Waterbury, VT – The Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) is seeking current and former Medicaid members, or family members and caregivers of members, to join the Beneficiary Advisory Committee (BAC). Anyone enrolled in Vermont Medicaid, or previously enrolled in Vermont Medicaid, and their family members and caregivers is eligible to apply. The BAC is a new advisory body made up entirely of people with direct Medicaid experience.
Vermonters can join the BAC and get paid to share their experience with the program. The BAC aims to help identify gaps and barriers to coverage and access. This committee will advise State Medicaid Leadership. It is a dedicated space for Medicaid beneficiaries to provide feedback based on their lived experience in the program and come up with ideas on how to improve Medicaid. This is an opportunity to work with others who want to make Medicaid better for Vermonters.
“The Beneficiary Advisory Committee is a powerful way for Vermonters with firsthand experience with Medicaid to help shape how the program works.” DaShawn Groves, DVHA Commissioner said, “Your personal lived experiences matter. We want to hear what’s working, what’s not, and how can we make Medicaid better for the thousands of Vermonters who rely on it.”
The BAC will work with the Medicaid and Exchange Advisory Committee (MEAC). This long-standing committee advises Vermont Medicaid Leadership about health and medical care services. Its membership includes state health officials, consumer advocates, health care professionals, health insurers, and Medicaid members.
“We all benefit from having more voices with lived experience at the table. The BAC will be a strong and diverse consumer advisory group,” said Addie Strumolo, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Vermont Health Access. “The Committee will provide valuable perspectives that could have a direct impact on Medicaid. The Medicaid leadership team is eager to lift up these voices in this new forum.”
The BAC is looking for:
- Current & Former Medicaid members
- Current & Former Family & Caregivers of Medicaid members
More information about the BAC is available through DVHA’s website: Beneficiary Advisory Committee | Department of Vermont Health Access
DVHA will be holding a virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, May 7, from 12-12:30pm via Microsoft Teams. Department staff will be available to answer questions regarding the BAC.
The BAC will meet at least four times per year, with the first meeting planned for June 2025. Committee members may get paid $50 for each meeting attended. Reimbursement is available for additional costs such as travel, personal assistance, and childcare, if needed.