Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/772947
39 pedic Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Rep. Price earned his medical degree from Ann Arbor-based University of Michigan and completed his residency at Emory University. 2. Rep. Price got his start in Washington in 2004 aer serving in the Georgia State Senate. He now serves as chair of the House Budget Com- mittee, with past experience as chairman of the House Republican Pol- icy Committee and chairman of the Republican Study Committee. As a member of the Tea Party Caucus, Rep. Price is politically conservative on most issues. He is a "fierce opponent of government waste" who is "devot- ed to limited government and lower spending," according to a statement from the Trump-Pence transition team. 3. Rep. Price has a clear vision for the repeal and replacement of the ACA. "e problem that I have with Obamacare is that its premise is that Washington knows best," he said in an interview this past summer, according to the Wall Street Journal. He does not feel Washington should be in charge of healthcare. In 2015, he introduced the Empowering Patients First Act, which would fully repeal the ACA and replace it with a detailed plan that includes individual health pools and expanded health savings accounts. Many of his ideas are also present in the House Republicans' "A Better Way" agen- da. Rep. Price has also previously called on President Barack Obama to stop the mandatory demonstration projects under the ACA, according to e New York Times. "I am humbled by the incredible challenges that lay ahead and enthusiastic for the opportunity to be a part of solving them on behalf of the American people," Rep. Price said in a statement on his nomination as head of HHS. "ere is much work to be done to ensure we have a healthcare 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." "is is the absolute perfect choice," House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) said in a statement. "Tom Price has made healthcare his life's work." 4. e healthcare industry has reacted favorably to Rep. Price's nomi- nation. Urging the Senate to confirm Rep. Price's nomination, American Medical Association Board Chair Patrice Harris, MD, said in a statement, "e AMA strongly supports the nomination of Dr. Tom Price to become the next Secretary of HHS. His service as a physician, state legislator and member of the U.S. Congress provides a depth of experience to lead HHS." AMGA President and CEO Donald Fisher, PhD, also congratulated Rep. Price on his nomination. "We are excited to work with his new team to con- tinue to transition the financing of our healthcare system from volume-based to value-based payment," Dr. Fisher said in an emailed statement. "Tom Price is an exceptional person and leader who has worked in gov- ernment and in the private sector," said Scott Becker, publisher of Beck- er's Healthcare. "He is truly a high-class, wonderful person." 5. However, many Democrats remain skeptical. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told e New York Times choosing Rep. Price to oversee health- care "is akin to asking the fox to guard the henhouse." In a statement, Planned Parenthood Federation of America President Cecile Richards said the pick "poses a grave threat to women's health" citing several issues and noting that repeal of the ACA could void no-copay birth control for 55 million women. 6. Seema Verma, 46, was chosen as CMS administrator for her ex- perience in advising on Medicare and Medicaid policy. Ms. Verma is credited with designing the Healthy Indiana Plan, Indiana's consumer-di- rected Medicaid program under Gov. Mitch Daniels, and for updating it under Mr. Pence's governorship. She has helped other conservative states roll out similar models, according to e Wall Street Journal. Aer the ACA passed in 2010, she led health reform in Indiana, working with state agencies to interpret regulatory changes. "I am honored to be nominated by President-elect Trump today," Ms. Verma said in a statement. "I look forward to helping him tackle our na- tion's daunting healthcare problems in a responsible and sustainable way." 7. Ms. Verma has experience in consulting and public health strate- gy. Prior to founding SVC, Ms. Verma was vice president of planning for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County in Indiana. Before then, she served as director for the Association of State and Ter- ritorial Health Officials in Washington, D.C. Ms. Verma holds a master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. 8. Ms. Verma's nomination has also been met with support. Bruce Siegel, MD, President and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals said in a statement that Ms. Verma "offers a deep understanding of healthcare delivery and policymaking and can contribute an important state-level perspective on Medicaid, insurance and public health. We are especially proud of her accomplishments as a graduate of the association's Fellows Program." Ms. Verma is also a graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excel- lence in Public Services Series and was chosen to join the American En- terprise Institute Leadership Network. 9. Both picks still need to be confirmed by the Senate. Once the nominations move to the full Senate, a simple majority vote is re- quired to secure their spots. Hearings will likely begin in early Jan- uary, according to ABC News. 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