Medicaid Leadership Exchange: Recent Episodes
Center for Health Care Strategies and the National Association of Medicaid Directors
A podcast series exploring priority topics for Medicaid leaders developed in partnership with the National Association of Medicaid Directors and the Center for Health Care Strategies through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
For some Medicaid leaders, Medicaid and CHIP are not only programs they oversee — they are systems they have experienced firsthand. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how leaders in Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Oregon draw on their personal experiences to expand access, make services easier to navigate, and keep people at the center of policy and program decisions.
The conversation features perspectives from:
- Nicole Harris, executive director, Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program
- Martijn van Beek, quality director, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
- Rachel Calloway, chief of staff, Oregon Health Authority
The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD), and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin.
Featured in this episode:
| | Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director | | Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid director | | | Nicole Harris, executive director, Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance Program | | Martijn van Beek, quality director, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare | | | Rachel Calloway, chief of staff, Oregon Health Authority |
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.About the National Medicaid Leadership CenterThe Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
The post Leading with Lived Experience: Lessons from Medicaid Leaders appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Translating Medicaid policy into day-to-day operations requires close coordination across teams — particularly when programs are navigating complex changes, competing demands, and tight timelines. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Kentucky Medicaid leaders use strong working relationships, early planning, cross-team information sharing, and practical tools to move policy priorities forward. The discussion highlights how sustained collaboration can help teams manage program changes, communicate clearly, and keep implementation focused on members and providers.
The conversation features perspectives from Kentucky Medicaid leaders with experience managing policy, operations, and financial strategy:
- Steve Bechtel, chief financial officer, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
- Veronica Judy-Cecil, senior deputy commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin.
Featured in this episode:
| | Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director | | Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid director | | | Steve Bechtel, chief financial officer, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services | | Veronica Judy-Cecil, senior deputy commissioner, Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services |
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.About the National Medicaid Leadership CenterThe Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
The post Turning Policy into Practice: Lessons from Kentucky Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Technology is essential to how Medicaid operates — shaping how agencies support providers, manage complex programs, enable monitoring and compliance, and serve members. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid leaders are approaching technology strategy and implementation. The discussion highlights how product roadmaps, shared governance, and stronger contract management can help states build systems that reflect program priorities and support more effective implementation.
The conversation features perspectives from Medicaid leaders in North Carolina and Alaska with experience guiding technology strategy and implementation:
- Sarah Gregosky, chief operating officer, North Carolina Medicaid
- Emily Ricci, Alaska Medicaid director and deputy commissioner, Alaska Department of Health
The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin.
Featured in this episode:
| | Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director | | Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid director | | | *Sarah Gregosky, chief operating officer, North Carolina Medicaid | | Emily Ricci*, Alaska Medicaid director and deputy commissioner, Alaska Department of Health |
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.About the National Medicaid Leadership CenterThe Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
The post Getting More Value from IT Systems and Vendors appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
The executive and legislative branches share responsibility for ensuring Medicaid is administered effectively and efficiently. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how Medicaid directors and state legislators can build productive working relationships grounded in trust, clear communication, and shared goals. The discussion highlights how these partnerships can help states navigate Medicaid’s complexity while balancing policy priorities, program oversight, and budget realities.
The conversation features perspectives from current and former state leaders with experience across Medicaid administration and state legislatures:
- Todd Richardson, former Missouri Medicaid director, and former speaker of the house, Missouri House of Representatives
- Christine Osterlund, Kansas Medicaid director
- Pat Pettey, Kansas state senator
The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed by NAMD and CHCS. The 2026 season is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Allow up to 20 seconds for audio playback to begin.
Featured in this episode:
| | Mark Larson, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director | | Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid director | | | Todd Richardson, former Missouri Medicaid director, and former speaker of the house, Missouri House of Representatives | | Christine Osterlund, Kansas Medicaid director | | | Pat Pettey, Kansas state senator |
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.About the National Medicaid Leadership CenterThe Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
The post The Role of State and Territory Legislators in Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
When Medicaid agencies experience leadership changes, deputy and interim leaders play a critical role in keeping priorities on track. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how these leaders maintain continuity, guide day-to-day decision-making, and support agency teams during leadership transitions. The discussion highlights how interim leaders can help staff focus on core responsibilities, prioritize near-term decisions, prepare incoming directors, and keep members at the center of the work.
The conversation features perspectives from a current and former interim Medicaid director:
- Krista Fremming, interim North Dakota Medicaid director
- Jeff Lunardi, senior principal, Mercer and former interim Virginia Medicaid director
The episode is hosted by Mark Larson, senior vice president, Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and former Vermont Medicaid director, and Kate McEvoy, executive director, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) and former Connecticut Medicaid director. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, an initiative of CHCS’ National Medicaid Leadership Center, explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders. It is jointly developed 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, senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCS, and former Vermont Medicaid director | | Kate McEvoy, executive director, NAMD, and former Connecticut Medicaid director | | | Krista Fremming, interim North Dakota Medicaid director | | Jeff Lunardi, senior principal, Mercer, and former interim Virginia Medicaid director |
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.About the National Medicaid Leadership CenterThe Center for Health Care Strategies’ National Medicaid Leadership Center provides leadership and capacity-building services to help Medicaid and health and human services agency leaders navigate a rapidly evolving health care landscape, drive meaningful change, strengthen programs, and improve care for the communities they serve. Learn more
The post Steering the Ship in Transitions: The Role of Senior Deputies appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
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, CHCS | | Kate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, NAMD | | | Stephanie Azar, JD, Alabama Medicaid director | | Judy 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, CHCS | | Jami 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 director | | Josip 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, CHCS | | Jami 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 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 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, CHCS | | Jami 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 Services | | Erin 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 impacts 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, CHCS | | 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 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 Medicaid | | | Sala Webb, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, chief medical officer, Aetna Better Health of Ohio, OhioRISE | | Mark 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 Strategies | | Mark 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, CHCS | | Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies | | | 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 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.
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, CHCS | | Jami Snyder, former Arizona and Texas Medicaid director and president and CEO, JSN Strategies. | | | Sara Aker, executive director, North Dakota Division of Medical Services | | Lee 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.
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.
The post Improving Aging Supports Through Collaboration appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Representatives from Wisconsin and Arizona share the innovative solutions their state Medicaid programs are developing in partnership with the housing sector to tackle homelessness.
The post The Intersection of Housing and Health appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
TEXT 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... Read more »
The post Virginia Medicaid and Behavioral Health appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
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.
The post Mapping Members’ Experience of Early Childhood Systems appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Explores 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.
The post Medicaid Finds New Partner in Justice appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Explores the importance of member experience 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.
The post How Do Members Experience Medicaid? appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Offers insight into atypical cross-sector partnerships that offer great potential to align for better outcomes, such as state budget offices and legislators.
The post Aligning for the Good of Medicaid Members appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
This episode explores the complexities of rethinking policies created during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
The post Unwinding Pandemic-Era Medicaid Policies Requires Teamwork appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
This episode explores how Medicaid leaders can use the recent spotlight on home- and community-based services to drive improvements in care and delivery.
The post Big Stakes in Home- and Community-Based Services appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Medicaid, like nearly every other sector, is facing staff burnout following two-plus years of the pandemic. Recruiting Medicaid staff, however, presents unique challenges since it can be highly technical work. This new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores the inner workings of Medicaid’s workforce recovery and the opportunity to build a more diverse,... Read more »
The post Inside Medicaid’s Workforce Recovery appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Medicaid leaders explore what a commitment to equity means for Medicaid and how to put it into action.
The post Medicaid’s Ongoing Equity Commitment appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Three Medicaid leaders discuss the behavioral health needs of children and opportunities for Medicaid to better support those needs.
The post Meeting the Behavioral Health Needs of Children appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Three former Medicaid directors explore what they would prioritize now and into the future when the public health emergency unwinds — and where blind spots may lie.
The post Leading Medicaid Out of Emergency and Into Its Future appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Critical conversations about health equity can be productive when there is a shared and agreed-upon language amongst Medicaid agencies. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Tekisha Everette, executive director, Health Equity Solutions, Lisa Lee, commissioner, at the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services, and Jim Jones, Medicaid Director, at the Wisconsin Department of... Read more »
The post Talking about Anti-Racism and Health Equity: A Conversation with Tekisha Everette, Jim Jones, and Lisa Lee appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
The past year has seen many sectors of health care increasingly pursue diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as health equity become a more prominent topic. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Ivory Banks, chief of staff at the Department of Medical Assistance Services, Commonwealth of Virginia, and Marlia Mattke, assistant administrator at... Read more »
The post Implementing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Efforts to Better Support Staff of Color appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Effective data measurement is critical for Medicaid programs seeking to advance health equity and better understand different experiences of populations served by the program. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Ben Shaffer, Medicaid Director at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Kelly Cunningham, Interim Medicaid Administrator at... Read more »
The post Using Data to Empower Medicaid to Support Health Equity appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic, ensuing recession, and amplification of issues related to health equity have forced state Medicaid agencies to evaluate their budgets and investments to better serve Medicaid enrollees. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Tracy Johnson, Medicaid director at the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing, and Caprice Knapp,... Read more »
The post Building Health Equity into Medicaid Budgeting appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
People who live in rural areas often experience health disparities caused by barriers to health care, such as lack of transportation, a shortage of providers, and closures of rural hospitals. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Michelle Probert, director at the Office of MaineCare Services, and Stephanie Stephens, associate commissioner of the... Read more »
The post Addressing Barriers to Care for Rural Medicaid Enrollees in Maine and Texas appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
As COVID-19 vaccines become broadly available in the U.S., state Medicaid leaders face ongoing challenges around equitable vaccine distribution and access for Medicaid enrollees, particularly for individuals from historically marginalized communities. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Lynnette Rhodes, executive director of medical assistance plans at the Georgia Department of Community Health,... Read more »
The post Vaccine Equity Strategies: Perspectives from Georgia and West Virginia appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
As you continue to lead through the crisis from home, it is necessary to develop some new routines. One of the best ways to adapt to your new professional setting is to make time for your own development. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert,... Read more »
The post Developing While Working Remotely appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, most of us remain sheltered at home. Many people are becoming fatigued by the loss of boundaries between work and personal time — especially as summer is often a time to recharge. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert,... Read more »
The post Dealing with Extended Sheltering During COVID-19 appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
An effective leader needs to know how to enlist others to achieve goals, but this can be a new challenge when everyone is working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, and Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the... Read more »
The post Enlisting Others to Achieve Goals appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Once past coping with immediate needs during difficult times, Medicaid leaders must be able to pivot to develop strategies that can guide the organizational response in the coming months. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, and Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership... Read more »
The post Pivoting to Strategy During COVID-19 and Beyond appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
To ensure all levels of an organization have a leadership vision, Medicaid leaders must be able to provide coherence to those around them. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, and Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, discuss... Read more »
The post Using Vision as Coherence During Unsettling Times appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
The COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, and the racial injustices left unaddressed for generations have led to the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment we are all working within today. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, and Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the... Read more »
The post Addressing VUCA as a Leader appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Underperformance in any situation is a complex and challenging issue for leaders to address whether working in-person or virtually. In this episode, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, speaks with Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, about tips to address employee underperformance while working virtually... Read more »
The post Addressing Employee Underperformance appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
One of the greatest challenges for those in leadership roles is learning how to influence without formal authority. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert speaks with Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, about how state leaders can... Read more »
The post Using Emotional Intelligence to Influence appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Working remotely during COVID-19 can make relationship building a challenge. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, speaks with Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the National Association of Medicaid Directors, about opportunities for state leaders to create and foster relationships virtually. View accompanying... Read more »
The post Building and Using Relationships During COVID-19 appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Delegating projects or tasks during a pandemic means doing so virtually, which creates obstacles that would not be there if it were in person. In this episode of Quick-Takes for Medicaid Leaders Amid COVID-19, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert, speaks with Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the National Association of Medicaid... Read more »
The post Delegating While Working Remotely appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
With COVID-19 forcing organizations to work from home to flatten the curve, developing others has become a challenge. In this episode, Ed O’Neil, PhD, MPA, a leadership development expert speaks with Hilary Kennedy, program director for Medicaid leadership at the National Association of Medicaid Directors about strategies Medicaid leaders can use to continue developing their... Read more »
The post Developing Others When No One is Around appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
The heartbreaking statistics on maternal and infant mortality have motivated Medicaid and public health agencies across the country to partner in developing strategies that increase the likelihood of healthy outcomes before, during, and following birth. In this Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, staff from New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia Medicaid, and the Association of State and... Read more »
The post Moving the Needle on Maternal and Infant Mortality: A Conversation with New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Medicaid programs serve millions of Americans across the country. One important component of serving consumers well is ensuring that they have a voice in program design and operations. In this Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, MaryAnne Lindeblad, BSN, MPH, Washington State Medicaid director, and Tracy Johnson, PhD, Colorado Medicaid director, discuss the strategies and challenges they... Read more »
The post Creating Meaningful Consumer Engagement in Medicaid: Perspectives from Colorado and Washington State appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Holding a leadership role in a Medicaid agency means that the days are busy and often pulled in multiple directions. In this dynamic environment, it can be challenging to find the time to focus on staff, their bandwidth, and their understanding of the agency’s vision. Making a commitment to staff morale and finding time for... Read more »
The post Staying on Mission in Wisconsin Medicaid: Strategies for Engaging Staff appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Medicaid often represents one of the largest portions of a state budget and is a critical resource for individuals and families when state economies are struggling. With growing speculation about the timing of the next recession, planning for financial sustainability is on the minds of many Medicaid leaders. In this Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, Connecticut’s... Read more »
The post Ensuring Strategic Program Sustainability in Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Nearly all children in foster care are eligible for Medicaid. Building strong relationships between state Medicaid and child welfare agencies can help ensure that the needs of children and families in the child welfare system are met. In this Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, West Virginia Medicaid director Cindy Beane and Kentucky Medicaid director Carol Steckel... Read more »
The post Developing Cross-Agency Collaboration to Better Serve Children in Foster Care appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
It’s been a long time since Medicaid agencies simply paid claims for services delivered. In many states, Medicaid is a key driver of broader delivery system and payment reforms, and often works in partnership with other agencies to innovate the way states address social determinants of health and gaps in health equity. Join Gretchen Hammer,... Read more »
The post Facilitating Cross-Agency Collaboration involving Medicaid appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
A highly-functioning executive team is an invaluable asset to a Medicaid director. But highly-functioning teams don’t just happen by magic. It takes effort and a conscious commitment to identify the right mix of skills, expertise, responsibilities, and personalities. Join Gretchen Hammer, MPH, former Colorado Medicaid director and senior strategic advisor for the National Association of... Read more »
The post Developing Medicaid Agency Executive Teams appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.
Medicaid is an ever-evolving terrain, requiring program leaders to adapt, while simultaneously maintaining predictability for agency staff. One way to walk that tightrope is to build authentic relationships, establishing trust internally and externally. Join this conversation with Gretchen Hammer, former Colorado Medicaid director and senior strategic advisor for the National Association of Medicaid Directors, and... Read more »
The post The Art & Science of Setting the Leadership Frame appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.