New Mexico's Medicaid program has introduced a 15-member advisory council to provide beneficiaries with a platform for direct input on policies impacting over 800,000 residents. The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) established the Medicaid Beneficiary Advisory Council on July 23. This initiative marks the state's first effort to allow Medicaid members, families, and caretakers to advise program leadership on services and administration.
"The council gives Medicaid members—people who have lived experience navigating the system firsthand—a meaningful way to add their voices and help shape improvements within Medicaid," said Dana Flannery, Medicaid director. The council's creation aligns with federal guidelines from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that advocate for increased member engagement.
The council will convene quarterly online meetings to advise leadership on improving access, quality, and equity while identifying barriers and suggesting solutions. It will also elect leaders, draft bylaws, and submit annual reports. Eventually, council representatives will make up to 25% of the existing Medicaid Advisory Committee, ensuring that those with lived experience influence high-level decisions.
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