The Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) is a dedicated group of individuals with lived experience who help shape access to quality healthcare, policies, and MaineCare services across the state.
We believe that the best solutions come from those directly impacted by Medicaid - whether as recipients, family members, or caregivers.
What We Do
- Advocate – We share real experiences to help make healthcare work better for everyone.
- Work with Leaders – We team up with healthcare providers and policymakers to improve MaineCare services
- Connect People – We bring together MaineCare recipients and healthcare professionals to share ideas and solutions.
- Support Each Other – We help people find resources, education, and support.
Who Can Join?
When choosing members, preference will go to individuals who do not already participate in another MaineCare advisory group, have not worked in government, and do not represent an advocacy group – either paid or unpaid.
- Current MaineCare Members: A person who is enrolled in Maine’s Medicaid program and is receiving MaineCare benefits.
- Former MaineCare Members: A person who’s received MaineCare services within the last 5 years.
- Family Members of a MaineCare Member – This could be a parent, legal guardian, a grandparent, or other direct family member (aged 18+).
- Caregivers of a MaineCare Member: Paid or unpaid caregiver, such as a home health aide.
Why Join the BAC?
Make a Difference
Help improve MaineCare and healthcare services.
Share Your Story
Your voice can help make real changes.
Meet Others
Connect with people who care about improving the MaineCare Program.
How do we Recruit BAC members?
The success of the BAC relies on meaningful inclusion and active participation of individuals who bring diverse lived experiences and perspectives.
We use a Recruitment Strategy with an inclusive approach. This helps us identify, engage, and onboard MaineCare members who reflect the values, needs, and aspirations of the communities we serve. Our approach prioritizes equity, accessibility, and collaboration. The recruitment strategy was created to ensure that the council is representative in providing insights that inform and shape the Office of MaineCare Services' decision-making.
Who are the BAC Members
Here is a summary of the demographics of our BAC Members:
- 15 inaugural members
- 80% are current MaineCare members
- 20% are former members
- 67% are caregivers
- Age range: 22-65 years old
- Representing 9 different service types
- Diverse in race, gender, and geography
Who Facilitates the BAC Meetings?
The State chooses to use an independent facilitator for the BAC to help ensure that BAC members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. A neutral third party supports open and honest participation.
Valerie Jackson is supporting MaineCare and the BAC in this role. Valerie is a skilled leader, dynamic facilitator, and expert trainer with a unique ability to inspire, educate, and empower others. She has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare and manufacturing industries, with expertise in term-based care, quality coaching and management, and group training and facilitation. Valerie also has extensive skills in business management and conflict resolution.
What are the BAC Bylaws?
Bylaws explain the group's mission, responsibilities, and how decisions are made. They outline rules for how members join, participate, vote, and hold roles (like chair or secretary). Bylaws help hold the group and its members accountable for how they operate and follow through on commitments. In uncertain or challenging situations, bylaws provide a clear path for making fair and consistent decisions. Here are the BAC Bylaws approved by BAC members.
Get Involved!
Your experiences matter.
Applications to join the Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) are closed for now, but you can still share your ideas by filling out this quick survey.
You can also get involved by joining our MaineCare Advisory Committee – a group that works closely with us to help guide our programs and services. MAC meetings are open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend and share ideas. Please note that guests are not paid to attend. Click here to learn more!
Together, we can make MaineCare better for all members.
BAC Meeting Materials
June 2025 Meeting Agenda, Notes