Nia Ballard has been a crucial part of HealthCare Access Maryland’s (HCAM) team since February 2012. Nia began her career at HCAM in the Eligibility department working as a hotline coordinator. She then transitioned to the Connector program at its inception in 2013. She became one of the program’s first Certified Navigators and served the Connector Call Center, where she was consistently learning the policies and systems of the newly established health insurance enrollment program.
HCAM’s Connector team provides enrollment assistance and outreach services on behalf of the Maryland Health Connection in six of Maryland’s jurisdictions. Our team consists of state-certified navigators, a consumer assistance worker trained to help clients navigate the Maryland Health Connection application process. The team additionally includes outreach specialists who are responsible for raising awareness about the Maryland Health Connection and serving as a resource in communities with historically high rates of uninsured residents.
Nia currently serves as the Connector program’s Enrollment Supervisor where she leads a team of Navigators and Outreach Specialists. In her current position, she has taken on a leadership role overseeing the enrollment process for clients. She works collaboratively with her team to ensure seamless enrollment into healthcare programs, while also implementing efficient processes and maintaining compliance with regulatory standards. Her role requires strategic planning, team management, and a deep understanding of healthcare enrollment systems.
“One of the most unique aspects of working at HCAM is the sense of purpose and the tangible impact employees make in the lives of individuals and families. Helping people access healthcare and improve their overall well-being is inherently rewarding and fulfilling,” Nia shared.
Nia’s grit and tenacity is evident and is a testament to where she is today in her professional career at HCAM. Since becoming a part of the Connector leadership team in 2013, she has worked in several roles, including as the Baltimore County Navigator Team Lead, an Outreach Supervisor, and currently as an Enrollment Supervisor. Nia is proof that hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude can put you in a position to grow and flourish. Nia’s progression to a supervisory role has equipped her with strong leadership and team management abilities, facilitating the success of her colleagues. Her experience as an Outreach Supervisor has deepened her community engagement skills, fostering meaningful relationships within the community. Her current role as an Enrollment Supervisor demands a thorough understanding of healthcare policies and procedures to get underserved populations connected to healthcare.
Nia shared the following about what makes HCAM stand out from other employers, “At HCAM, I’ve experienced something unique in my career journey – a strong emphasis on family. As a single mother, the path hasn’t always been easy. However, here at HCAM, I was not only given the opportunity to showcase my skills and enthusiasm for making meaningful contributions but also recognized and appreciated for those contributions. What’s truly remarkable is that I didn’t have to compromise my role as a mother.”
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