Marilyn Tavenner will not likely be confirmed as the head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, lacking the support of the 60 senators necessary for her confirmation, Senate Democrats said, The Wall Street Journal reported. Although Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) said he did not disapprove of Tavenner's qualifications, it would be "virtually impossible" for her to secure the nomination.
Tavenner followed Don Berwick's surprise resignation last fall. Unlike Berwick's vocal praising of the British approach to healthcare, which didn't always sit well with Republicans, Tavenner assumed her acting administrator position with praise from providers and a reputation of not being tied to a political agenda. Blog post