March 13,2017

Verma is the Responsible Leader CMS Requires

Nominee “will play a vital role in realigning the focus on patient-centered solutions.”
 
Today, the Senate will consider the nomination of Seema Verma to be the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
 
In the days following Verma’s nomination and confirmation hearing, many have voiced support for her nomination and urged her confirmation on the Senate floor, noting her experience and willingness to work in a bipartisan fashion to find patient-centered solutions as the next head of CMS.
 
Here’s a look at what they are saying:
 
CHAIRMAN ORRIN HATCH (R-Utah): “Ms. Verma will help facilitate that partnership and as we work to repeal and replace Obamacare, she will play a vital role in realigning the focus on patient-centered solutions.” (March 2, 2017)
 
SENATOR JOE DONNELLY (D-Ind.): “…we accomplish more when we work together…in working collaboratively to help Hoosiers get access to quality healthcare is something Ms. Verma and I have been able to do together. Ms. Verma has played a central role in crafting Medicaid in many states.” (February 16, 2017)
 
SENATOR TODD YOUNG (R-Ind.): “President Trump simply could not have made a better choice in selecting Seema to lead what is arguably the most important office in HHS. In her 20 year career has an innovator in the healthcare sector, she’s worked extensively with a variety of stakeholders from both sides of the aisle to deliver better access to healthcare.” (February 16, 2017)
 
SENATOR PAT ROBERTS (R-Kan.): “You have a very impressive record with regard to Medicaid, more especially pushing for greater innovation and flexibility in the program.” (February 16, 2017)
 
REP. MICHAEL BURGESS (R-Texas): “Seema Verma has first-hand knowledge of health policy solutions because she has helped accomplish meaningful reforms. Verma has championed reforms to improve the quality of care for the nation’s most vulnerable populations by returning conservative and free-market principles to Medicaid reform.” (February 22, 2017)
 
AMERICA’S ESSENTIAL HOSPITALS: “We believe Ms. Verma is well-qualified to lead CMS, given her deep understanding of both health care delivery and policymaking. Ms. Verma will contribute an important, state-level perspective on Medicaid, insurance, health care delivery, and public health.” (February 15, 2017)
 
FORMER CMS ADMINISTRATORS: “Seema Verma has the traits necessary to be a successful CMS Administrator.  The heart and soul of the agency’s work is supporting beneficiaries – seniors, low-income mothers, children or those seeking insurance through the exchanges.” (February 13, 2017)
 
MARK PARKINSON AND SCOTT TITTLE, AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION: “She has the experience, expertise, and commitment that make her the ideal choice to head this crucial federal agency.” (March 9, 2017)
 

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