Hash joins top execs exiting HHS

Michael Hash, director of HHS' Office of Health Reform and a key figure in implementing the federal healthcare law, is retiring. Hash becomes the latest top HHS official to step down in recent weeks as the first open enrollment period under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act concluded.

Last month, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that she was resigning after five years in the post. President Barack Obama appointed Sylvia Mathews Burwell, director of the Office of Management and Budget, to succeed her. Burwell is scheduled to testify on Thursday at a confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

The Obama administration's top Medicare official, Jonathan Blum, announced his resignation last month. His last day is expected to be May 16.

Hash has been with the administration since 2009. He played a key role in passage and implementation of the landmark healthcare law. Hash also served in the administration of President Bill Clinton and was a staffer on the House Energy and Commerce Committee under then-Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Cal.).

The Wall Street Journal first reported Hash's departure.

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