Pamela Parker, Manager, Special Needs Purchasing, Department of Human Services, Minnesota

Pam Parker is working hard on implementation of a variety of health care issues important to the people of Minnesota, and NASHP is helping her share her experiences with other states across the nation. Parker currently directs Minnesota’s managed care programs for seniors and people with disabilities including Minnesota Senior Care Plus (MSC+), the State’s mandatory statewide Medicaid managed acute and long-term care program for seniors, as well as two integrated Medicare and Medicaid programs, Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO), and Special Needs Basic Care (SNBC).
 

With Minnesota’s full agenda of implementation, including integrated Medicare/ Medicaid demonstrations for people with dual eligibility, State Innovation Model grants, Medicaid purchasing and delivery reforms, and a redesign of Home and Community Based services, Parker has quite a bit to share with other states. Parker says NASHP provides a perfect forum for that.

 

“NASHP has a long history of supporting states on managed long-term care program development and serving dual eligibles. As a member of NASHP’s Long Term and Chronic Care Committee, Parker appreciates the opportunity to share and exchange information on these issues with her peers across the country to keep up to date on how others are addressing them. “Sharing information and networking opportunities are key parts of NASHP’s mission. Furthermore, “this has helped us implement Managed Long Term Supports and Services (MLTSS) statewide and has informed our state approach to integrated Medicare and Medicaid programs.,” says Parker.
 

Parker also lauds NASHP as important helping establish a network between key players in the health care arena. “As I get closer to retirement age (not quite yet but soon!), I reflect on the many years of support I have received from colleagues and NASHP staff through conferences, committee meetings, networking, conversations, emails, new contacts, and access to research and technical reports,” says Parker. She goes on to say that “these experiences have helped shape my thoughts and actions throughout my career and I am forever indebted to NASHP for the many opportunities it has given me to participate and learn.”
 

The NASHP conference is also an important annual event for Parker who has participated as a speaker and attendee over the years. “Each year, the annual conference provides a condensed short course for state staff on a wide range of key health policy issues facing states. “This is the only conference I am aware of that provides a sophisticated overview that addresses so many facets of state health care policy while uncovering emerging issues and helping states prepare to meet them, all in the same few days,” said Parker.