HDMA names new health policy guru

ARLINGTON, Va. Aligning itself with a new presidential administration dedicated to health reform efforts and a new Congress, the Healthcare Distribution Management Association has named Thomas Phan, a veteran of Capitol Hill and health policymaking, as its new director of healthcare policy.

In his new post, Phan will develop and implement HDMA’s public policy initiatives on healthcare reform, Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement policy, emergency preparedness and other important issues that will affect the safety, value and efficiency of the healthcare supply chain.

The hire marks a significant increase in efforts by HDMA, which represents the nation’s wholesale drug companies, to shape federal health policy in a shifting health care landscape.

Most recently, Phan worked for the Senate Special Committee on Aging under former ranking minority member Gordon Smith, R-OR, where he provided technical, policy analysis and counsel. He also served as an advisor on issues pertaining to Medicare, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, medical technologies and drug reimbursement.

Previously, Phan worked as a Policy Coordinator and a Legislative Analyst at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he managed the development of Medicare and Medicaid program policy on behalf of the HHS secretary.

“In a year when healthcare issues are at the top of the legislative agenda in Washington, D.C. and in the states, Thomas brings an extensive background on healthcare policy, particularly on Medicare and Medicaid issues,” said Scott Melville, HDMA senior VP of Government Affairs. “His vast policy knowledge and experience – at both legislative and executive levels of government – is a great addition to the HDMA Government Affairs team.”