Melanie Bush Appointed as New Deputy Secretary of Medicaid for North Carolina
Melanie Bush has been announced as the new Deputy Secretary of Medicaid for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) Division of Health Benefits. Her appointment, pending confirmation by the North Carolina General Assembly, positions her to oversee NC Medicaid, which provides essential services to over 3 million residents.
“I am honored to continue our work improving the lives of millions of North Carolinians who depend on Medicaid for life-changing health care,” stated Deputy Secretary for NC Medicaid, Melanie Bush. “Medicaid is a critical component to the health and well-being of some of the state’s most vulnerable communities including children, senior citizens, people living with disabilities and hard-working families.”
In her previous roles as Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for NC Medicaid within NCDHHS, Bush was instrumental in transformative initiatives. She led efforts to transition to managed care, unwind continuous coverage from the COVID-19 public health emergency, and expand Medicaid, thereby extending healthcare access to over 700,000 additional North Carolinians.
NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized Bush’s dedication, saying, “Deputy Secretary Bush is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of every North Carolinian and I am grateful she will be leading our incredible team at NC Medicaid. Together we are committed to ensuring everyone in North Carolina has access to the quality care and services they need and deserve.”
Bush’s responsibilities extend beyond this role. She is also a Governor’s appointee to the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina State Health Plan, which offers healthcare coverage to state and county employees. Her commitment is to ensure high-quality healthcare at the lowest possible cost for the state.
Looking ahead to 2026, one of NCDHHS’s key priorities is maintaining Medicaid accessibility for those in need, despite any state or federal challenges. Bush’s extensive experience and dedication are seen as crucial to advancing a Medicaid program that emphasizes access, quality, and sustainability. This effort includes adapting to federal legislative changes from H.R.1 that affect NC Medicaid.
As Medicaid continues to evolve in response to federal guidance, funding changes, workforce challenges, and the growing complex needs of its beneficiaries, NCDHHS is committed to providing timely updates. The focus remains on maintaining service access, minimizing disruptions for beneficiaries, and supporting staff and partners through transitions.
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