Health groups back Tavenner for top post at CMS

Stakeholders are formally registering their support for Marilyn Tavenner’s nomination to lead the federal Medicare agency.

The White House announced last Wednesday that it would tap Tavenner to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services after controversial CMS Administrator Don Berwick steps down Dec 2. Support from healthcare stakeholders could help Tavenner avoid the political controversy that has surrounded Berwick.

The American Medical Association backed Tavenner in a statement Monday.

“We have worked extensively with her in her role as deputy administrator, and she has been fair, knowledgeable and open to dialogue,” AMA President Peter Carmel said in a statement. “With all the changes and challenges facing the Medicare and Medicaid programs, CMS needs stable leadership, and Marilyn Tavenner has the skills and experience to provide it.”

The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care also praised Tavenner, who is now Berwick’s principal deputy.

“We encourage the Senate Finance Committee to expeditiously consider Ms. Tavenner's nomination upon submission, and respectfully urge the U.S. Senate to confirm her before the end of the year,” alliance President Alan Rosenbloom said.

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), the top Republican on the Finance Committee, said last week that the panel would thoroughly vet Tavenner but did not immediately express opposition to her nomination.
 
President Obama ultimately used a recess appointment to get Berwick into the top job at CMS after Senate Republicans made clear that they would block his confirmation. Although Berwick is widely respected, especially in academic circles, Republicans seized on comments he made praising the British healthcare system.

The controversy did not subside as Berwick spent more time on the job — Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) recently compared Berwick to Don Corleone, the title character from "The Godfather."

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