National Association of Medicaid Directors

Over the last few years, state policymakers have been building out the behavioral health crisis continuum. This report from National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors Research Institute, Inc. (NRI) offers a glimpse into the growth and use of mobile crisis teams to support individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorder crises. Here are three things that stood out to me from the report: 1. Mobile crisis teams can resolve crises and prevent unnecessary hospitalization or ED visits. The report shows that the majority (median of 68 percent) of mobile crises dispatches did not require more intensive immediate follow-up. 2. States are building capacity to respond to the unique needs of children and adolescents. At least half of states have separate mobile crisis teams for children and adolescents. 3. Broad access to mobile crisis services is still a work in progress. Less than half of states have mobile crisis services available 24 hours a day/seven days a week, and nearly two-thirds of states and territories are struggling with finding the necessary workforce for these crisis teams. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eAaPXNU8

As we near the end of 2024, it's time to take stock of the monumental task that has been the Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding. In Kate McEvoy’s latest blog post, she explores in detail this complex process. ?? Key highlights: ?? 56.4 million people have had their coverage renewed ?? 61% of renewals are being conducted automatically ?? Over 12 million renewals still to be completed Read the full article to gain insight on the context and challenges of the unwinding process and what’s on the horizon for Medicaid programs.?

?? Big news alert! ?? We're thrilled to announce the inaugural HRSA Cooperative Agreement with NAMD to bolster Medicaid and public health partnerships. Read Kate McEvoy's blog where she shares an important lesson she learned as a Medicaid Director on the need for Medicaid and public health alignment. ??

Medicaid can play a crucial role in addressing persistent health disparities faced by tribal communities. However, effective partnerships require more than good intentions – they demand active listening and respect for tribal needs and perspectives. In this episode of the Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, we explore how Medicaid agencies can forge stronger connections with tribal communities to better serve their members. Featured Speakers: Kim Russell, Executive Director, Navajo Nation Department of Health Monica Antone, Former Lieutenant Governor, Gila River Indian Community Marcus Johnson, Deputy Director, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Hosted by Mark Larson, Former Vermont Medicaid Director and SVP at the Center for Health Care Strategies. The Medicaid Leadership Exchange podcast, developed by National Association of Medicaid Directors and Center for Health Care Strategies, with support from the RWJF, explores critical topics for Medicaid leaders. https://lnkd.in/g-tsQ4qJ

NAMD's Hannah Maniates presented at the National Conference of State Legislatures Health Legislative Staff Seminar. The session, "The New Normal for State Medicaid Programs," included panelists Alex Williamson and Kathryn (Kiki) Evinger moderated by NCSL's Kathryn Costanza. Panelists discussed: ?? Medicaid budget and enrollment trends as states navigate post-unwinding ?? State legislative priorities in Medicaid, focusing on maternal health and mental health/substance use services ??State approaches to implementing new federal regulations Thanks to all participants for their contributions to this conversation on the evolving Medicaid landscape.

Thank you for elevating this crucial resource, Administration for Community Living! National Association of Medicaid Directors appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with ACL and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

??We celebrate the partnership between NAMD and our fellow state civil servants at the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators ?? Our Executive Director, Kate McEvoy, had the honor of speaking at the State of the States in Brain Injury Conference, where she highlighted the incredible ways our organizations can partner to address health-related social needs, housing and smooth community reentry for those in justice settings. Congratulations to NASHIA for a thoughtful, productive conference, we recognize and value the hard work of state brain injury administrators. https://hubs.la/Q02QDK_h0

National Association of Medicaid Directors joined the National Produce Prescription Collaborative Summit to discuss a crucial topic: the role of Medicaid in addressing food security. NAMD Director of Federal Policy Jack Rollins?explored the pros and cons of various Medicaid pathways to?address food insecurity. It’s a complex landscape, especially with many other priorities demanding attention from state Medicaid agencies, this summit was an important step in an ongoing conversation.?

??? Important Update: NAMD Responds to National Plan on Aging ??? The National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD) submitted a formal comment letter to the Administration for Community Living's Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging. The plan could shape much-needed action to develop a coordinated, comprehensive system of care that meets the health care and supportive service needs of older adults. NAMD recommends these core principles to guide the framework: ? Need for a comprehensive national approach to funding LTSS ? Urgent need to address workforce shortages in direct care ? Sustainable funding mechanisms for infrastructure costs ? Flexibility for Medicaid agencies to tailor their LTSS programs ? Recognition of the need for complementary services beyond health coverage NAMD also provided specific policy recommendations, including: ? Correcting the institutional bias in Medicaid ? Increasing access to care navigation ? Making Money Follows the Person program permanent ? Allowing Medicaid payment for room and board in HCBS ? Simplifying asset limits for eligibility As our population ages, it's critical that we develop a coordinated, comprehensive system of care. Read our full comment letter for thoughts from Medicaid Directors on how to shape politics that affect millions of older Americans ??https://hubs.la/Q02Qc8K_0

We're excited to share that Jack Rollins, Director of Federal Policy at the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD), recently participated in a high-profile panel discussion at the Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA) annual conference. The panel, titled "2024 CMS Regulatory Sprint: A Panel Discussion on the Medicaid Impacts of Recently Finalized Rulemaking," brought together key industry leaders to discuss the implications of recent CMS regulations on Medicaid programs. Jack shared the stage with distinguished experts: Andrea Bennett, Kate Paris and Nicolas Wilhelm. The discussion covered critical areas affecting Medicaid programs: ?? Implementation Challenges: Jack highlighted the complexities Medicaid programs face in managing multiple significant regulations simultaneously. ?? Collaboration Opportunities: He emphasized the potential for partnerships between Medicaid programs and managed care plans to support effective implementation. ?? Financing Changes: Jack provided an in-depth analysis of the financial implications in the new managed care rule. ?? Access Standards: Andrea Bennett offered insights on evolving access standards in managed care for Medicaid beneficiaries, including home- and community-based services and required use of secret shopper surveys. ?? Eligibility and Integration: Kate Paris discussed important changes to eligibility criteria and efforts to integrate dual-eligible beneficiaries. ?? IT Systems Impact: Nicolas Wilhelm underscored the significant technological implications these new rules have across Medicaid systems. NAMD continues to be at the forefront of Medicaid policy discussions, ensuring that state Medicaid directors' perspectives are heard and considered in national forums. We're grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important dialogue and remain committed to fostering collaboration between Medicaid programs and managed care organizations.