Cara Henley

Principal

Health Management Associates

New York, NY

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A policy expert in insurance, managed care and value-based purchasing, Cara Henley provides leadership and guidance on the impact of state and federal statutory and regulatory activity on operational decision making. She offers clients detailed knowledge of Medicaid reform, the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program, Medicare payment requirements, and requirements for Medicaid managed care organizations.

In over 8 years with the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), Cara evaluated the rules impacting contractual entities and providers, including accountable care organizations, independent practice associations, health plans, hospitals and physicians. She led the analysis on the Medicaid Managed Care final rule and directed the implementation and roll-out of the Medicaid Redesign Team’s Care Management for All initiative – including the transition of behavioral health and long-term care populations from Medicaid fee-for-service to managed care programs. Cara provided hospitals and health systems with operational and financial support, including strategic team building on denials management, revenue cycle management, contracting, regulatory compliance, and other best practices related to relationships with managed care entities.

Cara significantly contributed to strategic activities, including education, analysis and interpretation of value-based purchasing requirements tied to New York’s Medicaid reform. She has fostered strong relationships with key stakeholders including representatives from government agencies, health plans and healthcare institutions throughout New York State.

A frequent speaker on topics related to reimbursement, managed care, health reform and policy changes, Cara has experience facilitating education sessions in diverse healthcare settings for both small and large teams, including clinical teams and hospital boards.

Prior to joining HANYS, Cara worked for the New York State Senate and provided regulatory support to law practices. She is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

Cara received her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University at Albany. She earned a certificate in healthcare leadership and advancement from Cornell University and is certified in Lean and Continuous Improvement.

Cara lives in the Saratoga area with her husband and daughter and enjoys cooking with ingredients found at the local farmer’s market.