Who: Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), 80
New role: Incoming chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. With Republicans winning control of the Senate, Hatch will replace Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) at the helm of the powerful committee, which plays a key role in healthcare legislation.
Previous chairmanships: During his seven terms, Hatch has been no stranger to wielding a gavel. He chaired the Labor and Human Resources Committee from 1981 to 1987. And the last time the GOP ran the Senate, Hatch chaired the Judiciary Committee.
Repeal and replace: Hatch is a co-author of what many observers consider the most credible GOP plan to replace Obamacare. The proposal would scrap Medicaid expansion in favor of block grants to the states and largely replace premium subsidies with tax breaks to help low-income individuals buy coverage. It would also expand the use of health savings accounts and impose stricter limits on medical malpractice lawsuits.
Health expertise: Hatch's top health staffer will be Jay Khosla, who was senior health policy adviser to GOP nominee Sen. John McCain during the 2008 presidential campaign. “(Hatch) has a deep knowledge of healthcare,” said Stephen Northrup, a GOP lobbyist who served as health policy director for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. “He has put together a deep and seasoned staff in preparation for this opportunity.”
