On Monday, House Speaker Todd Richardson was appointed as the new MO HealthNet Division Director. Under the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), the MO HealthNet Division (MHD) offers healthcare coverage for eligible Missourians. Speaker Richardson was appointed by Dr. Steve Corsi, Director of DSS.
With the last permanent MHD director retiring in December 2016, it was imperative for the administration to find a director who understands the challenges and is willing to meet them. Producing a successful MO HealthNet program for Missourians is a top priority for this administration, and Governor Mike Parson believes Speaker Richardson’s background makes him the right choice for taking on this role.
“Missouri is incredibly fortunate that one of its most respected policymakers has chosen to continue his service to our state by tackling one of the most important challenges our state faces,” said Governor Parson. “Providing accessible, quality healthcare to our citizens is crucial to further growing our workforce development. Speaker Richardson built his reputation during his time as a legislator on his personal integrity, strong management practices, and ability to bridge the partisan, ideological, and rural-urban divides to bring people together to solve our most difficult problems. From his time in the House, I know that Speaker Richardson will continue to listen to the concerns of Missouri citizens and help modernize and transform a program that will help our state.”
The new MO HealthNet Director plans to make it a priority on day one to travel across the state to see firsthand the challenges of both urban healthcare delivery and rural healthcare access, as well as to listen to the concerns and challenges of both MO HealthNet providers and participants.
“Putting Medicaid on a path of sustainability is a daunting task, as is driving quality healthcare at an affordable price for Missouri taxpayers,” said Director Corsi. “Under Speaker Richardson’s guidance, I am confident MO HealthNet will be transformed through modernization and innovation. He has a proven record of leadership, and his direction of MO HealthNet will serve Missouri well.”
Todd Richardson was elected the Missouri House of Representatives in 2010. He served as Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, and the Chairman of the Emerging Issues in Healthcare Committee.
During his legislative tenure, Richardson was instrumental in the passage of numerous healthcare and budget reforms, including comprehensive reforms to Missouri Workers’ Compensation law and Second Injury Fund and passage of medical malpractice caps to stabilize insurance premiums. He was the author a 2014 voter-approved constitutional amendment to strengthen taxpayer protections in Missouri's budgeting process. As Speaker, Richardson also helped pass reforms to Missouri's Medicaid eligibility process and expanded healthcare access through telemedicine.
An attorney, Richardson received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Communication and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Memphis. Richardson lives in Poplar Bluff with his wife, Dr. Amber Richardson, and their two children.
Director Todd Richardson will officially start on November 1, 2018.
The following are statements from state and local leaders:
Statement from Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, Chairman, Missouri House Budget Committee
“Medicaid is the state’s most expensive program, making up more than a third of the entire state budget. As Budget Chairman, I see firsthand the challenges Medicaid poses to the future of Missouri's budget. MO HealthNet needs an inspired leader who understands each challenging aspect of the program and won’t shrink in the face of immense pressure to maintain the status quo. I’ve been fortunate to serve alongside Speaker Richardson for six years, and I firmly believe no one is better equipped to reform the program while protecting the interests of taxpayers at the same time. I want to commend and congratulate Governor Parson on this incredibly important appointment.”
Statement from Dr. James Kelly, MD Physician Anesthesiologist, St. Luke’s Hospital, Kansas City
“Todd is a proven leader that physicians, hospitals, and patients can trust to lead the charge in reforming Missouri’s Medicaid program. He has a remarkable ability to engage stakeholders and listen, as his passion for innovation in healthcare policy is truly inspiring.”
Statement from Rep. Kip Kendrick, Minority Whip, and Ranking Minority Member, House Budget Committee
"In his tenure as Speaker of the Missouri House, I have respected Todd Richardson for his integrity and his willingness to work across the aisle. As he becomes Missouri’s new Director of MO HealthNet, I look forward to working with him in that same spirit of bipartisanship and dedication to improving access to healthcare for all Missourians."
Statement from Sen. David Sater, Member, Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Health and Pensions Committee
“I congratulate Todd Richardson on his appointment as Director of MO HealthNet. I am confident he will bring the same integrity and work ethic to this position that he has shown leading the Missouri House of Representatives. I look forward to working with Todd to reform and improve MO HealthNet.”
Statement from Christy Shawan, CEO, Black River Medical Center, Poplar Bluff
“I have known Todd Richardson for many years, and he is a man of unquestioned integrity, leadership, and intellect. I am confident he will combine those character traits to lead MO HealthNet in a way that will benefit the health and welfare of Missourians for years to come.”
Statement from Charlie Shields, President and CEO, Truman Medical Centers, Kansas City
“Speaker Richardson will be a tremendous director for MO HealthNet. He is a proven leader who will guide our state Medicaid system through the ever-changing complexities of healthcare. Governor Parson made an excellent choice!”
Statement from Dr. Randall Williams, MD, FACOG, Director, Department of Health and Senior Services
“As a practicing physician for thirty years, I am tremendously appreciative of Speaker Richardson’s exceptional background and leading of teams through complex challenges. He brings an incredible understanding of health policy issues that is tremendously important as we seek to improve the quality of care in our state. I’m both appreciative and excited that he will continue his service to Missourians in this very important capacity.”
Sweetheart deal..think retirement benefits
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