Missouri House Speaker Todd Richardson says he wants to improve people's health while reigning in costs as the next director of the state's Medicaid program.
Richardson was announced Monday as director of the MO HealthNet Division, effective Nov. 1. The Republican from Poplar Bluff will be resigning about two months before his House term was scheduled to end.
Gov. Mike Parson said he wanted Richardson for the position because of his "personal integrity" and "bipartisan respect" among policymakers.
Richardson will be paid $225,000, making him one of the highest paid state employees. He will earn more than both Parson and Chief Justice Zel Fischer.
Department of Social Services Director Steve Corsi says the salary is appropriate for overseeing a $10 billion program that provides health care to about 940,000 people.