July 15, 2013 -- Mike McCormick has accepted the position of director of the DHS Aging and People with Disabilities Program having worked for the agency since 2001. Since 2012, he’s been the APD Deputy Director since 2012, and before that he worked as the administrator of the Office of Rates, Contracting and Research and in the Office of Payment Accuracy and Recovery as the provider audit manager.
“I can say from experience that Mike is a passionate, progressive leader dedicated to serving and supporting seniors, adults with disabilities and their families,” according to Errinn Kelley-Siel, director of the Department of Human Services, who made the announcement. “His leadership abilities are particularly important as we work to continue and strengthen Oregon's long tradition as a leader in long-term care services. Without a doubt, Oregon's seniors and people with disabilities value receiving long-term care services in a non-institutional setting, with about 85% choosing alternatives that allow them to remain in the homes or in community-based settings.
The 2013 Legislature set some aggressive goals for APD services, challenging DHS to increase the number of Medicaid-eligible individuals served in their own homes and to enhance efforts to prevent or delay entry into publicly funded long-term care services. To that end, Mike will lead the State's effort to partner with consumers, providers and stakeholders in implementing strategies that support healthy aging, address the coming "age wave" and meet the needs of an increasingly culturally diverse population, she said.
Most recently, Mike directed Oregon’s successful submission of the state’s Medicaid Community First Choice (or "K") State Plan amendment, which is expected to generate about $92.9 million in additional federal funds and will provide the state with the authority to expand person-centered and community-based services for eligible individuals.
