President Obama Nominates Andy Slavitt as New CMS Administrator

President Barack Obama has nominated Andy Slavitt to become the new administrator of CMS, reported Bloomberg. He has been acting administrator since Marilyn Tavenner stepped down from the position in February. Slavitt, who came to CMS as executive vice president of UnitedHealth Group's Optum unit, will continue to oversee day-to-day decisions regarding implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the health insurance marketplace.

"Andy Slavitt’s depth of expertise, leadership, and innovation has made him a leader in the health care field for years," Center for American Progress President Neera Tanden said in a statement. "Throughout his career, Andy’s keen interest has been helping the health care industry better serve consumers. Seniors, children, and low-income Americans as well as people from all walks of life who rely on CMS—will be greatly served by a leader of such commitment and dedication to the best possible care for them."

In his role with UnitedHealth, Slavitt's unit worked on the ACA federally facilitated marketplace, HealthCare.gov, when it was plagued by problems in the fall of 2013. President Obama is asking the Senate to confirm his nomination. The nomination has already drawn criticism from Republicans, indicating that the confirmation will not be a smooth process.

"While Andy Slavitt’s nomination will receive thorough consideration in the Senate, it has long been clear that no one can successfully manage a law as unworkable as Obamacare," US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) said in a statement. "The sole focus of CMS should be to look out for our nation’s seniors and the many vulnerable Americans who use these programs, without the distraction of Obamacare.”