Happenings
Meet May’s Associates of the Month
Division 34 – Systems & Support
Phani Kumar Atluri
Phani Kumar Alturi, Senior Developer, has supported the continued success of the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Competitive Bidding Program Systems through security and modernization work. Most notably, he helped integrate a former bidding system into Connexion, the secure supplier portal, within four months. The change gave suppliers one place to submit bids and upload documents, simplifying the process. Phani also improved application security and accessibility and used automation to make testing more efficient. He takes ownership during critical deadlines and helps the team solve complex issues, strengthening the systems that support the program.
Division 6M – Audit & Reimbursement
Marcia Austin
Lead Auditor Marcia Austin has taken a leading role in revising key resources within the Reopening Department. She guided updates to the Disproportionate Share and Nursing and Allied Health Education review templates, resulting in two process improvement submissions. Alongside this work, Marcia maintained her Level 2 review workload and continued mentoring staff across all three Reopening teams. She also developed and presented training for Audit and Reopenings employees in both review areas. Through these efforts, Marcia has strengthened the department’s review procedures while helping auditors build the knowledge needed to apply them.
Division 10 – Support Operations
Charmane Burks
Charmane Burks, Business Analyst I, played a key role in launching the centralized communication inbox that made it easier for internal teams and state agencies to share updates and retrieve important information. She handles inquiries carefully and communicates clearly, earning positive feedback from those she supports. Charmane also assists teammates and takes on new assignments when needed. Her work has improved the way the department receives and responds to inquiries, helping staff coordinate their work more efficiently.
Division 54 – Finance & Accounting
Shanika Goggans
In May, Shanika Goggans, Accountant II, not only welcomed and guided our summer interns and new accounting technicians through training, but she also completed 270 control reviews involving checks, offsets and financial keying. A 15-year member of the Chief Financial Officer Reporting Team, she uses her experience to improve processes, including her recent proposal to add indicators to the immediate offset index that made tracking specific elements easier. As Division 54’s Community Impact Lead, Shanika helped coordinate a recent Soles4Souls drive that collected more than 80 pairs of shoes for people in need. Whether improving a process or organizing a volunteer effort, Shanika looks for practical ways to support others.
Division 1M – Customer Service
Teresa Greene-James
Teresa Greene-James, Senior Claims Research Analyst, uses 21 years of Medicare experience to resolve complex cases. She works with large Part B providers and clearing houses, often handling inquiries that involve Part A or Home Health and Hospice. Teresa collaborates with other concierge associates to deliver a complete, well-researched response. She also manages escalations from across the organizations and takes calls when the Provider Contact Center needs additional coverage. Teresa’s thorough research gives callers clear answers and helps colleagues work through difficult issues.
Division 93 – Augusta Operations
Yvonne Marshall
Document Control Clerk Yvonne Marshall brings more than 20 years of experience to the department. She processes a high volume of documents and faxes while maintaining exceptional quality, and she readily supports additional workloads when needed. Colleagues across departments turn to her for guidance on document-processing and fax systems. Yvonne also contributed to a process improvement that gives leaders and Information Technology staff better visibility into system concerns. By monitoring aging work and raising concerns early, she keeps daily processing work on track.
Division 4M – Prior Authorization Programs
Erica Mason
Erica Mason, Senior Operations Analyst, manages a steady flow of test case requests for Outpatient Department Support and plays a central role in meeting critical reporting deadlines. She handles each request carefully and efficiently, even when several arrive at once. When questions arise, Erica takes time to explain procedures and point colleagues toward the information they need. The relationships she has built across departments keep testing on track and make it easier for teams to coordinate their work.
Divisions 5/29 – Appeals
Deborah J. Miller
Deborah J. Miller is a Business Analyst III with Appeals. She recently helped resolve a difficult, long-standing case and secure payment that was due to a provider. After careful research and follow-up, the claim was processed, and the provider called to express gratitude for the help. Deborah also brings that same attention to monthly reports, identifying ageing or problematic claims and directing concerns to the appropriate team. Her persistence supports the Provider Contact Center’s timeliness goals and prevents difficult issues from being overlooked.
Division 28 - Jurisdiction M Operations
Jennifer Williamson
When teammates have questions, Jennifer Williamson makes time to provide answers and the guidance they need. Drawing on her experience as a Medical Reviewer II, she shares her Medicare Part B knowledge with patience and clarity, helping colleagues stay informed and confident in their work. She readily takes on different responsibilities and contributes wherever she is needed most. Her positive presence and collaborative approach make her a valued part of both the Data Strategy and Medicare Part B clinical teams.
