CMS Announces Director of Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services

Today, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced Daniel Tsai as Deputy Administrator and Director of Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS). With a record 80 million people receiving health coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Tsai will lead the Center’s efforts in addressing disparities in health equity and serving the needs of children, pregnant people, parents, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who rely on these essential programs. Daniel Tsai will start on July 6.

“As someone who has successfully led a state Medicaid program to focus on value-based care for its recipients, Dan brings invaluable experience to CMS,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear what a lifeline Medicaid and CHIP are for families and individuals across the country. As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and look ahead to meeting the needs of enrollees, I look forward to working with Dan to serve individuals who rely on CMS for health coverage and ensure accessible and comprehensive coverage is available for all.”

Tsai comes from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts where he served as the Assistant Secretary for MassHealth and Medicaid Director. His tenure has focused on building a robust and sustainable Medicaid program that ensures equitable coverage and reshapes how health care is delivered for two million individuals and families in the state.

Tsai has helped lead Massachusetts Medicaid through its most significant restructuring since the 1990s through its landmark 2016 Medicaid 1115 waiver. Under these reforms, MassHealth implemented one of the most at-scale shifts to value-based care in the nation. Through the waiver, MassHealth also launched a unique program committing significant investments for nutritional and housing supports to address the social determinants of health for high cost, at-risk individuals. In addition, during his tenure, the agency has made critical investments in strengthening community health centers, behavioral health, and home and community-based services.

Having worked closely with organizations across almost every aspect of health care, including a diverse range of Medicaid programs and provider organizations, Tsai brings extensive experience across Medicaid, Medicare, and working with stakeholders to design and implement innovate models for health care coverage, delivery and payment.

Tsai earned a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Mathematics and Economics from Harvard University, summa cum laude.

Read original article here.