National Association of Medicaid Directors

As Medicaid's 60th anniversary approaches, NAMD's Kate McEvoy reflects on the remarkable civil servants who make this vital program work every day. 🎥 From visionary CFOs creating financial frameworks that help states track performance and use taxpayer funds effectively, to the directors interpreting policy and setting strategic direction, to the eligibility leaders and communicators connecting best practices nationwide—these teams have stewarded Medicaid through six decades. "Every day, NAMD witnesses the conviction, mission focus and pragmatism these teams bring to their work," Kate shares. "You give civil service a great name." Here's to the people who make Medicaid work. 👏

Energized by an incredible State-Facing Partners Convening last Friday! ⚡ Thank you to the outstanding organizations that joined us at our July 25th meeting in Washington, D.C. to strengthen collaboration and identify shared priorities for supporting states and territories:  National Conference of State Legislatures National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) National Associations of Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services NASDDDS  NASHP | National Academy for State Health Policy National Governors Association National Association of State Workforce Agencies  Association of State and Territorial Health Officials National Association of State Budget Officers National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Agency Directors (NASADAD) ADvancing States The power of bringing together unique perspectives was evident throughout our discussions. When state associations work together, we multiply our impact. The shared insights, aligned priorities, and collaborative spirit from this convening will directly benefit the states and territories we all serve. Looking forward to our continued partnership and the meaningful work ahead!

60 Years of Medicaid: Celebrating the People Who Power the Program As we approach Medicaid's 60th anniversary on July 30th, we're taking a moment to honor the dedicated state and territory agency staff who make this vital program work every day. This photo from our recent NAMD membership meeting captures just a fraction of the incredible professionals across all 56 Medicaid programs who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From eligibility specialists ensuring families get the coverage they need, to IT professionals maintaining critical systems, to policy experts navigating complex regulations—these are the people who turn Medicaid from policy into reality for millions of Americans. For six decades, Medicaid has been a lifeline for our most vulnerable populations. But programs don't run themselves—they're powered by passionate, skilled professionals who show up every day to serve their communities. National Association of Medicaid Directors is proud to represent not just the directors who lead these programs, but all the talented staff who make Medicaid work: the eligibility workers, finance teams, communications leaders policy analysts, and countless others who dedicate their careers to public service. Take a moment to celebrate the Medicaid agency staff in your state or territory who make this program work. Tag them, thank them, and share how they've made a difference in your community.

Our Executive Director Kate McEvoy discussing critical Medicaid issues at the NALEO Educational Fund Annual Conference with Senator LUZ ESCAMILLA, Cecilia Oregon from Kaiser Permanente, and Edwin Park from Georgetown University Center for Children and Families

Join us in congratulating to Ann Jensen on her role as Nevada's new Medicaid Director! 🌟 Ann brings valuable experience from her previous position as Innovation Officer of Nevada Medicaid, where she led the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation initiative and developed value-based payment strategies. Her background also includes leading value-based payment strategy for independent primary care physicians nationwide. Welcome to NAMD, Ann!

🎉Join us in welcoming Laura (Jaskierski) Phelan as Illinois' new Medicaid Director! 🎉 Laura brings extensive experience from her decade at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, where she has served as Deputy Director for New Initiatives, Policy Director, and MCO Account Manager. Her background includes roles with Get Covered Illinois, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. Laura holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University's Maxwell School and a Bachelor of Arts from Illinois Wesleyan University. Welcome to NAMD, Laura! 

Medicaid Meets Public Health: A Blueprint for Collaboration Medicaid and public health agencies serve many overlapping populations and have similar goals, but traditionally operate in separate lanes. There are many opportunities for Medicaid and public health programs to align efforts and collectively address gaps in care for the communities they serve, including in an environment of more constrained state and territory budgets. The solution isn't more meetings—it's strategic collaboration like ✅ Cross-sector training to build foundational understanding ✅ Joint strategic planning with designated champions ✅ Shared funding models that leverage Medicaid matching funds ✅ Data sharing agreements with clear governance structures ✅ Aligned evaluation metrics for both short and long-term impact When these agencies work together effectively, the impact is transformative: better health outcomes, stronger community trust, maximized resources, and more sustainable prevention programs. Ready to strengthen collaboration in your state? Download the National Association of Medicaid Directors comprehensive blueprint for actionable strategies that break down silos and build lasting partnerships between Medicaid and public health.

🎙️ Wisdom from Veteran Leaders! Reflections on Leadership from Long-Serving Medicaid Directors 🗣️"If you really want to make a difference and feel like you have purpose and meaning [in your job], consider being a Medicaid director. You're never going to have quite as much of a direct impact on so many lives as you do in this role." — Stephanie Azar, JD What does it take to lead a state Medicaid program for decades? Our latest episode features two of the nation's longest-tenured Medicaid directors, who share the moments that defined their careers and the leadership philosophy that keeps them motivated to serve millions of Americans. Featured Guests: 🔹 Stephanie Azar, JD - Commissioner, Alabama Medicaid 🔹 Judy Mohr Peterson, PhD - Hawaii Medicaid Director, Former Oregon Medicaid Director Hosted by: Mark Larson (Former Vermont Medicaid Director, CHCS) and Kate McEvoy (Former Connecticut Medicaid Director, NAMD) These veteran leaders reveal what drew them to Medicaid, how they've navigated decades of policy changes, and the moments that remind them why this work matters. From budget battles to program transformations, their insights offer a masterclass in public service leadership. Whether you're a current Medicaid leader, aspiring director, or health care policy professional, this conversation provides invaluable wisdom on leading with purpose in one of government's most complex and impactful roles. 🎧 Listen now: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/eczRTeWj The Medicaid Leadership Exchange is a partnership between National Association of Medicaid Directors and Center for Health Care Strategies, supported by RWJF

Please take a moment to read this important message from our Executive Director Kate McEvoy. We remain committed to working alongside our CMCS partners for the millions of Americans who rely on Medicaid and CHIP.

So proud to be part of this group of amazing humans of Medicaid Directors. As we embark on changes ahead, I am grateful and comforted by the leadership, passion and dedication of this group of leaders in health care. Medicaid is a special calling and right now it couldn’t matter more. ❤️