Leah Montgomery

Senior Consultant

St. Paul, MN

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Leah Montgomery is an expert in Medicaid and other federal needs-based programs such as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Within Medicaid, she has focused on eligibility and enrollment, Medicaid managed care, integrated care, behavioral health, and value-based purchasing strategies.  

In her most recent role as a Medicaid policy consultant with Aurrera Health Group, Leah worked on several projects involving Medicaid-funded school-based health services and home-visiting programs focused on maternal child health. In addition, Leah worked with clients on projects advancing alternative based payment models and integrated care models.  

Leah took a position as a senior policy analyst with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (MNDHS), the state’s Medicaid agency, to work on implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Over her years with MNDHS, Leah worked in several different divisions within the department in increasingly senior roles. She supported the development and implementation of Minnesota’s hospital presumptive eligibility program, health home for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness or severe emotional disturbance, certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHC), and Minnesota’s 1115 substance use disorder waiver. She also played a key role in Minnesota’s enterprise-wide effort to redesign targeted case management services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, vulnerable adults, child welfare, adults and children with serious mental illness, and home and community-based waiver services.  

Prior to joining MNDHS, Leah worked as a public benefits attorney for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS). She represented clients in public benefit fair hearings, state district and appellate court, and federal district court. Through this work, Leah developed a deep understanding of the barriers and challenges individuals and families living in poverty face when attempting to access public benefits including Medicaid.  

Throughout her career, Leah has been a champion for health equity and efforts to address structural inequities that impact the health and well-being of individuals and families who depend on Medicaid.  

Leah earned a juris doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.  

When not working, she enjoys long walks in the city or in the woods, gardening, embroidery, watching movies, and attempting to learn to play the mandolin.