January 2015

CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner announced today that she would be stepping down as the Administrator of CMS at the end of February. Ms. Tavenner served as acting Administrator of CMS from 2011–13 and was finally confirmed as Administrator in 2013. Tavenner oversaw the troubled rollout of the Affordable Care Act public enrollment. Tavenner also received significant criticism from Congress for releasing information that exaggerated by 393,000 the number of people who enrolled for health insurance. It was found that 393,000 individuals were double counted because they enrolled for both health insurance and dental insurance.

Despite Tavenner's oversight of the troubled ACA implementation, she generally enjoyed good relations with Congress and provider groups. She began her position with significant goodwill because of her long-time working relationship with former Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA). Both Tavenner and Cantor worked together on health issues in Virginia over their respective careers.

CMS Principal Deputy Administrator Andy Slavitt will serve as acting administrator after Tavenner's departure.