HHSC has announced “that 
Stephanie Stephens will be the new Chief Medicaid and CHIP Officer, also known as Texas State Medicaid director, effective Aug. 15. Stephens will succeed Emily Zalkovsky and lead Medicaid and CHIP Services through the Sunset review and the legislative session while HHSC identifies a successor.
“Stephens served as Texas State Medicaid director from 2020 to 2023. She joined HHSC in 2008 as a policy analyst and held several leadership roles, including deputy state Medicaid director, senior policy advisor, and policy director in eligibility services. Stephens recently led a consulting practice focused on health and human services strategy and analysis.
“Stephanie’s deep Medicaid and CHIP expertise allows her to step in and provide impactful leadership. We are fortunate to have her experience and perspective,” Muth said. “Emily has helped guide our state through complex Medicaid challenges, and the program and the state have benefitted from her vision and commitment for 17 years. I am grateful for her service.”