Through the National Academy of Social Insurance, I interned with the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC). At MACPAC, I worked on a Timely Access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services project. I also updated MACPAC’s compendium of integrated care programs for dually eligible Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. I worked to improve enrollees’ economic security by identifying and addressing barriers that delay access to essential services, ultimately improving the quality of life and financial stability of those in need. Integrated care programs, which coordinate various types of care, further enhance economic security by ensuring that individuals receive comprehensive and continuous care, reducing hospital readmissions, and improving overall quality of life.
Internship Spotlight: Johntrell Bowles, MPH ’25 (Social and Behavioral Sciences/Global Health)
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What organization did you intern with? What was your role?
Where was your internship located?
Washington D.C.
What is your career goal?
I’d like to be a health policy director.
What was your internship funding source?
The National Academy of Social Insurance.
What were your duties/responsibilities during your internship?
While working on the Timely Access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Project, I was involved in identifying and addressing barriers that delay access to these essential services, which aimed to improve the quality of life and financial stability of individuals in need. In updating MACPAC's compendium of integrated care programs, I incorporated key findings from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) publications into the compendium, focusing on programs for dually eligible individuals (Medicaid and Medicare) to enhance the coordination of care and reduce hospital readmissions. I supported state selection and interviews. I assisted in selecting states for interviews, drafted interview guides, transcribed, and conducted interviews to explore policy barriers to timely Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). I also attended congressional hearings; participated in panels on health, wealth, and retirement; and was involved in discussions with various stakeholders in the social insurance, disability, and retirement spaces.
What did you take away from your experience as an intern? What was the value of the internship to you?
It taught me the profound impact that policy work can have on individuals' lives, especially in the areas of Medicaid, Medicare, and disability services. I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in crafting and implementing policies that ensure timely access to essential services, which reinforced the importance of thoughtful, data-driven decision-making in social insurance.
The value of the internship lies not only in the technical skills and knowledge I acquired, but also in the relationships I built and the broader perspective I gained on the intersection of health policy, economic security, and social justice. Engaging with policymakers, attending congressional hearings, and contributing to meaningful projects at MACPAC allowed me to see firsthand how policy can drive positive change. This experience has solidified my commitment to a career in public service, where I can continue to work on issues that promote economic stability and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your internship? What was the most challenging aspect? The most surprising aspect?
The most rewarding aspect of my internship was knowing that my work directly contributed to improving economic security and quality of life for individuals who rely on Medicaid and Medicare. By identifying and addressing barriers to timely access to home- and community-based services and updating MACPAC's compendium of integrated care programs, I helped enhance access to essential services. The knowledge that my efforts could help reduce hospital readmissions and improve the coordination of care for dually eligible individuals was incredibly fulfilling.
The most challenging aspect of the internship was navigating the complexity of Medicaid and Medicare policies, especially when analyzing the various barriers states face in providing timely access to services. This required a deep understanding of both state-level and federal policies, and it was often difficult to balance the intricacies of these systems while also maintaining a focus on the broader goals of improving access and care quality.
The most surprising aspect was the breadth of opportunities I had beyond my core project work. Attending congressional hearings, speaking on panels about health, wealth, and retirement, and being invited to the White House were experiences I didn't anticipate. These opportunities allowed me to engage with a diverse group of professionals and policymakers, broadening my understanding of the social insurance landscape and the various factors influencing policy decisions.
What would you say to a student who’s considering a similar internship?
Embrace the complexity. Be prepared for the intricate nature of policy work. Understanding the nuances of Medicaid, Medicare, and disability services requires dedication, but it's also deeply rewarding.
Engage with the network. Leverage the opportunity to connect with professionals, attend events, and participate in discussions. Building relationships with stakeholders and policymakers can provide invaluable insights and open doors for future opportunities.
Stay curious. Keep an open mind and be willing to learn. Policy work often involves unexpected challenges and surprises, and a curious mindset will help you navigate and adapt to new situations.
Reflect on the Impact. Remember that your work, no matter how behind-the-scenes, contributes to broader goals of improving access and care for individuals. Understanding the significance of your contributions can be motivating and fulfilling.