Washington State Health Care Authority names Trinity Wilson Medicaid Director

For immediate release.

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) today announced that Trinity Wilson has been appointed Medicaid Director, overseeing Apple Health (Medicaid) and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), effective April 1.

Wilson brings more than 12 years of experience in Apple Health (Medicaid), with a background spanning eligibility policy and operations, customer and provider services, and enterprise systems. She has served as Interim Medicaid Director since November.

With new federal requirements under H.R. 1 and continued changes across the health care landscape, HCA remains focused on improving health outcomes and access to care for Washingtonians. Wilson brings the leadership needed for this moment, with deep operational experience and the ability to navigate complexity while keeping the program grounded in its mission and the people it serves.

In her role, Wilson will provide strategic and operational leadership for Washington’s Medicaid program, including policy implementation, program compliance, budget stewardship, and coordination with federal and state partners.

Prior to her appointment, Wilson served as Assistant Director for Apple Health Services and Operations, where she led key functions including eligibility, customer service, and systems supporting Medicaid delivery. She began her career at HCA as a Medicaid eligibility specialist, working directly with Washingtonians to help them access coverage. That experience continues to shape her commitment to customer-centered service and continuous improvement.

“This is a pivotal time for Medicaid, and Trinity brings the leadership we need to navigate complexity while staying grounded in our mission,” said HCA Director Ryan Moran. “She brings a steady, thoughtful approach, deep operational expertise, and a clear focus on the people we serve. And, after an extensive nationwide search for this critical role, I’m confident in her ability to lead this program forward.”

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue serving Washingtonians,” said Wilson. “I’ve seen firsthand the difference this program makes in people’s lives, and I’m committed to working alongside our partners to strengthen access to care, improve the customer experience, and ensure our systems work for the people we serve.”

Wilson’s appointment comes as HCA continues its work to improve health outcomes and access to care for Washingtonians, with a focus on advancing whole-person care through collaboration, innovation, and equity.

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About Washington State Health Care Authority

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.
 
There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.