Rep. Tom Price, MD, R-Ga., was officially confirmed early Friday morning to lead HHS under the Trump administration.
Here is how the healthcare industry is reacting.
1. Donald Fisher, PhD, president and CEO of AMGA, congratulated Secretary Price. "He brings significant clinical and policy expertise from nearly two decades as a practicing physician as well as his leadership on the House Ways and Means Committee, House Budget Committee and the House GOP Doctors Caucus. We look forward to working with him and his team to transition the financing of our healthcare system from volume-based to value-based payment."
2. Anne Davis, MD, medical director of Physicians for Reproductive Health Consulting, expressed disappointment at the confirmation. "As physicians who care for women, we are deeply disappointed that Tom Price has been confirmed as the Secretary of [HHS]. During his time in Congress, Price was a staunch and rigid opponent of comprehensive women's reproductive healthcare and the [ACA]. … We hope Tom Price will use the many opportunities afforded to him as HHS Secretary to promote the best medical evidence and improve health outcomes for patients."
3. B. Douglas Hoey, RPh, CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association, also expressed congratulations. "He is uniquely qualified to lead HHS, which will oversee the potential repeal and replacement of the [ACA] and possible reforms to the Medicaid program, among other high-profile priorities for America's complex health system. … We are eager to work with Secretary Price and look forward to sharing our thoughts with him going forward."
4. Chip Kahn, CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals,said his organization stands ready to work with Secretary Price to ensure Americans are able to maintain access affordable care. "His experience as a thoughtful detailed-oriented legislator, combined with his decades working in the medical field make him uniquely qualified to confront the challenges facing patients, families and caregivers," Mr. Kahn said.
5. Former CMS Administrator Andy Slavitt,wrote in an open letter to Secretary Price, published by U.S. News & World Report, "The president and some Republicans leaders have promised that under their plans for health reform, no American will lose coverage, the process won't pull the rug out from under people and care will be more affordable and better. These are important promises and you will need everybody — Democrats and Republicans and an engaged private sector — to help you get there. The only way for that to happen is to step back from repeal and focus on the incremental improvements that will make the healthcare system work better for more Americans."
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