Health Director Dave Jeppesen Retires from Idaho State

Dave Jeppesen, Head of Idaho’s Largest State Agency Retires

Dave Jeppesen, who led the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, the largest state agency in Idaho, is retiring. His tenure of five years saw the agency, with 3,000 employees and a $5.4 billion budget, through several controversial issues and historic times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and legislative scrutiny over Medicaid’s budget. The retirement announcement was made by Idaho’s Governor, Brad Little.

Former Idaho Legislator Steps Up as Interim Director

Dean Cameron, a former Idaho legislator who has been directing the Idaho Department of Insurance since 2015, will serve as interim director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, until a permanent director is selected. Despite taking on the interim director role, Cameron will continue to serve as director of Idaho Department of Insurance. This dual role will continue until the spring of 2024, when the governor will begin recruiting a permanent health and welfare director. Governor Little’s permanent appointments are subject to Idaho Senate’s approval.

Jeppesen Reflects on His Service to the State

In a release, Jeppesen expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the DHW director, describing it as the greatest honor of his career. He appreciated the hard work of the employees in carrying out the significant mission of the department and expressed confidence in Cameron, whom he considers both a mentor and friend, to take over the mantle.

State Health Department Under Jeppesen’s Leadership

During Jeppesen’s tenure, the Department had to navigate several critical moments and controversial issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and a child welfare case linked to anti-government activist Ammon Bundy. Despite these challenges, Jeppesen managed to guide the agency, making public press conference appearances frequently, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, to update the public about the state of the disease’s impact on the state’s hospital resources.

Controversies Surrounding the Health Agency

This year, political controversy erupted over a $72 million federal grant meant to help school-aged children recover from pandemic-era learning loss. An audit published found that the department had used funds for ineligible purposes, leading to a disagreement between the department and lawmakers.

New Interim Director Brings Wealth of Experience

Before his appointment as health department director, Jeppesen worked in finance and as a chief marketing officer for the insurer Blue Cross of Idaho. Dean Cameron, his successor, brings a wealth of experience from both legislative and executive branches, as well as the private sector. Cameron will take over as state health department director in 2024, after serving 25 years in the Idaho Senate.

Medicaid Budget Draws Legislative Attention

Medicaid’s rising budget has drawn scrutiny by lawmakers who are focused on finding ways to save money in Medicaid. The upcoming legislative session will see Idaho Medicaid requesting $5.7 million total in funds to support 62 more staffers, who, according to agency officials, will be crucial in saving costs and maintaining federal funding.

Medicaid expanded in 2020 to include a larger group of low-income earners, as approved by Idaho voters in 2018. This allowed the agency to serve about 450,000 people. Idaho began removing people from Medicaid faster than most states after federal protections were lifted in April, with 121,000 people removed by August.

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