Medicaid and Children’s Behavioral Health System Updates - 1:00 - 2:00 pm at the TWC

Medicaid and Children’s Behavioral Health System

TWC BREAKOUT SESSION
1:00 - 2:00 pm
ROOM a-1

Session Description:

This session will provide an update on current Iowa Medicaid initiatives, the waiver redesign project, and improvements to behavioral health supports for children in the coming year. With these initiatives, Iowa Medicaid’s goal is to create systems that provide equity in opportunity and access for individuals regardless of diagnosis; and to support Iowans and their families in clearly
understanding how to access the services they need.

ELIZABETH MATNEY
DIRECTOR, MEDICAID AND ADMINISTRATION

Speaker Bio:

Elizabeth Matney was appointed as Iowa’s Medicaid Director in April 2021. In June 2023 she was appointed to also lead the division of Administration as the Department’s Deputy Director.

As Medicaid Director, Matney oversees Iowa’s $6.4 billion medical assistance program, which serves more than 760,000 Iowans. Prior to returning to Iowa Medicaid, she served as health policy advisor for Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, where she worked closely with HHS programs and services on a broad range of critical issues.

As the Director of Administration, Matney oversees HHS’ budget and accounting functions and information technology services.

“Liz has incredible knowledge in the budget and information technology needs of Medicaid,” said Director Kelly Garcia. “Liz is a natural fit to lead these two divisions of the agency.”

Matney holds a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Drake University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from Texas State University.

Her previous experience includes serving as Medicaid managed care director, Medicaid quality assurance director and her early experience includes direct care as a Medicaid provider and work at a women’s shelter.