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It's a propitious time, at least for conservatives, for Alex Azar to take the top job at HHS. All elements have aligned for him to mold the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid and Medicare according to a vision they can support. Things have changed since Azar last served at HHS under President George W. Bush. The ACA didn't exist then, and the Bush era's major overhaul to Medicare with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D became Azar's signature accomplishments during his time at the department. (Luthi, 1/13)

President Donald Trump’s nominee to oversee health care services for two million Native Americans — who already faces questions about whether he is qualified — failed to disclose donations to the Trump campaign in his official Senate questionnaire, Roll Call has learned. Robert Weaver, a health insurance salesman and consultant who was nominated in October to lead the $6.1-billion Indian Health Service, has been touted by the administration as “a staunch advocate of innovative programs to improve Native American health.” But some lawmakers are concerned that the administration inflated his qualifications. (Siddons, 1/12)