Medicaid Leadership Exchange

Leading a Medicaid agency requires more than one strong leader — it requires a leadership team that can navigate complexity, connect decisions across program and functional areas, and maintain momentum amid competing demands. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores how senior leadership teams can strengthen their collective capacity to address challenges together. The discussion highlights how effective teams establish shared ownership, resolve challenges without relying on one person to drive decisions, and build the trust needed to raise concerns early and work through difficult issues together.

The conversation features perspectives from:

• Bill Hanna, former Wisconsin Medicaid Director, Practice Director, ATI Advisory
• Sally Kozak, Pennsylvania Medicaid Director
• Emily Zalkovsky, former Texas 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 and made possible 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

Bill Hanna, former Wisconsin Medicaid Director, Practice Director, ATI AdvisorySally Kozak, Pennsylvania Medicaid Director

Emily Zalkovsky, former Texas 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 Center

https://www.chcs.org/media/National-Medicaid-Leadership-Center-Small-Format.svgThe 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 as a Team: Building Strong Medicaid Senior Leadership appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

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 ProgramMartijn 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 Center

https://www.chcs.org/media/National-Medicaid-Leadership-Center-Small-Format.svgThe 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 ServicesVeronica 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 Center

https://www.chcs.org/media/National-Medicaid-Leadership-Center-Small-Format.svgThe 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 MedicaidEmily 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 Center

https://www.chcs.org/media/National-Medicaid-Leadership-Center-Small-Format.svgThe 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 RepresentativesChristine 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 Center

https://www.chcs.org/media/National-Medicaid-Leadership-Center-Small-Format.svgThe 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 directorJeff 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 Center

https://www.chcs.org/media/National-Medicaid-Leadership-Center-Small-Format.svgThe 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, 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, former Vermont Medicaid director and senior vice president, Leadership and Capacity Building, CHCSKate McEvoy, former Connecticut Medicaid director and executive director, NAMD

Stephanie Azar, JD, Alabama Medicaid directorJudy Mohr Peterson, PhD, Hawaii Medicaid director, former Oregon 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.

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, 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, 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

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, 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, 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 Agency

Krista Willing, MPA, assistant administrator, Systems, Fiscal, and Operations, Division of Medicaid Services, Wisconsin Department of Health 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.

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, 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, 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

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 Care

Monica 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 Medicaid

Sala 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 Strategies

Jennifer 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

Improving maternal health is a key priority for many Medicaid agencies. This episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast highlights opportunities to improve maternal health services, particularly for key high-risk populations and people living in rural communities. It explores how Medicaid agencies are working to collect reliable data, engage communities to tailor solutions, and keep 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 Improving Maternal Health 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.

“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 Administration

Farah 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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medicaid-leadership-exchange/id1462320705https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2hjcy5vcmcvcmVzb3VyY2UvZmVlZC9tZWRpY2FpZC1sZWFkZXJzaGlwLWV4Y2hhbmdlLwhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eHHUebuChTwGCJlmyQ0pxhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ead32dea-43e9-43e3-9d70-4f22c2dd79b0/medicaid-leadership-exchange

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 Agency

Amy 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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medicaid-leadership-exchange/id1462320705https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2hjcy5vcmcvcmVzb3VyY2UvZmVlZC9tZWRpY2FpZC1sZWFkZXJzaGlwLWV4Y2hhbmdlLwhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eHHUebuChTwGCJlmyQ0pxhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ead32dea-43e9-43e3-9d70-4f22c2dd79b0/medicaid-leadership-exchange

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 Services

Adrienne 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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medicaid-leadership-exchange/id1462320705https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2hjcy5vcmcvcmVzb3VyY2UvZmVlZC9tZWRpY2FpZC1sZWFkZXJzaGlwLWV4Y2hhbmdlLwhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eHHUebuChTwGCJlmyQ0pxhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ead32dea-43e9-43e3-9d70-4f22c2dd79b0/medicaid-leadership-exchange

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 Health

Julius 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 Services

Mark 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.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/medicaid-leadership-exchange/id1462320705https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2hjcy5vcmcvcmVzb3VyY2UvZmVlZC9tZWRpY2FpZC1sZWFkZXJzaGlwLWV4Y2hhbmdlLwhttps://open.spotify.com/show/6eHHUebuChTwGCJlmyQ0pxhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ead32dea-43e9-43e3-9d70-4f22c2dd79b0/medicaid-leadership-exchange

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.