100 Most Influential People in Healthcare – 2016

• Compensation: $130,000 - according to Ballotpedia.com
• Years on list: 1

Edwards, a Democrat, ran on a promise to make Louisiana the first state in the Deep South to expand Medicaid. His approach, combined with the serious flaws of his opponent, the once-favorite U.S. Sen. David Vitter, won him the governorship. The expansion followed immediately, with Edwards calling it "the easiest big decision I'll ever make." Hospitals in the state approved of the decision, but still worried about potential budget cuts and adequate reimbursement rates. Edwards said he will continue to pursue payment and delivery reform models.