Meet the Member Experience Advisory Council Members

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I joined so that I could get the opportunity to interact with Executive Management and have input on customer service and support.

What keeps you coming back?

The genuine respect that each individual is given and the platform that we have is orderly and I always look forward to the $40 gift cards.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

I look forward to having the members work on a project and I also think it would be nice if one of the members got hired for a position that is created possibly from grant money.

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I wanted to join as a way of giving back to the community which has done, and continues to do, so much to support me and my children. The level of compassion evidenced by this group gives me a sense of acceptance I didn't even know I was missing.

What keeps you coming back?

MEAC's tangible impact in making the program ever more inclusive and user-friendly is highly rewarding. I feel like this is actual change for the better in our society.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

That this style of feedback and communication will spread and become more and more part of how our government agencies work. Also that the benefits we as individuals glean in mutual support and learning will benefit our respective local communities in a ripple effect.

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I thought the opportunity to provide input based on my personal experiences toward helping improve the system for millions of others in the state would be an interesting and engaging use of a few hours a month of my time.

What keeps you coming back?

The opportunity to work with a group that is both dedicated and passionate about advocating for changes in Medicaid has been an absolute delight. The members of the council, the employees of HCPF, and the visitors and guests who have come to speak with us have proven to be dedicated and genuine in their willingness to both listen and share in order to effect real changes to improve the system for the benefit of all. I hope to continue to participate until you have to call security to drag me away (sort of kidding).

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

I sincerely hope that the MEAC continues to be a highly productive group as well as a model for other agencies and groups. The involvement of members, and the use of their feedback in order to improve delivery of services can provide benefits to both the members and "the system", and I think this group is an excellent example for a broad swathe of agencies at all levels of government.

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I hope that my 12 years of experience in health insurance, 2 decades of personal experience as a patient, and almost 4 years of being on Medicaid would help me to contribute in a meaningful way to improve the Medicaid system for patients and caregivers.

What keeps you coming back?

What would keep me coming back is seeing that suggestions made by patients and their caregivers would be taken into consideration and would help inform changes that would be beneficial.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

My hope would be that patients and their caregivers would feel included and empowered by being a part of the MEAC and would see the changes they suggest being implemented.

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I joined because I felt that is was a new unique opportunity for me to share my overall experiences and insight to healthcare.

What keeps you coming back?

The reason why I am still a member is because I have learned a lot from others' experiences, and the feedback is raw, honest, and genuine. The changes we make are often concrete, and that feels amazing to me to be part of such a team.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

My hopes for the future of the MEAC work is that it continues to grow and to assist other members with their healthcare needs here in Colorado.

Watch Steve's story

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I have been a participant and observer in the health care system for over 40 years. First as a pediatric primary care nurse doing case coordination and recently transitioning to the care of a disabled adult family member utilizing various state agencies. I want to help others navigate the system while making HCPF aware of how it's design functions for members.

What keeps you coming back?

It's an opportunity to give practical feedback. I'm already getting questions answered and seeing follow through on issues raised.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

That committee members can identify areas of success to build upon and areas which need improvement or can be eliminated to prevent waste.

Watch Cathryn's story

Why did you want to join MEAC?

My friends, relatives, and I have been members and caregivers for members at various times over the past 20 years. I wanted to use our decades of experience to help current and future members and caregivers get more and better care regardless of age, location, and what kind of care is needed. Also, I wanted to help the state, the counties, and the providers help current and future members get that care as quickly, easily, and completely as possible.

What keeps you coming back?

The other members of the council are passionate about collaborating with each other and the State, the counties, and the providers to help improve care for everyone across Colorado. And, thankfully, the State is passionate about collaborating with the members, including having the counties and providers collaborate with the members.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

I hope more counties and providers collaborate with the members. Also, I hope the MEACs continue to be formed by the different regions of Colorado and by the counties. And I hope the MEAC model is expanded into other states.

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I wanted to learn how to make the most of my benefits, to be a resource for my community and to provide feedback about the need for language access to Colorado's health insurance programs.

What keeps you coming back?

The Department's commitment to listen is real! The team is invested in engaging the community in true collaboration. After each meeting, member input is implemented with a sense of urgency. I feel valued: council member contributions and experiences are catalyzing positive change of business practices and updates to policies to improve the experience for all Coloradans. As evidenced by this year's updated PEAKHealth mobile app, for example, the Department is making sustainable cultural change‚ grounded in person-centered practices.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

I hope the Department's person-centered practices will include reaching other groups whose needs and perspective is necessary: individuals that are unable to access benefits and services due to a language barrier need bilingual tools/interfaces/Apps or access to interpretation services to get the most out of their benefits. Health disparities in Colorado can be addressed, and it will require all of us working together‚ that's where I see MEAC's work in the future.

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I wanted to join MEAC because it is a great opportunity to contribute to my community by voicing the needs of the many families like mine who are struggling with the health care system.

What keeps you coming back?

After my first meeting, I was very amazed in seeing the great potential there is for change in our communities. Knowing there are people who truly care about our struggles and who are willing to listen and help. Feeling heard and understood makes me keep coming back!

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

To see change happen!

Why did you want to join MEAC?

I joined the MEAC because I am a consumer and want to improve the service for everyone.

What keeps you coming back?

I keep coming back because of the growth I see on a monthly basis.

What are your hopes for the future of our MEAC work?

In the future, I'd like to see more projects on a national level in how we can be a leader and resource for other states who want to improve.

Watch Mary's story