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.