Leading Medicaid Managed Care Plans: A State Relationship Perspective

Leading Medicaid Managed Care Plans examines leadership actions necessary to successfully operate a Medicaid managed care plan with emphasis on the relationship with the state Medicaid agency the health plan is contracted with. With appropriate operational and governance oversight, and with solid mutually respectful relationships with the state agency, Medicaid health plans are more likely to sustain success and prosperity for the long term.

The approach of Leading Medicaid Managed Care Plans builds on key infrastructure elements that need to be in place when contracting with a state agency, and for overall success of the organization. It takes a pragmatic and methodical approach, interspersed with real-life examples of what to do for success and what actions to avoid that frequently lead to failure. This approach is different from most managed care books (Medicaid or otherwise) as those mostly focus on the process of the business (such as details around claims payment, or provider contracting) and ignore the role of the state Medicaid agency and its importance in retaining the contractual relationship. This book differs also on its emphasis on organizational foundational elements and strategic leadership skills necessary to sustain success.

The author has years of experience in turning around failing Medicaid managed care plans and observing what they all had in common that contributed to those failures. One common feature was the deterioration of the relationship with the state Medicaid agency they were contracted with, and how close they all came to losing their multi-million dollar businesses. The purpose of this book is to educate and inspire managed care executives and senior leaders who operate Medicaid health plans and to help them understand what elements are needed for successful health plans and a sustainable relationship with the people directing the state Medicaid agency.

Arlene Davidson, MHSA, is a consultant, author & lecturer with over 37 years experience in health care. She has worked extensively in the managed care arena with expertise in Medicaid health plans as well as acute care health plans. Ms. Davidson specializes in strategic planning, customer relationships, business development, & communications. She holds a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan & a Bachelor of Science in Business from Arizona State University.