S2 E11: Inside Medicaid: What Health Plans and CHCs Need from Each Other Right Now

Medicaid is one of the nation's most important—and most misunderstood—health care programs. It covers nearly half of all births in the United States, finances more than half of nursing home care, and serves millions of children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families.

But with sweeping federal policy changes on the horizon, Medicaid is entering a period of significant change.

In this episode of Community Health Centers Unfiltered, ACH CEO Amanda Pears Kelly sits down with Craig Kennedy, President and CEO of Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA), for a candid conversation about what lies ahead for Medicaid, managed care organizations, and community health centers.

Together, they explore the real-world implications of Medicaid work requirements, eligibility redeterminations, and long-term funding reductions, and what these changes could mean for patients, providers, and communities nationwide.

Craig explains why Medicaid's complexity matters, dispels common misconceptions about who relies on the program, and discusses how stronger collaboration between health plans and community health centers will be essential to maintaining access to care during a time of unprecedented policy change.

Whether you're a health center leader, policymaker, managed care executive, or simply interested in the future of Medicaid, this episode offers practical insights into the challenges ahead, and the partnerships needed to navigate them.