Carolyn Ingram

Carolyn Ingram is senior vice president at CHCS. In this role, she leads the organization's efforts to help state agencies maximize opportunities to improve care and coverage presented under health reform. In particular, her work focuses on assisting states in meeting the needs of the expansion population and developing the interface between Medicaid and the health insurance exchanges. She also oversees CHCS' efforts to enhance the leadership capacity of Medicaid directors and other key Medicaid stakeholders to effectively manage and pursue innovations in publicly financed care delivery.
 
Prior to joining CHCS, Ms. Ingram served as the director of New Mexico's Medicaid program from 2003 through 2010.  During her tenure, Ms. Ingram made multiple program improvements that resulted in increased utilization of services and greater quality of care, while at the same time containing program costs and ensuring fiscal accountability for the people of New Mexico.  Among her many achievements, she oversaw the development and implementation of the Coordinated Medicaid Long-Term Services program, which provides long-term care to New Mexicans through a seamless and integrated approach. Ms. Ingram was also instrumental in establishing new options for New Mexico's uninsured. In 2005, she implemented the New Mexico State Coverage Insurance program for uninsured adults who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid coverage.  And in 2007, she directed the implementation of two premium assistance programs for uninsured children and pregnant women who do not qualify for Medicaid but who cannot afford to pay the premiums for commercial coverage.
 
Prior to her appointment to head New Mexico Medicaid, Ms. Ingram served as a senior manager with the Lewin Group, where she worked with states on evaluating and redesigning health care practices, technologies, and regulations. From 1993-2001, she held several management positions within the New Mexico Human Services Department's Medicaid program, including heading the Medicaid Contract Administration Bureau, and managing Salud!, the state's Medicaid managed care program. In addition, Ms. Ingram served as vice chair of the National Association for State Medicaid Directors and was in the inaugural class of Medicaid Leadership Institute, a unique leadership training program for Medicaid directors coordinated by CHCS and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
 
Ms. Ingram has a bachelor's degree from the University of Puget Sound and is currently pursuing a master's degree.