Senate Finance Committee holds hearing for HHS secretary nominee

Jan 09, 2018 - 02:56 PM

The Senate Finance Committee today held a hearing for Alex Azar, President Trump’s nominee for secretary of Health and Human Services. Azar, former president of Lilly USA and deputy HHS secretary under the George W. Bush administration, faced a number of questions from senators about his ties to the pharmaceutical industry and how he would tackle high drug prices. If confirmed, Azar said he would focus his efforts on addressing the high cost of drugs; making health care more affordable, available and “tailored to what individuals want and need in their care”; harnessing “the power of Medicare to shift the focus in our health care system from paying for procedures and sickness to paying for health and outcomes”; and tackling “the scourge of the opioid epidemic.” Tom Price, M.D., resigned as HHS secretary last September. Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan has been serving as acting secretary.

Related News Articles

Headline
U.S. uninsured rate increased between 2023 and 2024
The Census Bureau reported (https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2025/demo/acsbr-024.pdf) that the uninsured rate increased nationally to 8.2% in 2024…
Headline
AHA urges FTC, DOJ to investigate anticompetitive activity by drug companies on 340B rebate models 
The AHA Sept. 8 urged the Federal Trade Commission and Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice to investigate several drug companies’ concerted efforts…
Perspective
Gearing Up for a Busy Fall as We Urge Congress to Support Hospitals and Protect Access to Care
Public
Congress returns to Washington, D.C., this week facing a long list of things to do, including several that will impact hospitals’ ability to provide access to…
Headline
HHS announces expansion of health coverage access through new hardship guidance
The Department of Health and Human Services Sept. 4 announced new hardship exemption guidance that would allow consumers ineligible for premium tax credits or…
Headline
CMS announces changes to AHEAD Model for states
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Innovation Center Sept. 2 announced changes to the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design…
Headline
HHS announces access to real-time drug pricing, changes to prior authorization
The Department of Health and Human Services today announced prescription drug reforms that will become effective Oct. 1 originating from the Health Data,…