MedCity News Quotes Matt Hittle on New CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure

Akin Gump senior policy advisor Matt Hittle has been quoted throughout the MedCity News article “What does a former Seema Verma advisor think of Brooks-LaSure, the incoming CMS administrator?” Hittle, who served as senior advisor to former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma, offered his thoughts on Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, who was recently confirmed by the U.S. Senate for that same position.

Hittle praised Brooks-LaSure for her experience and willingness to listen to a wide range of stakeholders, which he described as key strengths. “Brooks-LaSure doesn’t really have a track record of grudges against any particular industry,” said Hittle. “She will likely be focused on priorities the administration has laid out in terms of expanding coverage, but it’s also fair to say the administration and Congress have put a lot on her plate to start, like a quick timeline for surprise medical billing rules.”

Hittle added, “It will be important for [Brooks-LaSure] to get ongoing, robust stakeholder engagement on the order of what CMS did during the height of the pandemic, such as weekly calls with stakeholder groups.”

Senior care, Hittle said, is one area where she will be called upon to make serious changes. “The nursing home regulatory and enforcement system is likely to be among the first issues she addresses in her role,” he observed. “The Biden-Harris campaign promised reforms including an increase in fines and increased infection control measures.” Hittle also predicted there will be an increased focus on boosting the regulatory regime as well as enforcement.

While it is “too early to tell whether there are going to be major battles on topics such as a public option” on Capitol Hill, Hittle said that as the next election cycle approaches, “it is likely congressional Democrats and the administration are going to take care not to put moderate Democrats into delicate spots taking votes they don’t need to take.”

Earlier this year, Hittle co-authored an Akin Gump client alert about Brooks-LaSure following news of her nomination for the CMS post. (Click here to read that.)