Expert Roundtable: Expanding Care Access by Enhancing the Provider Experience
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Provider burden isn’t just an administrative challenge—it’s a direct threat to access to care. As provider frustration grows and networks tighten, states face rising pressure to respond quickly while navigating new federal requirements, budget constraints, and increasing political scrutiny.
In this exclusive, virtual roundtable conversation, state leaders, provider executives, and policy experts share practical, realistic actions states can take right now to reduce administrative friction, improve provider experience, and protect access to care—all without waiting years for a full system replacement.
This discussion is designed for Medicaid leaders who need credible insight and actionable approaches they can bring into conversations with governors’ offices, CMS, and provider communities.
What You’ll Learn
- The top drivers of provider dissatisfaction—and how they impact network participation
- How administrative friction affects access to care and member outcomes
- High-impact, low-disruption improvements states can implement immediately
- Pitfalls that stall progress and how states can avoid them
- How leaders balance urgent provider relief with long-term modernization strategy
Panelists
Cindy Beane
Medicaid Director, West Virginia
Cindy Beane, MSW, LCSW, has served as the Commissioner for the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services since 2014. She has over 20 years’ experience working with health care in both the public and private sectors to improve the quality of life for West Virginians.
Lisa Zappia
CEO, Prestera Health Services
Lisa Q. Zappia became the president and chief executive officer of Prestera Health Services in 2021 after serving as clinical director. Over the course of her career, she has provided therapy across diverse settings and has held leadership roles since 1991. She is dedicated to advancing behavioral health and strengthening community integrated health systems.
Mason Mabry
Product Lead, Gainwell Provider Solutions
As a Senior Vice President and General Manager, Mason manages Gainwell’s provider solution offerings across 28 U.S. states and territories. Mason has helped state Medicaid agencies reduce program costs, improve provider experience, and enhance patient engagement and outcomes.
Moderator
Gary Jessee
Senior Vice President, Sellers Dorsey, Former Texas Medicaid Director
Now a Senior Vice President at Sellers Dorsey, Gary is the recent former Deputy Executive Commissioner for Medical and Social Services in Texas, the largest division in the Health and Human Services System. Prior to this, Gary served as the State Medicaid Director.
The Stakes for Medicaid Leaders
Provider burden is contributing to shrinking Medicaid networks—deepening access issues and driving up costs for states. With new mandates approaching and national attention on network adequacy and “ghost networks,” states need practical solutions that deliver relief now, while paving the way for sustainable modernization.
This conversation equips leaders with actionable insights they can apply immediately to stabilize networks, reduce friction, and improve provider experience.