The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced Dr. Jennifer Strohecker, who has served as Utah’s Medicaid director for the past four years, is stepping down to pursue opportunities in the private sector. In addition to overseeing the Medicaid program, Strohecker also serves as director of the DHHS Division of Integrated Healthcare, which includes the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, and the Utah State Hospital. This purview includes more than 1,500 employees and an annual budget of more than $5.3 billion.
“As Medicaid director, Jennifer Strohecker has been instrumental in leading historic and transformative efforts during her tenure,” said DHHS Executive Director Tracy Gruber. “This includes guiding the state through the Medicaid unwinding process after the COVID-19 public health emergency, launching Medicaid’s modernized claims payment system, and leading the response to the cyberattack on Change Healthcare, which shut down pharmacy communication systems around the nation. Jen’s leadership meant that Utahns could access critical medications from their pharmacies until systems were back online.”
During her time with DHHS, she helped implement life-changing policy improvements for thousands of Utah Medicaid members like the justice re-entry waiver initiative, 12-months of postpartum coverage for new mothers, and adult dental coverage. Through its many programs, Medicaid is a vital part of Utah’s healthcare infrastructure, providing more than 350,000 Utahns access to healthcare every month. She also initiated value-based reimbursement models for managed care organizations. This incentive rewards the organizations for actual health improvements among their members.
Nathan Checketts, currently serving as DHHS deputy director for Healthcare Administration, will assume the role of interim Medicaid director effective November 1, 2025. A search for Strohecker’s replacement will begin this fall. By state law, the Medicaid director is appointed by the governor, with advice and consent from the Utah State Senate.
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