Newton's Don Berwick Gets Recess Appointment to Top Health Post

Newton Highlands resident Don Berwick's appointment to head the Medicare and Medicaid programs faced an uncertain future in the Senate until President Obama announced Tuesday that he will bypas the Senate and use his recess appointment powers to install Dr. Berwick this week.

This is exciting news, since Don Berwick is a brilliant visionary health policy leader who will do great work in transforming and modernizing our Federal heatlth care programs for the poor, disabled, and senior citizens. I expect that within a year, he will implement reforms that make these agencies more efficient and responsive. He will also be an invaluable voice in overall health care policy. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if after his stint as Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Berwick is promoted to Health and Human Services Secretary.

I feel much better about health care reform knowing that Don Berwick will be on the team making it happen. Congratulations to Dr. Berwick and to President Obama for his wise decision!