Governor Spencer J. Cox has appointed Nate Checketts to serve as the Inspector General of Medicaid Services, effective April 6, 2026. This appointment, which is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate, reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the transparency and accountability of Utah’s $5.3 billion Medicaid program.
“Nate Checketts is a proven leader with an exceptional depth of knowledge in health care policy and auditing,” said Gov. Cox. “His experience as the state’s Medicaid Director and his background in performance auditing make him well qualified to lead this office into a new era of excellence. I am confident Nate will help strengthen stewardship that will protect taxpayer dollars and improve outcomes for Utahns who rely on Medicaid.”
Checketts succeeds interim director Neil Erickson, who has led the Office since August 2025. “We are grateful to Neil for his service during this interim period,” said Gov. Cox. “Neil’s work in identifying unallowable payments has provided a good foundation for the Office’s future. His commitment to the integrity of the Medicaid program has served Utah well.”
The Office of Inspector General of Medicaid Services was created in 2011 to independently identify and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse within the Medicaid system. The Office conducts audits, investigates fraud, and makes recommendations to the Legislature and the governor to ensure the program is managed in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
As Inspector General, Checketts will be responsible for the administration and management of the Office. “I am honored to serve the people of Utah in this capacity,” said Nate Checketts. “We want to ensure that every Medicaid dollar is used to provide high-quality health care to those in need. By utilizing advanced data analytics and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we will seek to prevent fraud and ensure that Utah’s Medicaid program functions with efficiency and integrity.”
While the Office is currently an independent entity, Senate Bill 147 (2026) moves the Office under the direction of the Department of Government Operations effective May 6, 2026. Senate Bill 147 also establishes an advisory board for the Office to prioritize high-risk audit areas and ensure that state agencies implement Office audit recommendations. Marvin Dodge, Executive Director of Government Operations, said, “The recent legislative audit highlights areas where the Office needs to improve. I look forward to working with Nate Checketts and the new advisory board to address the legislative audit findings and help this Office function at the highest level.”
Nate Checketts currently serves as a senior advisor for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). He previously served as a deputy director at DHHS, the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health, and as the state’s COVID-19 testing coordinator. Checketts also gained foundational experience as a senior auditor for the California State Auditor’s Office and a budget analyst in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. He holds a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University.
