Gov. Katie Hobbs has chosen a new director to lead the state’s Medicaid agency — the latest appointment by the Democratic governor after more than two years of conflict trying to get her nominees approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature.
Hobbs’ original pick to lead the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, Carmen Heredia, resigned in April when it became clear a Republican-led Senate committee would not confirm her. Hobbs called the process a witch hunt and said at the time she was not sure if she would send more nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
“Why would anyone want to go through what these folks are going through? They are being dragged through the mud because of one person’s political agenda that has nothing to do with their careers in public service,” Hobbs told reporters in early May.
Sen. Jake Hoffman (R-Queen Creek), who oversees the Senate committee to confirm nominees called Heredia unqualified and called her resignation “a win for every Arizonan.”
Hobbs announced her new AHCCCS director appointment Friday. The new nominee, Virginia “Ginny” Rountree has experience working in the health insurance industry as well as state government. She holds a B.S. in nursing.
Rountree comes to AHCCCS as state Medicaid agencies face numerous changes. The federal tax and spending bill passed this summer includes new eligibility rules, work requirements, and spending cuts for Medicaid programs.
“With extensive experience collaborating with Arizona’s health care providers, Ginny returns to public service ready to address challenges caused by federal health care cuts and ensure AHCCCS continues delivering critical services to Arizonans,” a statement from Hobbs’s office said.
