Our Role

Supporting Effective, Accountable Medicaid Programs

The National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) is a nonpartisan organization that supports U.S. state and territory Medicaid Directors in providing healthcare coverage for nearly 75 million Americans through Medicaid and CHIP.

NAMD works with and alongside Medicaid leaders to help them navigate complex program challenges, implement federal requirements, improve cost efficiency and strengthen program integrity, effectiveness and financial accountability within Medicaid programs in each U.S. state and territory.

State-Led. Member-Driven. Nonpartisan.

NAMD’s members are Medicaid leaders from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. They represent states and territories with different political leadership, policy priorities, budgets, populations and program designs.

That breadth ensures NAMD’s work is grounded in the real-world needs of U.S. state and territory Medicaid Directors.

NAMD’s Board of Directors is a representative group of current Medicaid directors from states and territories, reflecting the perspectives of its broad membership and combining regionally elected Board representatives with a nationally elected Executive Committee that sets strategy and direction for the association. NAMD’s priorities are shaped and prioritized by member-identified issues and opportunities.

A Neutral Convener and Trusted Operational Resource

NAMD is a neutral convener and trusted operational resource, not a policymaking authority.

NAMD provides a forum for U.S. state and territory Medicaid Directors to share information, understand policy changes and navigate implementation challenges. It supports communication among states and territories, CMS, Congress and relevant healthcare stakeholders.

While NAMD provides channels for Medicaid leaders to share strategies and operational experience, individual states and territories make their own Medicaid policy and program decisions. NAMD does not mandate, direct or impose policy decisions on members.

NAMD helps states and territories understand complex federal requirements and operational implications so Medicaid leaders can manage their programs according to their state or territory’s policies and priorities.

Stewardship Of Taxpayer Dollars Through Program Integrity

NAMD supports effective, efficient and accountable Medicaid administration that promotes high-quality care and improved outcomes for eligible beneficiaries.

NAMD helps U.S. state and territory Medicaid Directors strengthen their programs by sharing practical experience across delivery systems, managed care oversight, eligibility operations, payment accuracy, data systems, procurement, quality improvement and program integrity. This work helps states identify strategies that improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and support responsible stewardship of public resources while maintaining a high level of care.

Key Program Integrity Priorities:

• Strengthen oversight and improve payment accuracy;

• Prevent fraud, waste and abuse;

• Ensure Medicaid members receive the quality care they need;

• Financial accountability;

• Safeguard public resources; and

• Comply with federal and state or territory requirements.

NAMD also coordinates with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state and territory agencies on operational and oversight issues, helping Medicaid leaders identify practical approaches to responsible program administration.

Connecting Medicaid Leaders With Federal Policymakers

NAMD strengthens the partnership between federal policymakers and Medicaid leaders by serving as a trusted intermediary.

NAMD facilitates two-way communication that helps federal decision-makers understand the real-world operational realities facing Medicaid Directors as they navigate evolving federal priorities. It also convenes leaders across levels of government to identify shared challenges, exchange implementation insights and support effective program administration.

NAMD’s role is straightforward: to convene Medicaid leaders and support peer learning so U.S. states and territories can administer large public programs effectively, efficiently and responsibly.