Advertise on podcast: 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 directorBill Hanna, former Wisconsin Medicaid Director, Practice Director, ATI AdvisorySally Kozak, Pennsylvania Medicaid DirectorEmily 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 The 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 directorNicole Harris, executive director, Pennsylvania Children’s Health Insurance ProgramMartijn van Beek, quality director, Idaho Department of Health and WelfareRachel 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 The 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 directorSteve 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 The 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 directorSarah 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 The 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 directorTodd Richardson, former Missouri Medicaid director, and former speaker of the house, Missouri House of RepresentativesChristine Osterlund, Kansas Medicaid directorPat 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 The 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 directorKrista 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 The 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, NAMDStephanie 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 AgencyKrista 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 CareMonica Antone, former Lieutenant Governor for the Gila River Indian CommunityMarcus Johnson, deputy director, Community Engagement and Regulatory Affairs, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed in partnership by the National Association of Medicaid Directors and CHCS through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Visit the series page for additional episodes, or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. Support for this podcast was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation. The post Creating Supportive Partnerships Between Medicaid and Tribal Communities appeared first on Center for Health Care Strategies.

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

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

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

“If you can invest in the mother, you can change a generation.” Cheryl Roberts, Virginia Medicaid director 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.