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Former Medicare Chief Reflects On Health Law

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Dr. Don Berwick (Jesse Costa/WBUR)
Dr. Don Berwick (Jesse Costa/Here & Now)

When in Boston, President Obama will meet with Dr. Don Berwick, a Democratic candidate for governor of Massachusetts in 2014.

Berwick was also Obama's pick to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, right after the Affordable Health Care act was passed.

Berwick's critics say the contracts that laid the groundwork for today's problems were issued on his watch.

Interview Highlights: Dr. Don Berwick

On his statements about resources for the Affordable Care Act

"I didn't say we didn't have enough money to do our job, I said that we were operating under serious resource constraints. Congress allocated a certain amount of money for implementation, more would have been better, but I was confident then and I'm confident now that this law will be effectively implemented. We'll get this job done."

An optimistic prediction

"I think the Democratic Party and those that support the Affordable Care Act are going to be proud of what they've done. I think the public will come to realize the enormous benefits this is bringing. I'm confident that this is going to come out as good for the country, benefiting millions and millions of Americans."

Guest

  • Dr. Don Berwick, candidate for governor of Massachusetts and former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

This segment aired on October 30, 2013.

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