For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Melissa Richey, Chief of Communications
405-982-8707 | melissa.richey@okhca.org
Katelynn Burns, Director of Public Affairs
405-522-7266 | katelynn.burns@okhca.org
New State Medicaid Director Announced
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has named Traylor Rains as the agency’s new State Medicaid Director, effective April 1, 2022. Rains succeeds long-time State Medicaid Director and Chief Operating Officer, Melody Anthony, after announcing her intent to retire. Anthony will continue in her role as COO until her retirement on September 1st, 2022.
“We are pleased to have Traylor serve in this new capacity,” said Kevin Corbett, OHCA CEO and Secretary of Health and Mental Health. “His natural servant leadership style and passion for helping Oklahomans have access to quality health care will help our agency improve the health outcomes of our members.”
With more than 15 years of public service with the State of Oklahoma, Rains has served as Senior Director of Policy and Provider Regulation at the Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services and Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Human Services. He most recently served as OHCA’s Deputy State Medicaid Director. He is a graduate of Baylor University Law School.
During Rains career he has led the planning and implementation of state health service initiatives including Oklahoma’s Health Homes for Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model and most recently the state’s Medicaid expansion.
“I am honored and excited to step into this role,” said Rains. “I look forward to helping the dedicated OHCA team optimize the accessibility and the quality of health care for our members.”
Anthony leaves a legacy of more than 20 years in health care in the private and public sector. During her time at OHCA, Anthony oversaw multiple functions serving more than one million Oklahomans yearly as well as addressing public health challenges such as the opioid crisis and infant mortality.
“I am grateful to have been a part of this organization,” said Anthony. “Traylor will be supported by a team whose everyday work has an impact on so many Oklahomans. I know I am leaving the state Medicaid program in good hands.”
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