Medicaid Policy Shifts and What They Mean

Podcast Host:

In this episode, host Rebecca Haro Kuo, Director of Operations for GetixHealth Third-Party Eligibility Services, sits down with Jennifer Wagner, Director of Medicaid Eligibility and Enrollment at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, for an in-depth look at the current and future state of Medicaid enrollment.

Rebecca guides the conversation through the intersection of politics, policy, and operations, asking sharp questions that highlight the challenges revenue cycle teams are facing today. Together, they explore issues like the impact of work requirements, funding cuts, and system inefficiencies, as well as the creative solutions that have emerged—such as state-led outreach campaigns and technology improvements.

This episode is essential listening for healthcare leaders looking to strengthen their enrollment processes and protect coverage for vulnerable populations.

Key Topics Covered

How political dynamics shape Medicaid eligibility and renewal processes
Risks and consequences of proposed work requirements and more frequent redeterminations
Innovations in outreach and enrollment, including the use of technology and human-centered design
Lessons learned from the COVID-19 unwinding period and its impact on Medicaid systems
The importance of preserving multiple access paths (online, in-person, telephonic) for applicants
Collaboration between federal agencies, state governments, and community advocates
Practical advice for revenue cycle leaders on staying informed and influencing policy implementation

Meet The Speakers

Jennifer Wagner

Director of Medicaid Eligibility & Enrollment

Jennifer Wagner is the Director of Medicaid Eligibility & Enrollment with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. She focuses on how policy, operations, and technology can improve the enrollment experience for clients and staff and ensure more eligible individuals access needed supports, particularly in Medicaid and SNAP. Previously, she was an Associate Director with the Illinois Department of Human Services where she was responsible for SNAP and TANF policy and oversaw local office operations statewide that determined eligibility for SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid. Jennifer helped lead the modernization of policy, business processes, and technology in connection with Affordable Care Act implementation in Illinois. She was a Skadden Fellow at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, is a 2008 graduate of Northwestern University School of Law, and holds a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

Rebecca Haro Kuo

Director of Operations

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