The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has named Traylor Rains as the agency’s new State Medicaid Director, effective April 1.

Rains succeeds long-time State Medicaid Director and Chief Operating Officer, Melody Anthony, after announcing her intent to retire. Anthony will continue in her role as COO until her retirement on Sept. 1, 2022.

“We are pleased to have Traylor serve in this new capacity,” said Kevin Corbett, OHCA CEO and Secretary of Health and Mental Health. “His natural servant leadership style and passion for helping Oklahomans have access to quality health care will help our agency improve the health outcomes of our members.”

During Rains career he has led the planning and implementation of state health service initiatives including Oklahoma’s Health Homes for Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Serious Emotional Disturbance, the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model and most recently the state’s Medicaid expansion.

During her time at OHCA, Anthony oversaw multiple functions serving more than one million Oklahomans yearly as well as addressing public health challenges such as the opioid crisis and infant mortality.

“I am grateful to have been a part of this organization,” said Anthony. “Traylor will be supported by a team whose everyday work has an impact on so many Oklahomans. I know I am leaving the state Medicaid program in good hands.”