Statement by AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka On the Appointment of Dr. Don Berwick To Lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

We applaud the appointment today of Don Berwick, M.D., to direct the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). There is no better
individual than Dr. Berwick to lead the effort to transform our health
care system into one that provides every patient with the best possible
care at every interaction. Dr. Berwick's appointment comes at a
critical time, as key improvements in Medicare, for early retirees, and
for Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act go into effect this summer.

Sadly, Republicans have chosen to ignore Dr. Berwick's record and the
near universal accolades from his profession. Instead, they are using
his nomination to carry on their cynical attacks on the Affordable Care
Act, placing petty politics ahead of both medical science and the
American people. Despite their partisan attacks, Dr. Berwick has the
support of 3 former Republican-appointed CMS administrators, who
recognize his expertise and his commitment to patient-centered care.

Working families are pleased to join the broad array of consumers and
health care providers who have endorsed Dr. Berwick's nomination. His
appointment today finally puts us on a clear path to a higher quality,
lower cost health care system.