Former CMS exec heads to Deloitte

Danielle Moon, a former top official within the CMS, has joined consulting giant Deloitte's healthcare practice as a federal health-policy analyst.

Moon, 42, most recently served as the director of Medicare's Drug and Health Plan Contract Administration Group, a division responsible for the oversight of the Medicare Advantage program. Private health insurers contract with the CMS to offer Medicare Advantage plans, a form of managed care. About 15.7 million people are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, or about 30% of all Medicare beneficiaries.

Medicare Advantage has been a hot-button issue, as insurers have faced steep payment cuts from the federal government. Several studies have shown Medicare Advantage plans have been overpaid since their inception more than a decade ago, and payment reductions would put them more in line with traditional Medicare payments.

Moon also held a top leadership role within the Medicare Enrollment and Appeals Group, which oversees the enrollment policies for all of Medicare's programs. She has more than 17 years of experience working at the CMS and HHS' Office of Inspector General.

Terri Cooper, leader of Deloitte's federal health sector, said in a statement that Moon's knowledge of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act “will be instrumental in strengthening our brand in both the private and public healthcare marketplace.”

Follow Bob Herman on Twitter: @MHbherman

Have news to share about executive comings, goings or promotions? E-mail News Editor John N. Frank at [email protected].