CMS’ Blum Promoted To Principal Deputy Administrator

From: Inside Health Policy

CMS’ Medicare chief Jonathan Blum has been promoted to principal deputy administrator of CMS, Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner announced in an email obtained by Inside Health Policy. Blum will also continue his duties as Medicare director, Tavenner said.

In the email Tavenner noted that Blum, who joined CMS in March 2009, “has been instrumental in our efforts to implement the Affordable Care Act and strengthen Medicare by providing beneficiaries with access to new preventive benefits and lower cost prescription drugs as well as launching accountable care organizations and linking payment to quality.”

Prior to joining CMS, Blum worked at the Office of Management and Budget, Senate Finance Committee and Avalere Health. “As we continue our important work to implement the Affordable Care Act, Jon and I will work closely together,” Tavenner wrote, adding: “Please join me in giving Jon your full support as we continue our efforts.” — Amy Lotven