Beneficiary Advisory Council

The Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) is established in accordance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ensuring access to Medicaid Services Final Rule (CMS-2442-F) and 42 CFR §431.12 to provide a formal mechanism for Medicaid beneficiaries to advise DCH on policy development and matters related to the effective administration of Georgia’s Medicaid program. 

BAC shall serve as a platform for: 

•  Advising on Medicaid services, eligibility, enrollment, renewal, care coordination, quality, access, and member/provider communication
• Elevating lived experiences and promoting member-driven Medicaid reforms
• Identifying systemic barriers and opportunities for equitable and culturally competent care. [42 CFR §431.12(g)] 

BAC recruitment & selection process

Composition 

•  Membership shall include current/former Medicaid beneficiaries, their family members, or caregivers.
• At least 75% of members must be direct Medicaid beneficiaries.
• Membership must reflect Georgia’s Medicaid population by age, race, geography, disability, and program category. [42 CFR §431.12(a), (e)] 

Selection Process 

• Members shall be appointed by the Medicaid executive director following a publicly posted application process on the DCH website. [42 CFR §431.12(c), (f)(2)]
• A review panel including DCH staff and at least one sitting BAC member shall vet candidates.
• The application will be simple and accessible and may be submitted electronically, by mail, or with assistance from DCH staff.