President-elect Trump has named Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., as his nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services on Tuesday, calling him “exceptionally qualified” to repeal and replace Obamacare.
“Chairman Price, a renowned physician, has earned a reputation for being a tireless problem solver and the go-to expert on healthcare policy, making him the ideal choice to serve in this capacity,” President-elect Trump said in a statement. “He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace Obamacare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American.”
“It is an honor to be nominated … I am humbled by the incredible challenges that lay ahead and enthusiastic for the opportunity to be a part of solving them on behalf of the American people,” Price said in the statement. “There is much work to be done to ensure we have a healthcare system that works for patients, families, and doctors … and that is based on sensible rules to protect the well-being of the country while embracing its innovative spirit.”
Price is a former orthopedic surgeon-turned-lawmaker who would put his medical background and congressional experience to use as the Trump administration works to repeal and replace Obamacare. He was substantially responsible for the Republican bill that will likely replace Obamacare.
In May, the House Budget chairman endorsed Trump.
Trump reportedly offered Price the job — overseeing 80,000 department employees and a $1 trillion budget — on Monday and made the announcement of Price’s acceptance on Tuesday.
Trump had been considering former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Florida Gov. Rick Scott for HHS secretary.
Earlier Monday evening, Vice President-elect Mike Pence told reporters there would be “very important announcements tomorrow.”
Early Tuesday morning, Trump also announced Seema Verma as his pick for administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, referring to Price and Verma as the “dream team” set to transform the nation’s healthcare system.
Verma is the president, CEO and founder of SVC, Inc., a national health policy consulting company. She was the architect of the Healthy Indiana Plan.
