Advancing Medicaid in Education: Insights from the NAME Conference 2023

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NAME Conference 2023

Insights from the NAME Conference (2023). Tackling School-Based Medicaid Deep in the Heart of Texas

October 2023 brought together educators, Medicaid experts, and professionals from across the nation at the National Alliance of Medicaid in Education (NAME) Conference. This annual event (and one of our favorite conferences of the year) always offers a unique opportunity to continue our journey with partners and clients towards advancing and streamlining Medicaid in education. The conference was a whirlwind of engaging discussions, enlightening sessions, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals passionate about improving Medicaid services in the educational sector.

Tackling School-Based Medicaid. NAME Conference 2023

This year, we asked participants to contribute to a word cloud, sharing their impressions and emotions about the conference. The word cloud showcased a variety of sentiments, from “informative” and “collaborative” to “awesome” and “fun.” It was a powerful visual representation of the diverse perspectives and experiences that attendees brought to the event. Plus, we had a giggle since it rained all week in Dallas—you may see a couple mentions of the weather, including humidity and big hair!

NAME Conference 2023 School-Based Medicaid Word Cloud

During the conference, Relay hosted a breakout session that focused on an issue near and dear to our hearts: increasing service provider logging.

We engaged in a candid conversation about why providers often struggle with logging their services and how to make the process more manageable for them. Attendees shared their own challenges and success stories, fostering an environment of shared learning and support. We also discussed various strategies to celebrate successes, both big and small, in the ongoing journey of Medicaid in education. One of our favorite ways? Go to your local coffee shop and ask if they would be willing to offer a discount for school-based providers!

But the conversation doesn’t end at the conference. We are committed to continuing the dialogue and sharing insights on increasing service logging in Medicaid programs. In December, we are hosting a panel discussion featuring Medicaid leads from across the country. This discussion will delve deeper into the challenges and solutions related to provider logging, allowing attendees to gain valuable perspectives and practical advice. Interested parties can sign up to join this informative session on Medicaid Provider Service Logging and be part of this ongoing conversation.

We also hosted a “nugget” session with Johna Freyling-Butler of Dubuque County Schools in Iowa, which focused on transforming the role of the Medicaid Lead through data.

Johna shared how she managed to transform her role from being buried under a mountain of paper logs to strategically maximizing her Medicaid revenue through change management, training, and embracing technology and data.

This inspiring transformation highlighted the power of data-driven decision-making and automation tools. By leveraging data and streamlining processes, Johna was not only able to reduce administrative burdens but also increase the efficiency of Medicaid services in her district. This success story served as a powerful testament to the potential for change and improvement within Medicaid programs, and it left attendees feeling inspired and motivated to explore similar possibilities in their roles.

The NAME Conference in October continually supports the collective dedication of professionals working in Medicaid in education.

It provided a platform for candid discussions, shared experiences, and innovative solutions. As we move forward, we are excited to continue the conversation and collaborate with Medicaid leads across the country to drive positive change in the field. Medicaid in education is an evolving landscape, and together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of students and the efficiency of Medicaid programs.

But our absolute favorite part? Well, that had to be Line Dancing on Tuesday night with the NAME crew! We don’t have any pics, because we were too busy on the dance floor!