Who to watch in politics and policy in 2015

Tavenner

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Haslam

Sen. Mitch McConnell: The Kentucky Republican now controls the Senate's agenda as the majority leader. But it's unclear whether he can get enough votes or find procedural maneuvers to make significant changes to healthcare policy

Hatch

Loretta Lynch: The U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York is President Barack Obama's nominee for U.S. attorney general. If she is confirmed, would succeed Eric Holder, who formed an aggressive healthcare fraud task force with HHS and has tallied significant numbers in False Claims Act recoveries and fraud convictions.

Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald: McDonald secured a $16 billion funding package to improve healthcare for veterans after assuming the role amid a nationwide scandal over long wait times for appointments. He still has significant work ahead to recruit physicians and nurses needed to fill the gaps in access to care.

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan: The Wisconsin Republican is now chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, giving him a new platform to push his proposals to overhaul Medicare and Medicaid.

Murthy