Bush names EPA chief as new HHS secretary

Washington -- President Bush's nominee for Health and Human Services secretary, Michael Leavitt, gained most of his health care experience overseeing Utah's Medicaid program when he was that state's governor.

Leavitt is currently serving as secretary of the Environmental Protection Agency. He will have to be confirmed by the Senate before he can take over from outgoing HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson.

AMA President John C. Nelson, MD, MPH, called Leavitt "a true consensus builder and negotiator." Dr. Nelson served as Utah's deputy director of health during Leavitt's tenure.

The governor has a record of working well with physicians in the state and is a great administrator, which is just what is called for in an HHS secretary, said a spokesman for the Utah Medical Assn.

In 2002, Utah expanded its Medicaid program to offer a new primary care benefit package to previously uninsured residents, while reducing benefits for some current beneficiaries. The program can cover between 17,000 and 25,000 residents, depending on financial resources.

In accepting the nomination, Leavitt pointed to his personal experience with Medicaid reform, which he said has left him with "a sense of gratitude." He also said he looked forward to working on the Medicare prescription drug program, medical liability reform and reducing health care costs.

Thompson hailed his potential successor. "Mike knows how to make government work for the benefit of our citizens in a way that is responsible to taxpayers. He knows the value of bringing people together to solve the tough challenges facing America," he said.

Leavitt's experience with Medicaid may signal a wish by the Bush administration to continue efforts to reform the program, which is eating up an increasing share of state budgets, as well as federal money, experts said.