Senate committee approves Tavenner for CMS helm

The Senate Finance Committee yesterday voted in favor of Marilyn Tavenner, the acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), edging her one step closer to the official job.

Many long-term care agencies and organizations have been strong supporters of Tavenner’s work as acting administrator, a role she has performed since late 2011. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has praised Tavenner’s “open-door policy” and her welcoming approach to feedback.  

“At a time when so many changes are occurring in our nation’s health care delivery system, the country needs a stable, informed health advocate at the helm of this important agency,” AHCA/NCAL said in a press statement. “Our provider community has waited too long to have a confirmed Administrator to help continue the tremendous strides we have made in quality and health outcomes. Marilyn Tavenner is uniquely suited to fulfill this important calling.”

The American Medical Association has also urged Congress to confirm Tavenner as the official administrator of CMS. “She has been an effective leader during her tenure as the acting administrator for CMS, and we are extremely pleased that the Senate Finance Committee has voted in favor of her nomination,” AMA President Jeremy Lazarus, MD, said in a statement. “CMS has been led by acting administrators for many years, and during this important time for the Medicare and Medicaid programs it is important to have a strong, well-qualified leader who is able to build consensus.”

The full Senate will vote on the matter, but no date has been set.

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.