CMS nominee Verma backs PBMs in Medicare Part D

During the course of her confirmation hearing to serve as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Seema Verma was asked her opinion on allowing the federal government to negotiate drug prices within Medicare Part D.

"Do you believe that Medicare programs should negotiate the best price for seniors in Medicare?" asked U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).

Verma, who serves as CEO and founder of national healthcare consultancy SVC, Inc., replied by expressing her support for the negotiations already taking place in Medicare Part D through the pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that administer the program.

"I think that we need to do everything that we can to make drugs more affordable for seniors," said Verma. "I'm thankful that we have the PBMs in the Part D program that are performing that negotiation on behalf of seniors."

View the full video of Verma's conformation hearing here. 

Verma is known to be close to Vice President Mike Pence who, as Indiana governor, brought in Verma to build the "Healthy Indiana Plan," which was the state's version of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.

"I humbly accepted President Trump’s call to service because I understand what is at stake," said Verma in her testimony. "I have never stood on the sidelines of our nation’s health care debate, merely pointing out what is
wrong with our health care system."

She added, "I have spent my entire life helping the most disadvantaged in our society receive the kind of accessible, affordable and competent health care service that our country’s health care system is renowned for."

Trump noted Verma's experience when, as president-elect, he announced her nomination.

“She has decades of experience advising on Medicare and Medicaid policy and helping states navigate our complicated systems," said Trump. "Together, Chairman Price and Seema Verma are the dream team that will transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Americans.”