Mary Mayhew, director of Medicaid and CHIP, resigns to take Florida post with Governor-elect Ron DeSantis
As former Maine Health and Human Services Commissioner, Mayhew opposed Medicaid expansion.
Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Director Mary Mayhew has resigned her federal post after less than three months to take a position in the administration of Republican Governor-elect Ron DeSantis in Florida, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Mayhew was named to the federal post in October. She had previously served in Maine as commissioner of its Department of Health and Human Services and was a former GOP gubernatorial candidate in the state.
In Maine, Mayhew opposed Medicaid expansion, as did former Governor Paul LePage – who left office this week and has announced his own plans to move to Florida.
In a statement, Mayhew said she was grateful to Administrator Seema Verma for the opportunity to help advance her vision of supporting states with increased control over their Medicaid programs.
Under the Trump Administration, CMS has proposed and approved waivers for states to mandate work or community service requirements as a condition for receiving Medicaid benefits.
ON THE RECORD
CMS Administrator Seema Verma said by statement, "We will miss her, but I am excited for Mary as she transitions to serve Governor-elect DeSantis and the people of Florida. I appreciate her efforts at CMS and I look forward to continuing to work with her as she uses her many talents to help the state of Florida create a healthcare system that serves the needs of its citizens."
"I've enjoyed working with Administrator Verma and the entire team at CMS. It is this vision for state flexibility that excites me about returning to the state level to help Governor-elect DeSantis partner with Administrator Verma to serve the citizens of Florida," Mayhew said.
To her staff, she added, "While my time with you has been brief, I have been impressed with your commitment and dedication to the CMCS mission and your support of the Administrator's vision."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
