5 Practices that Get Results by Centering Member Voice

Centering member voice is about redistributing power in a way that makes systems more effective, responsive, and humane. These five practices reflect emerging national standards for how to engage Medicaid members, community partners, and residents in ways that shape outcomes and long-term improvements.

Compensate Community Input

Equitable compensation recognizes lived experience as expertise. If you wouldn’t ask a consultant to work for free, don’t ask community members to do so. Offer stipends, gift cards, or hourly pay aligned with industry standards (e.g., CHCS recommends $50–75/hour minimum, state regulations can be lower).

Recruit Through Trusted Channels

To ensure diversity and representation, partner with peer-led organizations, community health workers, and grassroots networks. Traditional methods like online forms or clinic flyers often miss those most affected. Authentic recruitment begins with relationships.

Provide Training and Role Clarity

Advisory councils and engagement boards must be set up for success. Provide training on Medicaid systems, meeting structure, and decision-making timelines. Offer role clarity and a point of contact for support. This levels the playing field between members and institutional staff.

Close the Feedback Loop

Always report back. Share how feedback influenced changes, or why certain suggestions couldn’t be implemented. This builds trust and reinforces that engagement is not just performative. Publicly document decisions and credit community input.

Build Decision-Making Power into the Structure

Go beyond ‘input.’ Design processes where community members help make decisions: budgeting, program design, and vendor selection. Co-led models, like those used by Banner University Health Plans and other Medicaid agencies, are strong examples of shared governance.

Let’s build systems that reflect the people they serve. For tailored support, training, or implementation strategies, reach out to Einheit Consulting.

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References

Better Care Playbook. (2024, March). A multi-tiered approach to safety net engagement: Banner University Health Plans. https://www.bettercareplaybook.org/_blog/2024/3/comprehensive-member-and-community-engagement-multi-tiered-approach-safety-net-health

Center for Health Care Strategies. (2023). Engaging community members: A guide to equitable compensation. https://www.chcs.org/resource/engaging-community-members-a-guide-to-equitable-compensation/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Medicaid Advisory Committee & Beneficiary Advisory Council toolkit. Medicaid.gov. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/access-care/downloads/medicaid-advis-coite-benf-advis-councl-toolkit.pdf

Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission. (2024). Chapter 1: Engaging beneficiaries through Medical Care Advisory Committees. https://www.macpac.gov/publication/chapter-1-engaging-beneficiaries-through-medical-care-advisory-committees/

National Academy for State Health Policy. (n.d.). Community engagement: Case study library on health equity and community engagement. https://www.nashp.org/community-engagement/

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