Elizabeth Fowler brings combination of Capitol Hill, White House and pharma industry experience to the role of director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

Policymakers should instead focus on increasing efficiencies in drug development, distribution and reimbursement, National Academies report says, while also seeking broad policies like HHS direct negotiation for drug prices in Medicare.

Senate Finance confirmation hearing concluded without a vote on Xavier Becerra’s nomination as Health and Human Services Department secretary. Republicans continued to express concerns with his background and views. But he is expected to win enough votes to clear the committee.