ADA National Network Learning Session: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Efforts to Increase Health Care Access and Quality of Care for People with Disabilities

During the year of the 30th anniversary of the ADA, it is a time to reflect on the state of various rights and access for people with disabilities. Work on improving health care access and quality is particularly important because although great strides have been made, there is much progress to be made. This webinar features speakers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) who will identify the efforts being made in CMS' Office of Minority Health and Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office to provide information and resources to medical organizations, providers and consumers to increase health care access and quality of care for people with disabilities.

Learning objectives:

• Explain the role of the Office of Minority Health and Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office within CMS and their work in health equity for people with disabilities.
• Identify several resources for health care organizations, providers and consumers that provide information on health care access and quality for people with disabilities.
• Explain the Disability Competent Care Model and how health care organizations and providers can use it to improve health care quality for people with disabilities.

Presenters:

Karen Gentile is a Public Health Analyst in CMS Office of Minority Health. She is a licensed clinical social worker and attorney with over 25 years of professional experience. Prior to CMS, she worked as a Public Health Advisor at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the Center for Mental Health Services. Prior to SAMHSA, she worked for 10 years as the Director of Education and Clinical Services in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the U.S. Naval Academy. She has also held direct care, advocacy and legal positions in the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh, the Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services, the Thomas O'Farrell Youth Center, the Anne Arundel County Sexual Assault Crisis Center, the Homeless Persons Representation Project, and the Juvenile Division of the Baltimore City Public Defender's Office.

Sonya Karpiak Bowen is a public health professional with 25 years of experience working in Medicare and Medicaid quality improvement, performance measurement, and program policy and operations at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Within CMS's Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office, Bowen currently manages state demonstrations in Ohio and Illinois under the Financial Alignment Initiative to improve integration and quality of care, reduce cost, and coordinate benefits between Medicare and Medicaid for people who are dually enrolled in both programs. She also co-leads program planning and administration of the Resources for Integrated Care, which provides technical assistance, education and practical tools to health care providers, managed care plans and organizations working to integrate care for dually enrolled beneficiaries.