Tonya Ann Moore
Tonya Moore is an Associate Principal at Health Management Associates (HMA) with more than 30 years of experience in Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) policy and administration. She is a recognized expert in Medicaid Section 1115 Demonstrations and has guided numerous states through complex policy, program design, and regulatory processes.
Before joining HMA, Tonya spent nearly three decades at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she most recently served as Senior Policy Advisor for Section 1115 Demonstrations. In that role, she provided strategic direction and oversight for innovative state-led initiatives that advanced Medicaid program goals nationwide.
Tonya earned her law degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Law, and holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and African American Studies from the University of Miami. Her combined legal training and practical policy experience give her a unique perspective on how healthcare programs intersect with both regulatory requirements and social impact.
Throughout her career, Tonya has been recognized for her ability to translate complex federal regulations into actionable, real-world strategies for policymakers and stakeholders. She frequently presents at national conferences—including HMA’s Annual National Conference and the State of Reform Health Policy Conferences—where she shares insights on leveraging Medicaid coverage authorities to meet state priorities in a changing healthcare landscape.
Beyond her professional work, Tonya is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and community service. She actively supports the next generation of healthcare professionals and promotes initiatives that improve access and outcomes for underserved populations. Tonya also serves on the Board of Directors for Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing, a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed care for at-risk youth in the greater Baltimore area. In this role, she advocates for greater awareness and philanthropic support to help children heal, rebuild confidence, and envision brighter futures.
• University of Maryland, Baltimore - School of Law
• Tonya serves on the Board of Directors for Nexus-Woodbourne Family Healing, a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed care for at-risk youth in the greater Baltimore area. In this role, she advocates for greater awareness and philanthropic support to help children heal, rebuild confidence, and envision brighter futures.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my early exposure to reading and the diverse experiences I gained through community resources such as libraries, museums, and local social programs. These experiences sparked a lifelong love of learning and exploration. By setting clear goals—like attending college and maintaining a strong academic record—I was able to turn that curiosity about the world into concrete achievements.
During a high school internship with the federal government, I was introduced to the Medicaid program and became captivated by its mission. I saw an opportunity to use my creative, “out-of-the-box” thinking to make a real difference—helping people in need, many of whom share my background, gain access to essential healthcare services.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best “early life” advice I received came from my high school social studies teacher, who told me I was too intelligent to let others define my future—that I had so much to offer, and it was up to me to decide what that would mean. Later, as a young intern, a former manager gave me the best career advice: don’t be a follower, and don’t be afraid to stand out through hard work and by leading with your differences.
Both pieces of advice have stayed with me and shaped who I am today. I’ve learned to lead with what feels right to my spirit, and that guiding principle has been at the heart of my growth and achievements throughout my life.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to recognize the value of who they are and the unique contributions they bring—especially in fields like Medicaid and public service, where their work can make a real and lasting difference. Trust your intuition and have the confidence to speak up, even when you’re the only one doing so; meaningful change often starts with a single brave voice.
Building self-assurance and staying true to your principles will carry you far in your career. One of my favorite quotes comes from former Civil Rights leader and Congressman John Lewis: “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” I encourage young women not to shy away from that kind of “good trouble,” because it’s through courage and conviction that we truly help move the world forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating the uncertainty created by major shifts in federal healthcare policy and the continued downsizing of government—particularly as they relate to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. These changes have the potential to increase healthcare costs and disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. For those of us working in this space, it’s more important than ever to stay informed, adaptable, and focused on protecting access to care for those who need it most.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity, honesty, transparency, dedication, and consistency in action. I strive to bring genuine value to every situation—and to have the courage to walk away when I can’t. I’ve learned to rely on what feels right, rather than on what others think I should do, and that approach has guided me to make choices that align with both my purpose and my principles.