Hamilton, NJ, July 18, 2024 – The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) today announced seven states — Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Michigan, North Dakota, Oregon, and Virginia — selected to participate in the Building State Capacity for Community-Informed Policymaking Learning and Action Series. This project will support Medicaid agencies in establishing or strengthening a Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) that aligns with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) vision for centering lived experience in Medicaid decision-making processes.

Medicaid programs increasingly recognize the value of partnering with individuals with Medicaid lived experience to inform program and policy development and implementation. Given final CMS rules for states to establish new types of member advisory groups, Medicaid agencies have an increased imperative to establish or bolster member engagement mechanisms.

“Incorporating the voices of people with experience receiving services through Medicaid into program and policy decisions ensures their needs are better understood and addressed,” said Allison Hamblin, President and CEO, CHCS. “We are excited to support these seven state Medicaid agencies in responding to CMS’ call to more effectively engage Medicaid members, toward the goal of better health outcomes.”

Over 14 months, the seven participating states will receive guidance in developing and implementing a successful Medicaid member engagement strategy that aligns with CMS’ new requirements. The initiative will facilitate collaborative, peer-to-peer learning and provide technical assistance to help participants improve Medicaid member engagement strategies, partner with a community-based organization to create a BAC action plan, and implement the BAC.

CHCS will distill lessons from the participating states, which will be shared with stakeholders across the country. For more information, visit https://www.chcs.org/bac-series.


About the Center for Health Care Strategies

The Center for Health Care Strategies is a policy design and implementation partner devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid. CHCS supports partners across sectors and disciplines to make more effective, efficient, and equitable care possible for millions of people across the nation. For more information, visit www.chcs.org.