Letter of Support for Marilyn Tavenner

December 15, 2011

Dear Chairman Baucus and Ranking Member Hatch:

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is pleased that Ms. Marilyn Tavenner has been nominated for the position of Administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). With over three million members and supporters, many of whom rely heavily upon Medicare and/or Medicaid benefits for their health care, the National Committee is well aware of the importance of having a capable Administrator, and we urge the Senate to proceed quickly with the hearing and confirmation processes.

The combination of Ms. Tavenner's skills and experience makes her highly qualified to oversee CMS' efforts to improve the cost and quality of health care for older and disabled individuals. Ms. Tavenner has held several senior-level positions in the health care field, both in the private and public sectors. These include Principal Deputy Administrator at CMS, Commonwealth of Virginia Secretary of Health and Human Resources, President of the Hospital Corporation of America 's Central Atlantic Division and Group President of Outpatient Services. Currently, as the CMS Acting Administrator, Ms. Tavenner is responsible for ensuring high-quality health care coverage is delivered to 100 million individuals and managing 10 regional offices and over 4,000 employees across the country.

With her background at CMS and in the broader health care field, Ms. Tavenner has demonstrated that she is a leader who clearly understands and cares about improving the health care system in our country. The National Committee strongly supports her nomination, and believes that she will be an excellent Administrator.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to serving the health care needs of vulnerable Americans. The National Committee looks forward to working with you to further enhance our nation's health care system.

Sincerely,

Max Richtman
President & CEO