People to Watch in 2014: Policy and Politics

Berwick (right), the CMS administrator during President Barack Obama's first term, is running for Democratic nomination for governor in Massachusetts.

Can she keep Catholic providers in the fold behind Obamacare despite the birth-control coverage mandate? Although the Catholic Health Association was satisfied with the Obama administration's workaround for religious not-for-profit organizations, some healthcare organizations are among the many plaintiffs suing to overturn the rule.Nuns already have conscience protections, Justice Department saysNew York Catholic health system wins ruling against contraception mandateCHA satisfied with Obama contraception solutionVideo interview with Keehan at the American College of Healthcare Executives' 2013 meeting

Kitzhaber

Will he again push major Medicare and Medicaid restructuring? Ryan and his healthcare proposals were part of the GOP's losing ticket for the White House in 2012. Late last year he reasserted himself in the party's leadership with a budget compromise with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). That deal largely steered clear of entitlement programs, but Medicare and Medicaid reform remain at the top of his policy agenda. Budget deal isn't all good newsFollow Ryan on Twitter: @PRyan

Can he keep skittish congressional Democrats in the corral? The White House called back former aide Philip Schiliro to work with the CMS, HHS and members of Congress to coordinate the increasingly messy rollout of the Affordable Care Act. Former top healthcare aide returns to White House

Given the botched HealthCare.gov rollout, will she keep her job? President Barack Obama stood by her even during the worst of the problems with the site. Now she must steer through new operational challenges as the administration attempts to enroll millions of Americans in new coverage amid confusion in the marketplace and continued political opposition.10 GOP senators ask Obama to fire Sebelius

Facing re-election in November, will she stay in the corral? National conservative PACs are running attack ads in the swing state tying the vulnerable Democratic senator to the troubled Obamacare rollout.Health law's troubles give GOP a much needed boostFollow Shaheen on Twitter: @SenatorShaheen

How will her actions affect health systems' borrowing ability and access to capital? The newly minted Federal Reserve chief will guide the tapering of monetary stimulus that could increase the costs of borrowing for hospitals. Hospitals eye fed moves