Arizona State Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC)

Beneficiary Advisory Councils (BACs) are designed to give Medicaid beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers a voice in shaping Medicaid programs, policies, and services.

Mission and Purpose

The BAC provides feedback to the Director (or designee) of AHCCCS on policy, operations and administrative issues of the Medicaid program, including issues of concern to the community.

Authority

The BAC operates in accordance with 42 CFR § 431.12(Code of Federal Regulations).

Bylaws

The bylaws for the BAC are currently being created and will be reviewed annually, or on an as needed basis.

BAC Bylaws TBD

Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC) Members

  • Aimee Griffith-Johnson
  • Amanda Mae Sampsel
  • Bonnie G Danowski
  • Cindy Mittlestadt
  • Dave J Ruitenberg
  • Dominique Colunga
  • Edward Katz
  • Felicia Racquel Burford
  • Lois Earley
  • Trenae Lonetti

Membership Information and FAQs

We invite you to apply if you are a:

  • Current Medicaid member or
  • Former Medicaid member (within the past 5 years)
  • Family member of a Medicaid member, or
  • Paid or unpaid caregiver of a Medicaid member.

How often does the BAC meet?

The BAC will meet quarterly.

How long is a term?

Members must be willing to serve on the BAC for the term length outlined in their welcome letter. Regular attendance and participation is expected of all members. If more than two meetings in a row are missed, the BAC member may be replaced.

The BAC will meet quarterly.

What is the time commitment?

Approximately 3-4 hours each quarter.

BAC members will be involved in:

  • Providing Feedback: Sharing personal experiences and insights to help identify barriers to care and suggest improvements.
  • Advising on Policy: Offering recommendations on Medicaid policies, services, and program administration.
  • Representing Beneficiaries: Acting as a voice for Medicaid enrollees, caregivers, and families.
  • Participating in Meetings: Attending regular council meetings to discuss key issues and collaborate with state agencies.
  • Reviewing of Annual BAC Report: Providing input on the annual BAC Report.

We Value Transparency, Lived Experience, and Engagement

AHCCCS will work with the BAC members to ensure that our recruitment processes remain fair and accessible.

You’ll always find the following information on the BAC website:

  • A blank BAC Member Nomination form will be available and nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis.
  • A list of current members (if agreed upon by the current BAC membership to be shared publicly)
  • Bylaws
  • Meeting agendas and slide decks
  • Annual BAC reports

How are council members chosen?

  • We aim to include a wide range of voices from across the state, especially people who reflect the communities Medicaid serves. Here's how the process works:
    • AHCCCS will announce open seats: Opportunities to join are shared on the BAC website, through local organizations, and community networks.
    • Individuals will submit an application: We will ask about your background, interests, and Medicaid experience.
    • AHCCCS will review applications carefully: A selection group will look for people from different regions, cultures, life experiences, and Medicaid programs.
    • AHCCCS will invite selected applicants to join: There will be multiple terms offered, and members are expected to attend regular quarterly meetings.

If you would like to serve on the BAC, please fill out the nomination form below. We accept applications on a rolling basis, as seats open up. Please send completed nomination forms to communityengagement@azahcccs.gov.

Nomination Form

Meeting Information

2026 Quarterly Meetings

2025 Quarterly Meetings

Annual Reports

AHCCCS Document Archive

If you are looking to learn more about AHCCCS and see archived summaries, please visit the AHCCCS Document Archive.

Questions?

Contact us at communityengagement@azahcccs.gov.