Seema Verma: ‘A Superb Choice’ To Lead CMS

21 Governors: ‘There Are Few Professionals In The Nation Who Possess The Respect [And] Hands-On Experience’ That Seema Verma Does

21 GOVERNORS: “We write to endorse without reservation the nomination by President Donald J. Trump of Ms. Seema Verma for the position of Administrator of the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Ms. Verma has decades of experience working with state health care and industry leaders to reform and improve services for the most vulnerable in our communities.” (21 Governors, Letter to Sen. Hatch, 2/15/2017)

• “There are few professionals in the nation who possess the respect, hands-on experience and relationships with state leaders that will be critical . . . Ms. Verma is the ideal candidate to oversee the reform of Medicaid design and ensuring pending state waivers are fast-tracked and with the underlying premise that Medicaid is a State-Federal partnership. . . Ms. Verma has a unique understanding of the nexus between the health insurance marketplace and the states and the impact of the ACA on coverage and cost.” (21 Governors, Letter to Sen. Hatch, 2/15/2017)

Medical And Hospital Associations: ‘Her Experience … Gives Her A Deep Understanding’, ‘She Will Bring A Smart, Fresh Perspective’

AMERICAN HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION President Rick Pollack: “The American Hospital Association (AHA) congratulates Seema Verma on her nomination to serve as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Her experience with the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0 gives her a deep understanding of the importance of health care coverage for the patients served by hospital and health systems.” (American Hospital Association, Press Release, 11/29/2016)

FEDERATION OF AMERICAN HOSPITALS: “[President] Trump’s selection to lead CMS, Seema Verma, has a solid reputation as an effective innovator in assisting states in reforming and modernizing Medicaid programs for low income Americans.” (Chip Kahn, “Statement on President-Elect Trump’s HHS Nominations,” FAH Hospital Policy Blog, 11/29/2016)

ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES President Darrell G. Kirch, MD: “The AAMC commends [President] Donald Trump for nominating Seema Verma for CMS administrator. As the architect of the Healthy Indiana Plan and advisor to other states navigating Medicaid reforms, she offers a unique perspective for overseeing policies that are crucial for maintaining a health care system that will improve the health of all Americans. With experience in the hospital setting, Ms. Verma will bring to CMS her firsthand knowledge of many of the issues affecting AAMC member institutions.” (Association of American Medical Colleges, Press Release, 11/29/2016)

AMERICAN HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION/NATIONAL CENTER FOR ASSISTED LIVING President Mark Parkinson: “Seema’s experience and extensive knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid policy makes her an ideal selection to lead CMS. She will bring a smart, fresh perspective, and AHCA/NCAL is committed to working with her to help shape an effective health care system that improves lives and delivers quality care for millions of patients.” (American Health Care Association, Press Release, 11/29/2016)

Indiana Officials: Verma ‘Will Serve Our Nation With Excellence As Administrator Of CMS’; ‘Her Knowledge Of The Intricacies Of Our Health Care System Will Be An Invaluable Asset’

FORMER GOV. MITCH DANIELS (R-IN): “Low-income Hoosiers were the first in the nation to experience real consumer-driven healthcare. . . I expect she will serve our nation with excellence as administrator of CMS.” (“Trump Nominee For Health Programs Signals Changes Ahead,” USA Today, 11/29/2016)

FORMER SEN. DAN COATS (R-IN): “Ms. Verma’s leadership and success with health care reform in Indiana makes her a highly-qualified appointment to the Trump Administration. There is much work to be done to undo the harm caused by President Obama’s disastrous health care law, and in Indiana we’ve been able to make progress through HIP and HIP 2.0 that ensures Hoosiers have access to the health care they need at an affordable price. Her knowledge of the intricacies of our health care system will be an invaluable asset. I applaud her past accomplishments and wish her future success as she undertakes an enormous and important role in the new Administration.” (“Verbatim: Coats Congratulates Seema Verma on Nomination for CMS Administrator,” The [Fort Wayne, IN] Journal Gazette, 11/29/2016)

REP. LARRY BUSCHON, MD (R-IN): “Ms. Verma helped usher in Indiana’s success with our market-based, patient-centered alternative to traditional Medicaid - Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0. Her experience with HIP 2.0 and understanding of our healthcare system will undoubtedly be an asset to the new Administration. I’m looking forward to having a partner in Ms. Verma and CMS as we work in the 115th Congress to advance common-sense healthcare policy.” (Rep. Buschon, Press Release, 11/29/2016)

REP. SUSAN BROOKS (R-IN): “Seema Verma is an outstanding choice to lead CMS, and I’m delighted that she can bring her experience and expertise to the table for the Trump Administration. . . Ms. Verma is uniquely positioned to help our country move forward, repeal and replace the broken policies of the Obama Administration and ensure that Americans have access to affordable health care. . . I’m confident that Ms. Verma will bring the same kind of proven, consumer-driven solutions to her work as CMS Administrator. I want to congratulate Ms. Verma on her nomination and encourage her swift confirmation.” (Rep. Brooks, Press Release, 11/29/2016)

Hoosier Health Care Leaders: ‘A Superb Choice’ Who ‘Has Always Demonstrated A Very Thoughtful And Collaborative Approach To Complex Health Care Policy’

INDIANA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION President Doug Leonard: “Our team at Indiana Hospital Association has had the pleasure of working closely with Seema Verma for years. She is smart, dedicated and has a truly transformational vision for health care. She also deeply understands the critical importance of coverage to those served by programs like Medicare and Medicaid, and is a superb choice to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.” (Email to Health & Human Services Department)

NATIONAL CENTER FOR ASSISTED LIVING Executive Director Scott Tittle: “When I worked for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels and then at the Indiana Health Care Association, I had the opportunity to work with Seema closely over a number of years. She has always demonstrated a very thoughtful and collaborative approach to complex health care policy, and I'm excited to see my friend and fellow Hoosier bring this approach to the national level.” (American Health Care Association, Press Release, 11/29/2016)

INDIANA HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION President Zach Cattell: “Indiana’s skilled nursing providers can attest to Seema’s dedication and creativity to improving our health care system. Her deep experience will serve her well in this new role, as will her unique understanding of reimbursement, operations and regulations.” (American Health Care Association, Press Release, 11/29/2016)