New Mexico's Medicaid Leadership Shake-Up: What's Next?

Interim Director Appointed Following Sudden Resignation

New Mexico's Medicaid and Behavioral Health Services divisions have experienced another leadership shift. Alanna Dancis, the state's chief medical officer, is now serving as the interim director after Dana Flannery's sudden resignation. This marks the second leadership change in less than two years, raising concerns about the stability of the role.

Flannery's Tenure and Resignation

Flannery's tenure was relatively brief, lasting just over a year and a half. She joined New Mexico from Arizona, where she played a significant role in managing the state's COVID-19 response. Her resignation, attributed to personal and family responsibilities, underscores a prevalent issue in Medicaid administration: high turnover rates. Nationally, Medicaid directors often stay in their positions for little over a year due to the program's complexity and frequent federal policy changes.

Salary and Position Details

Before her appointment as director, Flannery worked on a contract basis, earning a total of $187,737. As director, her salary saw two increases, reaching approximately $224,952 annually. The position is now advertised with a salary range of $150,000 to $175,000, reflecting the challenges and responsibilities of the role.

Dancis's Background and Future Plans

Dancis, a former nurse at the University of New Mexico Hospital, has applied for the permanent position. She brings a unique perspective as the first nurse practitioner in the country to hold a chief medical officer position. Her focus is on maintaining health care coverage for New Mexicans and preparing for upcoming federal changes under H.R. 1.

Challenges Ahead

The frequent changes in leadership can make it difficult to implement long-term strategies. However, Dancis seems determined to finish the work started by previous directors and ensure a smooth transition. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of Medicaid in New Mexico.