Massachusetts’ Tsai to Lead CMS’ Center for Medicaid

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has named Daniel Tsai, Massachusetts’ assistant secretary for MassHealth and Medicaid, as the deputy administrator and director of the 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.

“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, in a statement. “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 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 largest shifts value-based care in the nation. Through the waiver, MassHealth also launched a 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 made investments in strengthening community health centers, behavioral health, and home and community-based services.

“It has been my utmost privilege over the past six and half years to serve the 2 million individuals and families who rely on MassHealth for critical health insurance coverage and supports. I am deeply grateful to the Governor and Secretary for their leadership, support and trust in the MassHealth team; and for the partnership and voice of our many enrollees, stakeholders, frontline providers, and health plans,” said Tsai, in a statement on the website of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “Healthcare coverage and access through Medicaid has never been more important, and I am honored to join the Biden-Harris Administration to continue working toward strengthening our nation’s Medicaid program.”