
Fellow NEW PATHS members,
Happy Spring! Here in Arizona, the desert is awash with color from wildflowers as we had a very wet winter. I’ve shared many pictures of this year’s super bloom on the NEW PATHS Facebook page. Please follow us there for more news of association events.
Happy Spring! Here in Arizona, the desert is awash with color from wildflowers as we had a very wet winter. I’ve shared many pictures of this year’s super bloom on the NEW PATHS Facebook page. Please follow us there for more news of association events.

Do you know why state Medicaid programs have so much variety in our policies, benefit packages, and health care delivery models? I recently read an excellent overview of Medicaid policy making developed by the National Association of Medicaid Directors (NAMD). You can access the NAMD Issue Brief HERE. I encourage you to learn more about the process your state uses to make these decisions.
How’s everyone doing with the Great Unwinding? In my state, we started unwinding a couple of months ago when we launched our April Medicaid renewals and have worked through just a few bumps so far. I’m quite excited about the projects we have implemented (or will implement) to ensure that all eligible Arizonans maintain their Medicaid eligibility. For example, we have launched a surge call center (to handle calls from customers in their renewal period) and are working with a vendor on a Proactive Communications plan (to ensure customers are kept informed of their application/renewal status). We are also publishing our Eligibility Statistics on our agency website (LINK) to ensure all stakeholders receive the information they want about our progress. What has your state done for unwinding so far that you’re proud of?
How’s everyone doing with the Great Unwinding? In my state, we started unwinding a couple of months ago when we launched our April Medicaid renewals and have worked through just a few bumps so far. I’m quite excited about the projects we have implemented (or will implement) to ensure that all eligible Arizonans maintain their Medicaid eligibility. For example, we have launched a surge call center (to handle calls from customers in their renewal period) and are working with a vendor on a Proactive Communications plan (to ensure customers are kept informed of their application/renewal status). We are also publishing our Eligibility Statistics on our agency website (LINK) to ensure all stakeholders receive the information they want about our progress. What has your state done for unwinding so far that you’re proud of?

Have you ever wondered about the secret to having a long and happy life? I recently learned about Ikigai. According to the Japanese, everyone has an Ikigai - a reason for living - and finding it is the key to a happier life. Having a strong sense of Ikigai - where what you love, what you’re good at, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs all overlap - means that each day is infused with meaning. For me, the eligibility profession fits this definition perfectly (even though the ‘getting paid for’ part could be better!). Find out more about YOUR Ikigai profile online.
I hope you have registered for the National Training Conference already, but there is still time if you haven’t. The National Board of Directors are putting the finishing touches on our interesting and informative program and our planned fun evening events. Once again, our opening night reception will include Casino games with chances to win fabulous prizes! Be sure to register for the optional Night Out with NEW PATHS quickly as space is limited! Lastly, make any needed room reservations soon as our room block at the host hotel (Embassy Suites) is filling up quickly.
I’m looking forward to seeing y’all again soon at the conference. The Arizona NEW PATHS Chapter is excited to welcome you to our home state!
Thanks for all you do,
Marshall Wilmot
President, National Board of Directors
I hope you have registered for the National Training Conference already, but there is still time if you haven’t. The National Board of Directors are putting the finishing touches on our interesting and informative program and our planned fun evening events. Once again, our opening night reception will include Casino games with chances to win fabulous prizes! Be sure to register for the optional Night Out with NEW PATHS quickly as space is limited! Lastly, make any needed room reservations soon as our room block at the host hotel (Embassy Suites) is filling up quickly.
I’m looking forward to seeing y’all again soon at the conference. The Arizona NEW PATHS Chapter is excited to welcome you to our home state!
Thanks for all you do,
Marshall Wilmot
President, National Board of Directors