MDH Adds Assistant Commissioner

July 19, 2023

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has appointed Carol Backstrom as the new assistant commissioner for the agency’s Health Systems Bureau. In this role, which she begins August 16, Backstrom will oversee MDH’s Health Regulation Division, Health Policy Division and Office of Medical Cannabis.  

Backstrom comes to MDH from Aurrera Health Group, where she served as the managing principal for Medicaid Policy and Programs. Among her diverse responsibilities in that role, she co-led an innovative program focused on addressing adverse childhood experiences; developed and implemented Medicaid waiver and program improvements; and supported states with policy analysis, strategy and technical guidance. 

Before her time at Aurrera, she worked at the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In that position, she served as a senior advisor for Medicaid payment reform and provided leadership in collaborating with states, territories and other stakeholders in administering Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). 

Prior to her federal service, Backstrom served at the Minnesota Department of Human Services as State Medicaid Director from 2012 to 2013, and at MDH from 2008 to 2011, where she assisted in implementing major health reforms passed by the legislature in 2008. Her career path also included roles with the National Governors Association and HealthPartners. 

“Carol’s depth of knowledge in health systems and policies will be very important to MDH moving forward as we look to improve the systems that support and protect our health in Minnesota,” said Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham, MD, PhD. “Throughout her career she has demonstrated the ability to recognize how systems work and how they can work better.”