President-elect Donald Trump is tapping Congressman Tom Price (R-GA) to be Secretary of Health and Human Services and Seema Verma as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to a release from the transition team.
“Together, Chairman Price and Seema Verma are the dream team that will transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Americans,” Trump said in a statement.
Price, the chairman of the House Budget Committee, is a physician and a fierce opponent of Obamacare.
“It is an honor to be nominated to serve our nation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Thanks to President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence for their confidence,” said Rep. Price. “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.”
Trump called Price the “ideal choice” for the position, as he already has experience drafting a repeal and replace option for Obamacare.
“He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American,” Trump said in a statement.
After accepting Trump’s nomination, Price vowed to fix the healthcare system that has been crippled by Obamacare.
“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,” he said.
Trump’s pick to serve as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is from the private sector.
Verma is the President, CEO and founder of SVC, Inc., a national health policy consulting company, giving her a wealth of experience of working with the government health care options.
According to the release, she helped design consumer-first solutions for Indiana’s health care system under Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Governor Mike Pence.
“I am honored to be nominated by President-elect Trump today,” said Verma in a statement. “I look forward to helping him tackle our nation’s daunting healthcare problems in a responsible and sustainable way.”