April 16, 2009
Saying it was in the interest of providing all Americans access to affordable, high-quality health care, President Barack Obama issued an executive order April 8 establishing the White House Office of Health Reform. He appointed former CMS Administrator Nancy-Ann Min DeParle as its director.
The Health Reform Office will provide leadership and coordination for health reform policies across the Federal government, according to a White House release. The office will gather input from the public and work with Congress, state, local, and community policymakers to expand coverage; improve quality and efficiency; and slow the growth of health costs. The office will also bring ideas, concerns, and policy issues related to health reform to the President’s attention.
DeParle served as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (then called HCFA) from 1997-2000, and currently serves as a commissioner of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), which advises Congress on Medicare policy and payment issues.
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