HHS Releases Statement on Andrea Palm’s Confirmation as Deputy Secretary

The Department of Health and Human Services has released a statement on Andrea Palm’s confirmation as the department’s deputy secretary, a role responsible for seeing day-to-day operations.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, a 2021 Wash100 winner, swore Palm in after the Senate voted 61-37 on Tuesday to appoint her to the role. She passed a Senate Finance Committee vote on April 22. 

“I have no doubt she will hit the ground running and be a crucial partner as we work tirelessly to tackle this pandemic, expand affordable health care, and build a healthier country for all Americans,” Becerra said in a statement released Wednesday.

Becerra said Palm brings with her valuable experience from her time as secretary-designee of Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services. 

In the said role, Palm was in charge of Wisconsin’s Medicaid program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and behavioral health programs, among others. 

She also held various leadership roles in the Obama administration’s HHS. She served as acting assistant secretary for legislation, counselor, chief of staff and senior counselor to the secretary. 

During her eight-year tenure, she worked on the Affordable Care Act and provided leadership for the government’s fight against the opioid epidemic.

Palm said she will now focus on tackling the coronavirus pandemic, ensuring efficient and equitable vaccine distribution and improving mental health care. 

David Skorton, president and CEO of the Association of American Medical Colleges nonprofit, said Palm “is well-qualified to help lead HHS’s efforts to enhance the health and well-being of everyone through the department’s public health and research missions.”

The AAMC was a supporter of Palm’s nomination for deputy secretary. In an April 12 letter to the Senate, the association pointed to her experience in health policy role and her contributions to Wisconsin’s pandemic response.