How Do Members Experience Medicaid?

“I didn’t think I had anything to offer, I went into this thinking, ‘I don’t know why I’m here.’ Literally, in that first meeting, I found out why I was there: They need to hear from us.” – Samantha Fields, Community Advocate

Medicaid members, as the people experiencing care, can bring a wealth of knowledge and lived expertise to discussions about how to better align and improve programs. This new episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores the importance of member advisory councils, and how implementing these groups can help programs streamline operations, foster inclusivity and equality, and promote perspectives that can improve Medicaid for community members.

This episode is hosted by Gretchen Hammer, MPH, principal, Public Leadership Group and consultant, National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). She is joined by Samantha Fields, a community advocate who is helping to shape and improve Colorado’s Medicaid program by encouraging community members to recognize the power of their voices and get involved. In addition to state Medicaid benefits, Samantha receives services through the federal Medicare program, state supplemental nutrition assistance program, and regional housing authority.

The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast explores priority topics for Medicaid leaders and is developed by NAMD and the Center for Health Care Strategies through support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.