Frequently Asked Questions
The application deadline for the 2011 class of Medicaid Leadership Institute Fellows was February 19, 2010. The frequently asked questions below apply to the 2011 class and are posted for informational purposes only. Updated frequently asked questions will be posted with the release of the 2012 Request for Proposals (date to be determined).
- What is unique about the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
- What are the core elements of the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
- How can I learn more about the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
- Can I discuss the program with current Fellows?
- How long is the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
- Who is eligible to apply for the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
- I am unable to commit to the Medicaid Leadership Institute, can an experienced senior staff member apply in my place?
- Is the Medicaid Leadership Institute designed as training for new Medicaid directors?
- How is the Medicaid Leadership Institute related to the NAMD boot camp?
- Can experienced directors apply?
- How do I apply to the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
- When are the applications due?
- What additional information will I need to submit with my application?
- Are paper applications or letters of reference/support accepted?
- How will participants be selected?
- Who serves on the national advisory committee?
- Will applicants be interviewed?
- How many participants will be selected?
- Do the participants receive any financial resources?
- What are some examples of possible strategic issues for the practicum?
- Do you have preference as to who provides the letters of reference?
- Do I have to pay for my own travel expenses to participate?
- What is expected of participants?
- What will the meetings cover?
- What types of leadership topics are covered?
- What if I know I cannot attend one of the meetings?
- What if my state has a freeze on travel?
- What if my Governor is up for re-election?
- Who do I contact for technical questions about how to use the Medicaid Leadership Institute online application system?
- How can I check the status of my application?
- Can I apply for this program if my state already receives a grant from RWJF?
- If I am not selected to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute, will I be eligible in future years and still be eligible for other RWJF grants?
- Will I receive specific comments on my application after a decision is made?
1. What is unique about the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
The Medicaid Leadership Institute is the nation's first intensive leadership development program specifically created for Medicaid directors. The program is designed to enhance the substantive knowledge, technical skills, strategic thinking, problem solving, and individualized leadership skills necessary for directors to effectively manage and improve the quality of their state Medicaid programs and lead national health reform efforts on high quality, cost effective care.
2. What are the core elements of the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
The program includes: three curriculum tracks focused on: 1) big picture policy issues; 2) use of data and analytics in program improvement: and 3) leadership development. The curriculum is delivered through in-person meetings, state site-visits, technical assistance related to the practicum, and individualized leadership coaching. See the curriculum overview for more information.
3. How can I learn more about the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
An informational conference call for prospective applicants will be held on Wednesday, April 13 at 2 pm EDT. Advance registration for the call is required. Register here. Specific questions regarding the program should be directed to the Center for Health Care Strategies via the contact form or email at info@medicaidleaders.org.
4. Can I discuss the program with current Fellows?
Yes. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss the program and application with the current Fellows.
5. How long is the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
The Medicaid Leadership Institute is a 12-month program. Selected Fellows will be notified in July 2011 and the program year will run August 2011 through July 2012.
6. Who is eligible to apply for the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
The program is designed for Medicaid directors. Individuals/states with special circumstances should contact CHCS to discuss specific questions regarding their state's organizational structure.
7. If I am unable to commit to the Medicaid Leadership Institute can an experienced senior staff member apply in my place?
No. The program is designed for Medicaid directors only.
8. Is the Medicaid Leadership Institute designed as training for new Medicaid directors?
No. The Medicaid Leadership Institute is not a training program for individuals with minimal Medicaid experience, but rather a leadership development curriculum for directors with existing program knowledge. Tenure and previous experience of applicants will be considered on an individual basis, and directors with all levels of tenure are encouraged to apply.
9. How is the Medicaid Leadership Institute related to the NAMD boot camp?
The Medicaid Leadership Institute is an intensive year-long leadership development program for experienced directors. The boot camp is intended more for new directors and senior staff. The boot camp covers general Medicaid program topics at a basic level, while the Medicaid Leadership Institute focuses on transformation and leadership.
10. Can experienced directors apply?
Yes. Experienced directors interested in participating in an intensive leadership development program and demonstrating a vision for Medicaid improvement are encouraged to apply. Tenure and previous experience of applicants as it relates to the personal and collective benefit derived from participation in the program will be considered on an individual basis.
11. How do I apply to the Medicaid Leadership Institute?
Applicants must complete and submit the application using the Medicaid Leadership Institute. Eligible Medicaid directors will receive an email invitation with instructions and a link to the RWJF online application system. If you are a current Medicaid director and did not receive an email invitation, please email info@medicaidleaders.org to request an email invitation.
12. When are the applications due?
Applicants are due by 3 pm EDT on Friday, May 6, 2011.
13. What additional information will I need to submit with my application?
The online application requires: a resume or curriculum vitae; two general letters of reference; a letter of support from the Governor; a personal statement; and, a brief description of two potential strategic issues for a practicum. Full descriptions and templates for these materials are included in the online application.
14. Are paper applications or letters of reference/support accepted?
The Medicaid Leadership Institute does not accept paper applications or letters of reference/support. All applications and support materials (e.g., resume, Governor's letter, etc.) must be submitted via the online application process.
15. How will participants be selected?
Applications will be reviewed based on the eligibility and selection criteria listed in the request for applications. A national advisory committee will make selection recommendations to the Center for Health Care Strategies.
16. Who serves on the national advisory committee?
The national advisory committee includes a diverse array of health policy experts with experience in local, state, and federal government and the private sector.
17. Will applicants be interviewed?
Although interviews are not a requirement of the application process, the national advisory committee reserves the right to conduct interviews. If interviews are requested CHCS will contact applicants in early July, 2011 to set up an interview.
18. How many participants will be selected?
Up to eight Medicaid directors will be selected as Fellows for the 2012 Medicaid Leadership Institute class.
19. Do the participants receive any financial resources?
Participants will not receive a monetary award associated with the Medicaid Leadership Institute but will have access to technical assistance resources/consultants (funded by CHCS) for work associated with the practicum or for additional personal development related to the Medicaid Leadership Institute curriculum. All travel expenses will be covered by CHCS with RWJF funding.
20. What are some examples of possible strategic issues for the practicum?
The practicum is intented to be a strategic issue of importance to Medicaid. The practicum integrates elements of each of the three core curriculum tracks: (1) economics and policy; (2) technical and operational; and (3) leadership. Applicants are asked to suggest two potential strategic ideas for the practicum. CHCS will work with selected Fellows and program faculty to refine and develop the idea. Specific practicum examples from previous classes include: delivery system redesign; value-based purchasing; health homes; and integrating care for dual eligibles. General programmatic projects (e.g., MMIS redesign, rate-setting, procurement) are not appropriate strategic issues for the practicum.
21. Do you have preference as to who provides the letters of reference?
At least one letter of reference should be from a professional contact who has has worked directly with the applicant. Both reference letters should address how the applicant fulfills the selection criteria listed in the request for applications.
22. Do I have to pay for my own travel expenses to participate?
No. All travel expenses (e.g., airfare, accommodations, meals) will be covered by CHCS with RWJF funding.
23. What is expected of Fellows?
Selected Fellows will be expected to attend up to four off-site meetings and complete associated pre-work, host at least one site-visit, engage a state team in the development and implementation of a practicum, complete individualized leadership training, and participate in group and individual conference calls. Medicaid directors unable to commit to these expectations are encouraged to apply in future years.
24. What will the meetings cover?
All meetings include elements from each curriculum track. The actual content of these meetings is dynamic and will be adjusted based on the needs of Fellows with respect to their practicums and the salient Medicaid issues at the time of the meeting.
25. What types of leadership topics are covered?
The leadership curriculum is individually focused and varies based on Fellows’ interests and needs. To assess areas for concentration Fellows complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Survey and a 360 degree analysis. Fellows then work with an individually assigned leadership coach on a plan for addressing opportunities identified through the assessment. The coaching and assessments are also used to mold in-person meeting sessions that best address the needs of all Fellows.
26. What if I know I cannot attend one of the meetings?
Attendance at all meetings is critical to the successful completion of the Medicaid Leadership Institute. Applicants should be certain they will be able to attend all the meetings; prospective applicants unable to do so are encouraged to apply in future years.
27. What if my state has a freeze on travel?
Applicants subject to travel restrictions must obtain a statement from their direct supervisor or Governor regarding their ability to attend all in-person meetings. Specific instructions for obtaining this statement as part of the letters of reference are included in the online application.
28. What if my Governor is up for re-election?
The online application asks applicants to indicate any factors that may affect full participation in the Medicaid Leadership Institute (e.g., gubernatorial election resulting in potential agency changes). The national advisory committee and CHCS will consider all of these factors on an individual basis during the review process.
29. Who do I contact for technical questions about how to use the Medicaid Leadership Institute online application system?
Please submit your questions via email to info@medicaidleaders.org.
30. How can I check the status of my application?
You will receive an automatic e-mail confirming that you have submitted your online application successfully. All applications will go through the same review process. If you have a specific question about your application or need to make changes after submitting but before the deadline, please send an e-mail to info@medicaidleaders.org. Please be sure to include your name, state and contact information in your communication.
31. Can I apply for this program if my state already receives a grant from RWJF?
Yes, Medicaid directors from states with existing RWJF grants are eligible to apply.
32. If I am not selected to participate in the Medicaid Leadership Institute, will I be eligible in future years and still be eligible for other RWJF grants?
Yes. Applicants not previously selected are encouraged to re-apply in future years and may apply for other RWJF grants.
33. Will I receive specific comments on my application after a decision is made?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications not selected.
