Alex Adams: New Director for Idaho’s Health & Welfare Dept.

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Idaho Governor Brad Little has appointed Alex Adams, who has been his budget chief since 2019, to direct the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Adams, who has a master’s degree in public health, has also served as interim director of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission and was executive director of the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. Adams will assume his new position on June 5 and will lead the health department amid several controversial issues including investigations into fund allocation for child care grants and a needle exchange program, a growing Medicaid budget, and the state’s participation in a health data sharing service.

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Idaho Governor Announces New Health and Welfare Department Director

Idaho Governor Brad Little has appointed Alex Adams, his former budget chief, as the new director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Adams, who has been Little’s budget chief since 2019, will take over the role on June 5th, according to Madison Hardy, Little’s spokesperson.

During his tenure, Adams will face numerous high-profile challenges, including investigations into the allocation of funds for child care grants, a needle exchange program, a growing Medicaid budget, and the potential continuation of a health data sharing service.

Adams’ Background and Future Role

Adams has held several positions including interim Idaho Public Charter School Commission director and executive director of the Idaho Board of Pharmacy. Adams is set to replace Dean Cameron, the interim health department director and former legislative state budget committee chair. Cameron will continue his leadership role at the Idaho Department of Insurance.

Idaho’s Largest State Government Agency

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, with approximately 3,000 employees and a $5.4 billion budget, is Idaho’s largest state government agency. The department runs social programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Women and Infant Children program, along with public health services, long-term care facility regulation, state mental health hospitals, child welfare services, and services for people with developmental disabilities.

Changes in the Idaho 2024 Legislative Session

During the 2024 legislative session, Cameron steered the department toward reform on major issues, such as promising reform for the agency’s grant processes after a critical state audit in August 2023 found flaws in the allocation of federal grants.

Other Administrative Changes in Idaho Government

Other changes in Little’s administration include Lori Wolff assuming the role of budget chief, while Sara Stover, the director of cabinet affairs, will become Little’s deputy chief of staff. Little expressed his confidence in his team and their abilities to serve the people of Idaho in their new roles.

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