Governor Bob Riley announced June 24 that Alabama Medicaid Commissioner Carol H. Steckel is one of six state Medicaid directors chosen to participate in the inaugural class of the Medicaid Leadership Institute. The Institute, launched by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will enhance the leadership capacity of states’ Medicaid directors so their programs can serve as national models for high-quality, cost-effective care.

“I’m proud that Alabama’s Medicaid commissioner has been selected to participate in this national institute and share with the rest of the country what we’ve learned in Alabama,” Governor Riley said. “This is a critical time for Medicaid programs across the country. We must be more efficient and innovative than ever before. It certainly says something very positive about our Medicaid program that Commissioner Steckel was chosen for this honor.”

Steckel was competitively selected to participate in the executive leadership development program along with five additional Medicaid directors: Toby Douglas, California; Carolyn Ingram, New Mexico; MaryAnne Lindeblad, Washington State; Lynn Mitchell, Oklahoma; and Sandeep Wadhwa, Colorado.

“At a time when national health care reform decisions will greatly affect their programs and responsibilities, these six individuals form an exceptionally talented inaugural class for the Medicaid Leadership Institute,” said Tommy Thompson, Former Governor of Wisconsin, who chairs the program’s National Advisory Committee. “These directors will be perfectly positioned to lead their states and the nation in achieving better quality care for every taxpayer dollar invested in publicly financed health care.”

Medicaid plays a large role in the U.S. health care system, providing care for more than 65 million Americans. The program is second only to Medicare as a payer for health care. In Alabama, Medicaid accounts for about one-third of the state’s General Fund expenditures.

The 12-month Institute is designed to enhance the strategic thinking, substantive knowledge, individual leadership, and technical skills that directors need to effectively lead and foster innovation in their state Medicaid programs. The program will be managed by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and directed by Melanie Bella, senior vice president at CHCS and former director of Indiana Medicaid program.

“We are truly excited about this first class of leaders, all of whom are passionate about maximizing the value of their programs for millions of beneficiaries,” said Ms. Bella. “Carol Steckel and the other Medicaid directors chosen bring a diverse array of experiences to the Institute and will collectively spur each other to take full advantage of the opportunities for leadership that are likely to be presented by health care reform.” 

The Medicaid Leadership Institute curriculum is designed to be dynamic and relevant to the participants’ interests as well as the current environment at both the federal and state levels. It will focus on broad macroeconomic and political issues, data and analytical topics, and leadership and organizational development. For more information about the program, visit www.Medicaidleaders.org.

.