Thomas A. Scully

Thomas A. Scully (2017)

Thomas A. Scully is an American government official and business executive known for his role as the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from 2001 to 2003. His tenure at CMS was marked by significant changes in the Medicare program, including the introduction of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which added Medicare Part D to provide seniors with prescription drug coverage.

Early Life and Education

Thomas A. Scully grew up in a family deeply involved in politics and public service. He pursued his higher education at the University of Virginia, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in history. Following his undergraduate studies, Scully obtained a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, setting the stage for his future career in health policy and administration.

Career

Before his appointment as the Administrator of CMS, Scully had a diverse career in both the public and private sectors. He served as a senior counsel at the United States Senate Committee on Finance, where he worked on health policy issues. Scully also held positions in the George H.W. Bush administration, including Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

In the private sector, Scully was a partner in a law firm, where he specialized in health care law. He also served as the president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, representing investor-owned hospitals across the United States.

Tenure at CMS

Scully's leadership at CMS was a period of significant reform for the Medicare program. He was a key figure in the development and implementation of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. This legislation represented the most substantial expansion of Medicare since its inception, introducing Medicare Part D to help seniors with the costs of their prescription medications.

Scully's tenure was not without controversy. He was known for his outspoken and sometimes confrontational style, which was a departure from the typically low-profile nature of CMS administrators. His advocacy for private sector involvement in Medicare, including the expansion of Medicare Advantage plans, was praised by some but criticized by others who were concerned about the privatization of Medicare.

Post-CMS Career

After leaving CMS in 2003, Scully returned to the private sector, where he has continued to be involved in health care investment and consulting. He has served on the boards of multiple health care companies and has been a partner in private equity firms specializing in health care investments.

Legacy

Thomas A. Scully's legacy in health care policy is complex. His efforts to reform Medicare and introduce prescription drug coverage have had a lasting impact on the program and its beneficiaries. However, his tenure also sparked debate about the role of the private sector in public health programs and the future direction of Medicare.

See Also

• Medicare (United States)
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Medicare Part D
• Medicare Advantage