Direction of health in America takes shape with Trump nomination of HHS, CMS leaders

WASHINGTON – President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Seema Verma, CEO of the national health policy consulting company SVC, as administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.



Industry expressed optimism regarding the appointees. “NACDS welcomes the nominations," stated Steven Anderson, president and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. "We are enthusiastic to help leverage pharmacy to improve Americans’ health and well-being. When it comes to the accessibility, quality and affordability of healthcare, pharmacies are doing more than ever before and can be utilized even more effectively for the good of patients and for the benefit of society," he said. "NACDS has a powerful story to tell, and we look forward to working with these leaders to put that story into action in new and innovative ways."



"Chairman Price, a renowned physician, has earned a reputation for being a tireless problem solver and the go-to expert on healthcare policy, making him the ideal choice to serve in this capacity,” Trump said in making the announcement official early Tuesday. "[Price] is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American."



"It is an honor to be nominated to serve our nation as Secretary of Health and Human Services," Price stated. "Thanks to President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice President-Elect Mike Pence for their confidence," he said. "There is much work to be done to ensure we have a health care system that works for patients, families and doctors; that leads the world in the cure and prevention of illness; and that is based on sensible rules to protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit."

Price outlined some of his positions regarding the Affordable Care Act in his most recent vlog above.



An orthopaedic surgeon, Price spent more than 20 years practicing in the metro Atlanta area, and helped found one of the largest private orthopaedic practices in the country. Congressman Price is chairman of the Committee on the Budget in the House of Representatives. He also serves on the House Ways and Means Committee – including the Subcommittee on Health.



Regarding  Verma, Trump said, "[she] has decades of experience advising on Medicare and Medicaid policy and helping states navigate our complicated systems. Together, Chairman Price and Seema Verma are the dream team that will transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Americans.”



Verma is best known for her work on Medicaid issues and her ties to Vice President-elect Mike Pence. She designed his Obamacare Medicaid expansion model -- known as Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0.



“Collaboration is absolutely essential to maximize the potential of the healthcare delivery system, and to prevent policies that stifle it. NACDS looks forward to engaging completely in the ongoing work of developing and implementing solutions that benefit American patients and consumers," Anderson added.