Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

(DENVER) - Gov. Bill Owens today announced that he has appointed Steve Tool as executive director of the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

"His administrative skills, his knowledge of health care issues and his experience over the last four years as a member of the Medical Services Board make Steve Tool especially well suited to oversee the critical functions of this state agency," Owens said.

Tool currently is Senior Director of the Division of Motor Vehicles in the Department of Revenue, a position he has held since February, 2003.

He also has been a member of the state Medical Services Board for the last four years and was elected chairman of the Board in November. The Board provides direction for the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing in areas related to Medicaid. The Board has the authority to adopt rules that govern the state's Medicaid program and the Child Health Plan Plus program.

While in the State Legislature, Tool made health care issues one of his priorities. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994 and served three terms. During his last term, he was Chairman of the Joint Budget Committee.

"I am very excited that I have this opportunity to be of further service to the Medicaid community. During my years around state government, health care issues have always been one of my major areas of interest, first as a legislator and most recently as a member of the Medical Services Board," Tool said.

Tool, age 61, is a Colorado native and graduate of the University of Colorado. He served in the U.S. Air Force for five years as a B-52 navigator and attained the rank of Captain, flying 160 combat missions during the Vietnam War. Tool's appointment is effective immediately.

Health Care Policy and Finance is the state agency responsible for the administration of the Medicaid program, Child Health Plan Plus and the Colorado Indigent Care program, all providing health care for low-income Coloradans. The agency is responsible for 22 percent (nearly $1.4 billion) of the state's General Fund budget.

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