Gary Jessee, a 20-year veteran of state service, will be Texas’ new state Medicaid director, Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor announced Oct. 30.
Jessee, who has served three years as the Medicaid/CHIP Division’s chief deputy director for program operations, replaces Kay Ghahremani who is retiring after 20 years with the state. Jessee served as assistant commissioner for the Access and Intake Division at the Department of Aging and Disability Services before coming to HHSC. In his current job he oversees acute, dental and long-term services and supports delivered across the state through managed care and dental maintenance organizations. These programs provide services and support for nearly four million people across the state.
“Gary will hit the ground running with his experience and expertise,” Traylor said. “I can’t think of anyone with a greater depth of knowledge about what we do and where Medicaid needs to go in the future.”
Jessee will lead a division with 555 employees and a $600 million operating budget that oversees the $31 billion of state and federal Medicaid funds Texas spends annually.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity. Texas has long been recognized as a leader in developing innovative strategies to deliver needed services, improve care and contain costs,” Jessee said. “We have seen great changes in the delivery of healthcare and services and supports and with this change comes opportunity. We hope to lead the charge to improve the system of care for everyone we have the privilege to serve.”
Gary Jessee Named HHSC Medicaid director InTouch