Bush Nominates HHS Veteran Weems to Head Medicare

WASHINGTON–On Thursday, President Bush nominated longtime
federal official Kerry N. Weems to be the next CMS
administrator.

If he is confirmed by the Senate, Weems would take over the top
job as overseer for the government’s Medicare and Medicaid
programs. He would succeed Mark McClellan, who resigned in
October.

Weems, currently deputy chief of staff to HHS Secretary Mike
Leavitt, has been with CMS for 24 years, during that time serving
as advisor to several HHS secretaries and as acting assistant
secretary for budget, technology and finance. Leavitt said in a
statement that Weems “understands the large fiscal challenges
facing Medicare and Medicaid” and “has been a leader in the
department’s efforts to accelerate adoption of health information
technology and better financial management systems.”

Bush also nominated Tevi David Troy as deputy secretary at HHS.
Troy currently serves as deputy assistant to the president for
domestic policy.

“Both bring a broad array of knowledge, management experience
and expertise that will enhance our ability to advance effective
policies to improve Americans’ health,” Leavitt said.

Since McClellan’s resignation, Leslie Norwalk, previously deputy
administrator at the agency, has served as CMS acting
administrator. According to news reports, Norwalk withdrew from
consideration for the permanent appointment, telling CMS staffers
she did not want to commit to serving for the remainder of Bush’s
term but would stay in office while the Senate considers Weems’
nomination.