President Obama on Nov. 23 nominated Marilyn B. Tavenner to be the new administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
The current CMS chief, Dr. Donald Berwick,was expected to stay in his position only until the end of this year. He was never confirmed by the Senate. Republican senators had blocked the confirmation, stating concerns that he might favor rationing care.
Dr. Berwick strenuously denied those charges.
Marilyn B. Tavenner
When his confirmation failed, President Obama made a recess appointment, which meant that Dr. Berwick would have the position only for a short time.
The appointment of Ms. Tavenner to take his place is not a surprise, as she has been the principal deputy administrator of the CMS since February 2010. She also served as acting administrator from February to July 2010.
Before that, Ms. Tavenner was the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources, serving under former Gov. Tim Kaine (D).
Ms. Tavenner holds a B.S. in nursing and an M.A. in health administration, both from the Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond.
She will have to be confirmed by the Senate.