Cara Henley

Managing Principal

Health Management Associates

New York, NY

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Cara Henley is a New York Medicaid policy expert, focusing on reimbursement and regulations impacting delivery systems, behavioral health, long term services and supports, managed care, and value-based payment. She provides clients with guidance on how Medicaid policy changes impact operational decision-making. Offering consultation and leadership, Cara specializes in facilitation, strategic planning, technical assistance, and implementation support for organizations of all sizes.

At HMA, Cara has supported clients with detailed analyses on organizational structures, reimbursement trends, and alternative payment models. She translates these analyses into practical take-aways, providing strategic decision-making, implementation, and ongoing operational support. Cara has also led the development of successful funding applications as well as related financial modeling and program design for a range of organizations, including government agencies, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), hospital and health systems, behavioral health agencies, multi-service provider organizations, trade associations, and community-based organizations.

Working with government leaders around the country, Cara has led large scale implementation projects, especially social care initiatives, behavioral health policy planning, and 1115 demonstration waivers. She has also worked extensively with New York State stakeholders. Before joining HMA, Cara spent nine years at the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), where she served as the senior director of insurance and managed care. She was responsible for leading the organization’s work on state and federal rulemaking, including the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicaid redesign, the Delivery System Reform Incentive Program (DSRIP), Care Management for All, and other waiver initiatives. Previously she served as a legislative staffer in the New York State Senate.

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

Cara lives in the Saratoga, NY area with her family.