Angie Wilson with Washoe Tribal Health Center

"I can't stress enough the importance of understanding Medicaid, advocating for Medicaid, and assisting with Medicaid enrollment," says Angie Wilson, the new chair of CMS's Tribal Technical Advisory Group Outreach and Education Subcommittee and Executive Director of the Washoe Tribal Health Center in Gardnerville, NV. Wilson is passionate about helping American Indians and Alaska Natives enroll in CMS-administered programs. When more tribal members enroll in Medicaid, tribal clinics have more resources to hire additional health care providers and expand into satellite clinics. A member of the Pit River Tribe, Wilson recommends using newsletters, GoodHealthTV, and presentations at senior centers and health education events to encourage people to sign up for Medicaid. Angie Wilson, Executive Director, Washoe Tribal Health Center

"Outreach helps leadership become more supportive and accept Medicaid enrollment as a norm in the tribal community." — Angie Wilson, Executive Director, Washoe Tribal Health Center

Partnering with the state government to train staff on income calculation also helps increase Medicaid enrollment and ensure patient benefits coordinators are not inadvertently screening out eligible patients. Washoe staff attended an extensive training program typically reserved for new state government employees. As a result, the health center is now adequately prepared to conduct Medicaid eligibility determinations. Wilson hopes Indian health clinics will help each other maximize opportunities to bring in Medicaid revenue. "Every month, the Nevada tribal health directors meet and share ideas for an entire day," she said. "It's a good way to learn about advocacy and recruitment."