Medicaid Advisory Committee

 
 
 
 
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Medicaid Advisory Committee

What would you like to do?

What you need to know

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) is a group that includes Medicaid beneficiaries, advocates, and providers. The committee works together to make recommendations for the Medicai​d program.

Next MAC Meeting​

The next MAC meeting will be held on July 17, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Lincoln, Nebraska.

  • Address: Lincoln Public Library - Bess Dodson Walt Branch (6701 S 14th St, Lincoln, NE 68512)​​​
  • Online/call-in option for members of the public:​
    • Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388
        • ​Access code: 2485 875 6910​​
    • Join online by WebEx
        • Mee​ting link​​​
        • ​M​eeting number: 2485 875 6910
        • ​​Meeting password: RQjD6tAUY32


MAC and BAC Background

In April 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Final Rule which introduced significant changes to Medicaid advisory structures. These updates aim to enhance access, quality, and equity across Medicaid services and to amplify members' voices.

One key change replaces the Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) with the new Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC expands its advisory role beyond health and medical care  to address a broader range of topics, including service access and quality, eligibility and enrollment, health equity, program communications, and other factors influencing Medicaid outcomes. 

Additionally, Nebraska will establish a Beneficiary Ad​​visory Committee (BAC) by July 2025. This committee, composed exclusively of Medicaid enrollees and their families or caregivers, will identify critical issues to present to the MAC and provide direct feedback to help influence Medicaid policy and administration.

Efforts to transition from the MCAC to the MAC and to establish the BAC began in summer 2024, with ongoing work to develop member selection processes and administrative protocols. The MAC and BAC are required to publish a single annual report outlining their activities and recommendations, with the first report due by July 2026. ​



Member Recruitment Process

1. Application Process:

Medicaid Advisory Committee (MAC) applicants can download a fillable PDF application form​ and email it to the DHHS.MACandBAC@nebraska.gov email inbox. The PDF will be available on the MAC webpage of the Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) website.

MLTC will promote MAC applications by distributing recruitment materials in local public spaces and sharing recruitment information with commun​ity partners and other interested parties.

Applications will be open on an ongoing basis, with Nebraska Medicaid selecting new me​mbers as member terms expire or members step down and positions open.

2. Selection Process:

Nebraska Medicaid will convene an application review committee to review applications and recommend potential members. The committee will then share their recommendations with the director of Nebraska Medicaid. The director will review the recommendations and officially select members of the MAC.  

Nebraska Medicaid will inform applicants via email that they have been selected to serve on the MAC. Upon the applicant's acceptance, they will be confirmed as members of the MAC.​

3. Evaluation Criteria:

Nebraska MLTC strives to establish a diverse MAC that is widely representative of the communities served by Nebraska Medicaid. This includes a wide range of ages, races and ethnicities, Medicaid eligibility groups, abilities, geographical communities (including rural and urban communities), and care settings.

From July 9, 2025, through July 9, 2026, at least 10 percent of MAC members must come from the BAC. From July 10, 2026, to July 10, 2027, at least 20 percent of MAC members must come from the BAC. Thereafter, at least 25 percent of MAC members must come from the BAC. BAC members can include people who are currently receiving or have previously received Medicaid benefits and their family members or caretakers.

The MAC must also include at least one representative from each of the following categories:

  • ​​State or local consumer advocacy groups or other community-based organizations that represent the interests of, or provide direct service, to Medicaid beneficiaries
  • Clinical providers or administrators who are familiar with the health and social needs of Medicaid beneficiaries and with the resources available and required for their care. This includes providers or administrators of primary care, specialty care, and long-term care
  • Participating Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs)
  • Other state agencies that service Medicaid beneficiaries as ex-officio, non-voting members

Applications will be assessed for:

  • Relevance of the applicant's skills and experience
  • Applicant's interest in improving the Nebraska Medicaid program for all members
  • Clarity and relevance of the applicant's written responses

Current Members

Representing clinical providers and administratorss:

  • Brandi Renner
  • Dave Miers
  • Elizabeth Thelen
  • ​Heidi Stark
  • John Andresen
  • Kelly Weiler
  • Staci Hubert

Representing Medicaid members:

  • Jason Gieschen
  • Jennifer Hansen (committee vice chair)
  • Josh Sharkey
  • Philip Gray
  • Shawn Shanahan​​​
  • Vietta Swalley (committee chair)
  • Rotating BAC member
  • Rotating BAC member

Representing community-based organizations: 

  • Jenelle Miller

Representing managed care organizations: 

  • J. Michael Parnell

Representing other state agencies: 

2025 Meetings

Meeting minutes marked as draft are up for approval at the committee's next meeting.

July 17, 2025

May 15, 2025

​March 20, 2025​

January 16, 2025

2024 Meetings

Minutes marked as draft are up for approval at the committee's next meeting.​

November 21, 2024 

September 19, 2024

July 18, 2024

May 23, 2024

March 21, 2024

January 18, 2024

2023 Meetings

December 14, 2023

October 19, 2023

August 24, 2023

June 15, 2023

April 20, 2023

​February 17, 2023

2022 Meetings ​​

December 15, 2022

October 20, 2022

August 18, 2022

June 23, 2022

April 21, 2022

January 27, 2022

    With any questions, please reach us at DHHS.MCAC@Nebraska.gov. ​