Breaking News: Oklahoma Health Care Authority Welcomes New State Medicaid Director—What This Means for You

Christina Foss has just stepped into a new role as Oklahoma’s Medicaid director while continuing her duties as Chief of Staff for the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). In her new position, she will guide both state and federal policy. Foss has a solid background, having worked in the Oklahoma Department of Labor and the U.S. House of Representatives, among other roles.

In her own words, she stated, "Public service has been the cornerstone of my career," emphasizing her dedication to making a difference for Oklahomans.

Foss takes over from Traylor Rains, who held the position for nearly three years before moving to a new role with Deloitte at the end of January. Rains led the OHCA during some significant changes, including the transition back to Medicaid eligibility checks after the pandemic pause, alongside Oklahoma’s shift to managed care, known as SoonerSelect.

Recent reports indicate that this transition to managed care could enhance efficiency and improve care coordination for many enrollees. According to a survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 73% of states plan to continue integrating managed care within their Medicaid programs.

As Foss begins her tenure, she will need to focus on these changes and their impact on the community while managing ongoing challenges in the healthcare landscape. The OHCA board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, which may provide further details on strategic directions.

Keeping an eye on these developments will be critical for understanding how Medicaid services evolve in Oklahoma. For more insights on this topic, you can refer to the OHCA’s official announcements here.

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