Medical Device Makers Ready to Work with New HHS Secretary

The medical device industry is ready to work with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who was confirmed Tuesday by the Senate and fills President Obama’s last cabinet seat.

Sebelius, former Democratic governor of Kansas for six years, received approval from the Senate, 65-31, with then-Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who announced the same day he is switching to the Democratic Party, voting yes.

The medical device industry, which has been in the legislative crosshairs lately following the recent introductions of industry-specific bills in both houses of Congress, seems ready to work with HHS’ new chief.

“AdvaMed looks forward to working with Secretary Sebelius as the administration and Congress begin developing specific plans to reform the healthcare system. The medical technology industry is committed to ensuring that all American’s have access to affordable, quality insurance and the most effective medical innovations to meet their individual needs,” said Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of Washington, D.C.-based AdvaMed.

Sebelius, who is a former president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, will lead the administration’s goal of passing universal healthcare legislation and is tasked with working with Congress to receive more money for pandemic flu preparation, vaccine development and aid to state and local health departments.

Republicans had delayed the vote because of concerns about Sebelius’s support of abortion. Some Republicans also asserted that she and the administration intended to ration healthcare using the results of research comparing the cost and effectiveness of different treatments.

The GOP’s Sam Brownback and Pat Roberts of Kansas, and Susan Collins and Olympia J. Snowe (both of Maine), also voted for Sebelius.