Deputy Secretary Bush brings deep institutional knowledge and continuity to the role, having most recently served as Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for NC Medicaid. In that capacity, she helped guide the program through several major transitions, including the implementation of managed care, the unwinding of continuous coverage following the COVID‑19 public health emergency, and Medicaid expansion, which extended coverage to more than 700,000 additional North Carolinians.
In public remarks announcing her appointment, Deputy Secretary Bush emphasized Medicaid’s central role in supporting children, older adults, people living with disabilities, and working families across North Carolina. NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai highlighted her commitment to improving health outcomes and ensuring access to quality care statewide, noting the importance of experienced leadership as the program continues to evolve.
Beyond her work at NCDHHS, Deputy Secretary Bush also serves as a Governor’s appointee to the Board of Trustees for the North Carolina State Health Plan, which oversees health coverage for state and county employees. Her career in Medicaid policy and program administration reflects a sustained focus on balancing access, quality, and cost for North Carolina’s health systems.
As NC Medicaid responds to changing federal requirements, evolving funding environments, workforce challenges, and increasing complexity in member needs, NCDHHS has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining access to care, minimizing disruptions for beneficiaries, and supporting providers and partners through ongoing transitions. We look forward to continued collaboration with Deputy Secretary Bush and NC Medicaid leadership as this work moves forward.
View the NCDHHS Press Release for more information.