From Advocacy to Action: A Conversation with MGMA's 2026 Legislative Liaison of the Year Adam Pople

On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Adam Pople, MGMA's 2026 Legislative Liaison of the Year, to discuss healthcare advocacy, legislative engagement, and the role practice leaders can play in shaping policy.

Pople reflects on his journey into advocacy, shares lessons learned as Missouri's MGMA legislative liaison, and explains why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools healthcare leaders can bring to lawmakers.

Episode Takeaways

• Pople reflects on being named MGMA's 2026 Legislative Liaison of the Year and the mentors who helped launch his advocacy journey.
• Legislative liaisons serve as a bridge between healthcare organizations and government, translating complex policy issues into actionable insights for practice leaders.
• Healthcare professionals should not underestimate the value of their expertise when speaking with legislators, many of whom come from non-healthcare backgrounds.
• Effective advocacy combines three elements: a policy position, supporting data, and a compelling real-world story.
• Missouri MGMA partnered with the Missouri State Medical Association during White Coat Day to engage lawmakers on key healthcare issues.
• Prior authorization reform remains a major advocacy priority, highlighting both the challenges and importance of sustained legislative engagement.
• Staying informed about legislative developments helps practices prepare proactively for regulatory and operational changes rather than reacting after implementation.
• Outside of healthcare leadership, Adam and his wife operate a durable medical equipment business focused on mastectomy and lymphedema care, and he volunteers as an archery coach for elementary and middle school students.

Resources

• Connect with Adam Pople on LinkedIn
• MGMA Leaders Conference 2026, San Antonio
• Missouri MGMA
• Missouri State Medical Association (MSMA)
• National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP)
• MGMA Government Affairs April 2026 Prior Authorization Position Paper
• "Fewer than 1 in 10 practices see faster prior auth turnarounds in 2026" (Sept. 2026 MGMA Stat article)

MGMA Members: Would you like to appear on an episode? Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts!