On August 28, Drew Snyder, executive director of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, appointed Joy Hogge, executive director of Families as Allies, to the Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) as a “representative of a community-based organization that represents the interests of Medicaid beneficiaries.”
According to federal guidelines, the MAC, as well as Beneficiary Advisory Committee (BAC) participants, “must have the opportunity to advise the director of the single State Agency for the Medicaid program on matters related to policy development and matters related to the effective administration of the Medicaid program. At a minimum, the MAC and BAC must determine, in collaboration with the State, which topics to provide advice on related to:
(1) Additions and changes to services;
(2) Coordination of care;
(3) Quality of services;
(4) Eligibility, enrollment, and renewal processes;
(5) Beneficiary and provider communications by State Medicaid agency and Medicaid MCOs, PIHPs, PAHPs, PCCM entities or PCCMs as defined in § 438.2;
(6) Cultural competency, language access, health equity, and disparities and biases in the Medicaid program;
(7) Access to services; and
(8) Other issues that impact the provision or outcomes of health and medical care services in the Medicaid program as determined by the MAC, BAC, or State.”
Joy is thrilled and humbled to have this opportunity to serve. She knows her most important task is supporting families in being involved with the committees’ work so you can give feedback and recommendations. She knows she will learn a lot—and share everything with you.
