Newly appointed director shares her passion for Medicaid’s role in transforming the healthcare landscape

SANTA FE – Today, the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced the appointment of Dana Flannery as the new director for the New Mexico Medicaid program. Flannery, a health care industry expert, brings a wealth of experience in public health policy and Medicaid leadership, with a career spanning over two decades in strategic planning, health care integration, crisis response, and Medicaid administration.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dana Flannery as the new Medicaid Director. Dana brings to the table her extensive expertise and innovative vision in public health, which are crucial for advancing our mission and goals,” said Kari Armijo, cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. “I look forward to working closely with Dana in her new capacity and am excited to see the innovations and advancements she will bring to our Medicaid program.”

“During my two decades of public service, I’ve found my passion in Medicaid, a program that transcends its role as a health care safety net to be a driving force in shaping the entire health care landscape. I believe accessible and comprehensive health care is a fundamental human right, and I am profoundly grateful that I get to play some small part in making a positive impact on individual well-being,” said Dana Flannery, newly appointed Medicaid Program Director. “With the creation of the new Health Care Authority, New Mexico will shape a healthier, more inclusive future for all. I’m thrilled to be with you on this journey!”

Flannery has guided states and national organizations in various capacities, including strategic planning, managed care oversight, and intergovernmental relations. Her focus on person-centered, data-driven outcomes has established her as a leader capable of negotiating governmental barriers and delivering positive health outcomes.

During her tenure at Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona’s Medicaid agency, Flannery served as a Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Director. Her contributions there were significant, including leading the design of programmatic changes, obtaining federal approval for innovative programs and implementing critical COVID-19 flexibilities during the pandemic.

With a background as a behavioral health provider, Flannery has also contributed to Arizona’s crisis response system, setting best practice standards and seamlessly incorporating the national 988 lifeline. Her advocacy for behavioral health integration and the development of peer and family support initiatives, including the first-ever peer career advancement academy in Arizona, are testaments to her innovative approach to health policy.

Flannery enjoys parenting two children and an energetic rescue dog with her spouse. Her background includes the Center for Health Care Strategies Medicaid Pathways program, the Arizona Valley Catalyze Leadership program, and a psychology degree from Arizona State University.

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We talk, interpret and smile in all languages.  We provide written information to our customers in both English and Spanish and interpretation services are available in 58 languages through our provider, CTS Language Link. For our hearing, and speech impaired customers, we utilize Relay New Mexico, a free 24-hour service that ensures equal communication access via the telephone to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled.

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 973,553 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.

 

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