The head of the state’s Medicaid program is on his way out.
Oklahoma Health Care Authority CEO Nico Gomez is resigning effective Sept. 30. Gomez has been at the authority for 16 years, serving as CEO for the past three and a half.
In a letter to the health care authority’s board, Gomez indicated he’s looking for work in the private sector.
"As an agency, OHCA cares for the most vulnerable among us: children, the elderly, the sick and the poor," Gomez said in the news release announcing his upcoming departure. "The work being done here matters, and is worthy of the continued support of the state and our lawmakers. I am proud to have served and led an agency that is saving lives and supporting our citizens and our community."
Earlier this year, Gomez proposed the Medicaid Rebalancing Act to get more Oklahomans health insurance, reduce the load on the state Medicaid program known as SoonerCare and halt provider rate cuts. The plan didn’t catch on with lawmakers last session.
