Solange De Lahongrais Named President of Puerto Rico Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Association

Solange De Lahongrais has been appointed as the new president of the Puerto Rico Medicaid and Medicare Advantage Products Association (MMAPA), marking a notable milestone as the first woman to hold this leadership position.

Her presidency begins at a pivotal time for Puerto Rico's healthcare sector, with significant challenges related to federal funding for Medicaid and Medicare Advantage programs. These programs collectively serve over 1.7 million beneficiaries on the island, highlighting the importance of sustained and equitable funding. A primary focus of her tenure will be advocating for federal funding parity to address the funding discrepancies Puerto Rico faces compared to other states. The Medicaid program's current funding authorization is set to expire in September 2027, which presents an urgent issue for stakeholders. De Lahongrais aims to maintain open and effective communication channels with both local and federal governments to navigate these funding concerns.

The MMAPA Board of Directors has laid out a strategic work plan that includes strengthening alliances within Puerto Rico's healthcare system and at the national level, intending to enhance collaboration across sectors.

Under De Lahongrais's leadership, MMAPA is committed to advancing these goals to secure financial stability and improve healthcare outcomes for beneficiaries in Puerto Rico.