North Carolina’s deputy director for Medicaid policy will be transferred to Oregon to oversee the state’s Medicaid program.
Emma Sandor will take over as head of Oregon’s Medicaid program on July 24, according to an announcement by the Oregon Health Authority. The program provides medical, dental and mental health care to 1.4 million low-income residents. The Medicaid program has a biennial budget of $28 billion, or about $14 billion annually, and provides health care to more than one in four Oregonians.
Sandoh has worked with North Carolina’s Medicaid program since 2019. In that role, he has served as the state’s liaison with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and has overseen policy development and implementation work to improve health equity in North Carolina’s health care system. He also serves as the Medicaid liaison with North Carolina’s tribal nations.
Oregon officials said Sandor worked on North Carolina’s Medicaid expansion, which begins in December and is expected to provide health benefits to more than 450,000 people.
Her arrival comes at a critical time for Oregon’s Medicaid system: The state’s new five-year Medicaid plan was approved by the federal government, bringing an additional $1.1 billion in federal funding to distribute air conditioners, provide housing, food and climate assistance, and improve overall health.
OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi said in a statement that Sandor’s expertise in health equity and track record of innovation are a great fit for Oregon.
“She brings both vision and pragmatism to this role, along with strong relationships with our federal partners, which will ensure Oregon continues to lead the way in implementing pioneering Medicaid coverage and benefits that address major health issues facing our communities, including homelessness and climate change,” Hattie said.
Sandoh was hired after a nationwide recruitment process and will earn an annual salary of $171,312.
She said in a statement that she looks forward to starting work in Oregon.
“I’m excited to work with Medicaid staff and partners to expand access to care, improve people’s lives and eliminate health disparities,” Sandow said.
Oregon health, housing leaders prepare for Medicaid expansion
Oregon’s interim Medicaid director, Vivian Levy, will continue to serve as deputy Medicaid director, Hattie said, praising Levy’s work overseeing the system after Medicaid Director Dana Hittle left that role in October.
Prior to working in North Carolina, Sandor worked as a spokesperson for CMS and a budget analyst for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Sandor has also taught health policy classes at Harvard and Duke Universities. He received his PhD in health policy and political analysis from Harvard University in 2019 and a Master’s in Public Health from George Washington University in 2010. He also received two bachelor’s degrees in general biology and political science from the University of Southern California in San Diego in 2008.
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