Donald Trump’s transition team on Tuesday morning announced that the President-elect will nominate Rep. Tom Price (R-GA), to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
“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 a statement. “He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American. I am proud to nominate him as Secretary of Health and Human Services.”
In a statement circulated by the Trump transition team, Price said, “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. There 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.”
Price, the chair of the House Budget Committee, supports House Speaker Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) proposal to privatize Medicare and said earlier this month that the House will likely look at changes to Medicare about six to eight months after Trump takes office.
In the Tuesday morning announcement, the Trump transition team also said that Trump intends to nominate Seema Verma, the president, CEO and founder of health policy consulting firm SVC, Inc., to serve as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“I am pleased to nominate Seema Verma to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,” Trump said in the Tuesday statement. “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.”
