Former Mississippi Medicaid director may soon lead the federal program

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – A Mississippian could soon take a top health-related spot in the Trump administration.

Drew Snyder left his post as Director of Mississippi’s Division of Medicaid at the end of October. Now, a Politico report indicates he may be waiting in the wings to assume the role of leading the federal program.

The news comes just as lawmakers are starting the new legislative session which leaders have said will include another attempt at extending Medicaid coverage to more Mississippians. Senator Brice Wiggins praised Snyder’s work at the state level.

“If he does get that position, I think it would be a boon for Mississippi,” noted Wiggins.

It’s been no secret that the next steps on Medicaid legislation this session are hinging on what the feds say under the new administration.

“All bets are off until we see which direction they want to go,” said Speaker Jason White ahead of the session.

The Governor and Speaker are praising Snyder but not going into any detail on whether they knew about the potential appointment. But leaders have all referenced in the last month that they’re starting conversations.

“I’m having the same conversations with people that will be in those positions to make sure that whatever we decide on will be approved at the national level,” said Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann in December. “And we’re getting some guidance on those.”

Wiggins was a conferee on last year’s bill that didn’t make it across the finish line. We asked how a Mississippian at the top of the federal program could impact this year’s efforts.

“I certainly think the amount of phone calls and the amount of persuasion would be lessened because he’s heard all of our arguments in the first place,” explained Wiggins. “He knows all the legislators. Knows all the statewide officials. I think none of that would come new to him. So, if we in the legislature can make that happen, you know that I would think that it would have some certainly smoother sailing.”

Snyder did not have a comment when we reached out Wednesday.

We received the following statements about the potential position for Snyder.

“Drew Snyder is sharp and, having served as Mississippi’s Director of Medicaid for nearly seven years, certainly understands the subject matter well. I am always proud of talented Mississippians who are earning opportunities on the federal or national level making our state look good.” – Speaker Jason White

“Drew Snyder is a professional. In my conversations with the incoming administration…I’ll just tell you that I don’t know what the President is going to do. The President will make this decision and certainly his picks to lead HHS. But they couldn’t find a more intellectual, smart, conservative leader of any agency including Medicaid and CMS than Drew Snyder.” – Governor Tate Reeves

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