Now that Dr. Don Berwick has moved on, Marilyn Tavenner takes over today as new acting head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

A nurse by training, Ms. Tavenner is generally well regarded by medical groups and even politicians on both sides of the political aisle. She'll be charged with implementing and defending the Affordable Care Act for the forseeable future.

Marilyn Tavenner

Speaking of ACA implementation, the Health and Human Services Department has passed out another $220 million in grants to help states set up health insurance exchanges. States have until 2013 to set up an exchange, or else the government will set one up for them.

For more on that and to hear about new co-pay-free services for Medicare beneficiaries, listen to this week's Policy & Practice Podcast. 

---Frances Correa (@FMCReporting)

12/05/11  

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