A New Voice for Kentuckians 50+

Fighting for Your Health in the Capitol

Kentuckians 50+ have a new voice fighting for their health in Frankfort. Christine Jackson is a longtime AARP volunteer in Lexington and has accepted an appointment to represent Kentuckians 50+ on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for Consumer Rights & Client Needs. The TAC is Chaired by Emily Beauregard, Executive Director of Kentucky Voices for Health.

The Consumer TAC is especially focused on ways Kentucky can increase access, expand services, improve quality of care, develop more patient-centered and improved customer service for Medicaid members.

Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) act as advisors to the Advisory Council for Medical Assistance. Ms. Jackson is family caregiver, former small business owner and longtime volunteer in Lexington. She will bring a needed consumer voice with an emphasis on needs of Kentuckians 50-plus. The TACs are administered by KY’s Cabinet for Health and Family services, each  represents a specific provider type or are individuals representing Medicaid beneficiaries. The TACs are created by Kentucky Revised Statute and members of most TACs are appointed by the professional association represent.

In Kentucky’s 2021 General Assembly, Representative Kim Moser (R-64) agreed to expand the TAC from 5 to 7 members in House Bill 53 to bring more diverse consumer representation around the table to promote transparency and responsive health policy. TACs are the sounding boards for state officials who develop forms, write regulations, determine eligibility, oversee the provision of Medicaid services, process appeals, and more. Through TACs, stakeholders identify opportunities for state government to work smarter, not harder, for its people.

Ms. Jackson joins some 400 AARP volunteers nationwide serving in local and state government advisory roles. She was recommended to the position because of her professional experience and personal commitment to service by Ron Bridges AARP Kentucky State Director and Merrylyn Moran Smith AARP Kentucky Executive Council Member.