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HHS and CMS Announce Healthcare Advisory Committee Members to Improve Patient Care and Modernize the U.S. Healthcare System

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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have formed a new Healthcare Advisory Committee. This group, made up of healthcare leaders, will provide advice on improving patient care and modernizing the healthcare system, including Medicare and Medicaid. The committee's focus will be on developing policies to better manage chronic diseases, enhance care for vulnerable populations, and reduce administrative burdens in healthcare delivery. Insurance agents should stay informed about the committee's recommendations, as these could impact how healthcare services are financed and delivered. The committee will hold its first meeting later this year, and updates will be available on the CMS website.
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Administration Share HHS and CMS Announce Healthcare Advisory Committee Members to Improve Patient Care and Modernize the U.S. Healthcare System The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the members of the Healthcare Advisory Committee , a new federal advisory body comprised of leaders from across the healthcare system to provide expert advice on improving, strengthening and modernizing U.S. healthcare. The Committee will advise HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on ways to improve how care is financed and delivered across Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. “This Administration is bringing leaders together to tackle the challenges facing American patients and the health care system, putting prevention front and center,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This committee will help us shift from a sick care system to a true health care system by delivering practical solutions that drive real change.” “We received an overwhelming response from highly qualified candidates across the country,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz . “These members bring deep expertise across care delivery, financing, innovation, and patient engagement. Their insights will help us advance higher-quality care, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen the sustainability of our programs, while supporting efforts to transform our healthcare system and restore a stronger focus on patients.” Committee Members The following individuals will serve on the Healthcare Advisory Committee: Robert Bessler, MD Kimberly Brandt, JD ( ex officio ) Sebastian Caliri Stephanie Carlton ( ex officio ) David Carmouche, MD Elizabeth M. Fago Clive K. Fields, MD William J. Gassen, JD Jenni Gudapati, PhD Valerie D. Huhn Dennis Laraway Dan Liljenquist, JD Andrew Lynch, PhD Ursel J. McElroy Kyu Rhee, MD Tony Robbins Russ Thomas, JD Linda Thomas-Hemak, MD Members were selected through a competitive review process that drew more than 400 nominations nationwide. About the Healthcare Advisory Committee The Committee will provide non-binding recommendations to inform federal healthcare policy and program administration. Over its term, the Committee will focus on: Developing actionable policy solutions to prevent and better manage chronic disease; Advancing accountability for safety and outcomes while reducing unnecessary administrative burden; Expanding the use of real-time data to support a higher quality of care, speed up claims processing, and improve quality measurement; Enhancing care for vulnerable populations, including those served by Medicaid; and Strengthening Medicare Advantage sustainability, including modernizing risk adjustment and quality measurement. Members will serve two-year terms and will meet regularly throughout the year, with meetings open to the public consistent with federal transparency requirements. The Committee is authorized under the Public Health Service Act and operates in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Next Steps The Committee will convene its first meeting later this year. Additional information, including meeting notices and opportunities for public engagement, will be published in the Federal Register and on the CMS website. For more information, visit: www.cms.gov/priorities/healthcare-advisory-committee/overview ### Get CMS news at cms.gov/newsroom , sign up for CMS news via email and follow CMS on X @CMSgov Previous Newsroom Article