President Trump’s pick to lead the top agency responsible for Obamacare is moving toward full Senate confirmation.
The Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines Thursday morning to confirm Seema Verma as head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The agency oversees the government’s big Medicare and Medicaid insurance programs for senior citizens and low-income residents, as well as many parts of the Affordable Care Act.
The panel approved Verma 14-12, with Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia voting by proxy.
Verma has helped several states including Indiana craft alternative Medicaid expansion programs, which incorporate more requirements for enrollees.
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said Verma will lead a strong partnership between CMS and Congress to improve Medicare and Medicaid. “She will play a vital role in realigning the focus on patient-centered solutions,” Hatch said.
