Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster
The Florida Medical Association is praising Donald Trump for his Health and Human Services pick.
The Associated Press reported on Monday that the president-elect selected Georgia Rep. Tom Price, a critic of the Affordable Care Act, to head the Department of Health and Human Services. If confirmed by the Senate, he is expected to play a critical role in Republican efforts to repeal and replace the current health care law.
“As a physician, Dr. Price understands the impact that government policies have on the delivery of care and we believe he will bring common-sense solutions to the challenges facing our health care system,” said Dr. David Becker, president of the Florida Medical Association.
Price, a 62-year-old six term congressman and orthopedic surgeon, has chaired the House Budget Committee for the past two years. A conservative from the Atlanta suburbs, he has worked closely with House Speaker Paul Ryan to craft GOP budgets aimed at reducing the deficit.
“President-elect Trump has made an excellent decision in nominating Dr. Price,” said FMA CEO Timothy J. Stapleton. “He has spent his entire career serving as an advocate for patients, as both a physician and a legislator. We look forward to working with him to improve our nation’s health care system.”
He’s been one of the leading critics of President Barack Obama’s signature health care law. According to the Associated Press, Price has said whatever Republicans do to replace the law will bear a “significant resemblance” to a 2015 proposal vetoed by the president.
Price has also insisted Republicans can keep protections for people with existing medical conditions, without requiring that all people have coverage or pay a penalty to support an expanded insurance poll.
Trump, according to the Associated Press, was expected to formally announce Price’s nomination as early as Tuesday morning.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, reprinted with permission.
