Mike Crapo Underscores Need To Reform Current ‘Bureaucratic, Disjointed’ U.S. Healthcare System

During Tuesday’s Senate Finance Committee hearing, Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) spoke about the need to introduce reforms to the U.S. healthcare system.

Transcript

00:00This hearing will come to order.

00:02Today we meet to consider the nominations of Mr. Jim O'Neill to serve as Deputy Secretary

00:07of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Mr. Gary Andres to serve as

00:13Department Assistant Secretary for Legislation.

00:17Congratulations on your nominations.

00:20Thank you both for meeting with bipartisan members and our staff throughout this process.

00:25These conversations have provided us the opportunity to highlight our priorities and learn more

00:29about how each of you would approach your roles at HHS.

00:34During the hearings for Secretary Kennedy and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator

00:40Oz, I noted the size and scope of the department as well as the importance of the programs it

00:45oversees to millions of Americans.

00:49If confirmed, he will play an integral part in managing the department, coordinating and

00:53communicating across often siloed agencies with Capitol Hill.

00:59In many ways, our healthcare system reflects a bureaucratic, disjointed department.

01:05Well intended programs and initiatives can be conflicting, confusing, and in practice, ineffective.

01:12While this dynamic presents significant challenges, it also offers opportunities for transformative

01:18solutions that benefit patients, providers, innovators, and taxpayers.

01:24Much like HHS, patients are best served when our healthcare system functions as a team, relying

01:31on a variety of provider perspectives and talents to deliver patient-centered, high-quality outcomes.

01:36By rethinking the outdated strategy of late-stage, symptom-based care, we can address the underlying

01:44causes of chronic conditions that drive up costs for patients and taxpayers.

01:49Having previously served at the department, Mr. O'Neill understands the multifaceted nature

01:54of HHS and the importance of internal collaboration to accomplishing shared goals.

02:02If confirmed, he will have cross-cutting insight into the efforts of each division within the

02:07department, allowing him to integrate effective actions and make our healthcare system more

02:12proactive.

02:13Mr. Andres is a veteran of Capitol Hill and has a deep understanding of how to implement a successful

02:19legislative agenda.

02:22I'm confident he will be an asset to Congress as we seek input on development of legislation

02:27and updates on departmental actions.

02:31Americans deserve a transparent, responsive healthcare system that empowers consumer choice,

02:36drives competition, and spurs innovation and rewards values.

02:42This committee has taken bipartisan steps to achieve these goals by acting to reform our prescription

02:47drug supply chain, fix our broken clinician payment system, and expand access to mental health

02:53in rural areas, including through telehealth.

02:57If confirmed, I look forward to continuing these efforts with each of you.

03:03Thank you both for your willingness to serve.