for enrollees. It examines the value of fostering leadership at every staff level to effectively guide collaborative efforts. This episode of Medicaid Leadership Exchange features Kyla Patterson, MS, Early Intervention Program Manager, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and Adrienne Fegans, Deputy of Programs and Operations, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Service. It is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, principal, Public Leadership Group and consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMD Kyla Patterson, MS, Early Intervention Program Manager, Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental ServicesAdrienne Fegans, Deputy of Programs and Operations, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Service The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Aligning Medicaid and Behavioral Health in Virginia appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Aligning systems with cross-agency partners can better support Medicaid members by closing gaps and improving services. Journey mapping is one tool that can promote cross-agency collaboration and systems alignment. This new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how a cross-agency team in Alaska embarked on a journey mapping process to better understand the experiences of pregnant people impacted by substance use disorder to improve maternal health and reduce infant out-of-home placement. In a related blog post, Daniela Lewy, managing partner at Social Determinants of Health Consulting and a CHCS partner providing technical assistance to the cross-agency Alaska team, discusses journey mapping — what it is, how it works, and how it can help improve systems. This episode of Medicaid Leadership Exchange is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, principal, Public Leadership Group and consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors. She is joined by Emily Urlacher, Public Health Specialist focusing on Early Childhood Systems, Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public Health; Julius Goslin, Staff Physician and Medicaid Medical Director, Alaska Department of Health, Division of Health Care Services; Shontey Hambrick, Social Services Program Officer, Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children’s Services; and Mark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMDEmily Urlacher, Public Health Specialist focusing on Early Childhood Systems, Alaska Department of Health, Division of Public HealthJulius Goslin, Staff Physician and Medicaid Medical Director, Alaska Department of Health, Division of Health Care ServicesShontey Hambrick, Social Services Program Officer, Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, Office of Children’s ServicesMark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Mapping Members’ Experience of Early Childhood Systems appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“We can’t just focus on what is happening in custody. We have to also make sure that we’re partnering with community partners to ensure that when people leave our custody, they have a continuity of services.”Lieutenant Modeste, Public Information Officer, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Collaboration between Medicaid and the criminal legal system can improve health care outcomes and advance health equity for justice-involved populations. In this new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, we’re exploring how coordinating reentry and support services with community partners can improve the lives of people impacted by the justice system, and potentially help reduce rates of recidivism. This episode is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, principal, Public Leadership Group and consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). She is joined by Autumn Boylan, Deputy Director, Office of Strategic Partnerships, California Department of Health Care Services; Tya M. Modeste, Lieutenant Public Information Officer, Alameda County Sheriff’s Office; and Mark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMDAutumn Boylan, Deputy Director, Office of Strategic Partnerships, DHCSTya M. Modeste, Lieutenant Public Information Officer, Alameda County Sheriff’s OfficeMark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Medicaid Finds New Partner in Justice appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

“I didn’t think I had anything to offer. I went into this thinking, ‘I don’t know why I’m here.’ Literally, in that first meeting, I found out why I was there: They need to hear from us.”Samantha Fields, Community Advocate Medicaid members, as the people experiencing care, can bring a wealth of knowledge and lived expertise to discussions about how to better align and improve programs. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores the importance of member advisory councils, and how implementing these groups can help programs streamline operations, foster inclusivity and equality, and promote perspectives that can improve Medicaid for community members. This episode is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, principal, Public Leadership Group and consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). She is joined by Samantha Fields, a community advocate who is helping to shape and improve Colorado’s Medicaid program by encouraging community members to recognize the power of their voices and get involved. In addition to state Medicaid benefits, Samantha receives services through the federal Medicare program, state supplemental nutrition assistance program, and regional housing authority. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMDSamantha Anne Fields, Community Advocate The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post How Do Members Experience Medicaid? appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

When programs are aligned across sectors, they can better serve community members. In this new season of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, guests from all corners of the public sector — behavioral health, criminal justice, and housing, among others — sit down to discuss how resources can be more impactful and efficient when everyone rows in the same direction. This initial episode offers insight into atypical cross-sector partnerships that offer great potential to align for better outcomes, such as state budget offices and legislators. The episode is hosted by Karen Seaver Hill, director of leadership development, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). She is joined by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, principal, Public Leadership Group and consultant, NAMD; Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD; and Mark Larson, senior vice president, leadership and capacity building, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS). Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Karen Seaver Hill, Director of Leadership Development, NAMDGretchen Hammer, MPH, Principal, Public Leadership Group and Consultant, NAMDKate McEvoy, Executive Director, NAMDMark Larson, Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by NAMD and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Aligning for the Good of Medicaid Members appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

Medicaid leaders may soon face the challenge of rethinking policies created during the COVID-19 public health emergency, which is currently set to expire in October. This new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores the complexities of this task and the opportunities it provides, such as codifying waivers related to telehealth and streamlining services and supports for beneficiaries. This podcast episode is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, former Colorado Medicaid director and principal at the Public Leadership Group. She is joined by Tara LeBlanc, Medicaid executive director at the Louisiana Department of Health; Henry Lipman, Medicaid director at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services; and Ed O’Neil, principal at O’Neil & Associates, a management consulting and leadership development firm focused on change and renewal in the health care system. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Gretchen Hammer, former Colorado Medicaid Director; Principle, Public Leadership GroupTara LeBlanc, Medicaid Executive Director, Louisiana Department of HealthHenry Lipman, Medicaid Director, New Hampshire Department of Health and Human ServicesEd O’Neil, Principal, O’Neil & Associates The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and the Center for Health Care Strategies through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Unwinding Pandemic-Era Medicaid Policies Requires Teamwork appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

The pandemic has placed significant strain on Medicaid and its leaders. One valuable outcome of this difficult era, however, is the unprecedented attention being paid to home- and community-based services (HCBS) and the caregivers that underpin these programs. This new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid leaders can leverage this spotlight on HCBS to drive immediate improvements in care and delivery, while relying on long-term vision. This episode is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, former Colorado Medicaid director and principal at the Public Leadership Group. She is joined by Mark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president of leadership and capacity building at the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS); Lee Grossman, administrator for Home and Community Based Services Section, and Division of Healthcare Financing at the Wyoming Department of Health; and Kevin Bagley, Medicaid director for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin. Featured in this episode: Kevin Bagley, Medicaid Director, Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesLee Grossman, Administrator, Home and Community Based Services Section and Division of Healthcare Financing, Wyoming Department of Health Gretchen Hammer, former Colorado Medicaid Director; Principle, Public Leadership GroupMark Larson, former Vermont Medicaid Director; Senior Vice President, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Big Stakes in Home- and Community-Based Services appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.