July 15, 2020
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| Robert C. Bennett |
Robert C. Bennett, an Austin-based health policy expert, was named the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA’s) vice president of medical economics. In his new role, Mr. Bennett will develop and manage TMA’s medical economic policy and advocacy at the state and national level. He also will develop strategies and support services that help physicians navigate health care rules and regulations, while leading a staff division.
“I am very excited to have Robert joining the TMA staff,” said Michael Darrouzet, TMA executive vice president/CEO. “His extensive experience in organized medicine and medical economics will expand upon our existing strengths and create new opportunities for TMA to help physicians and their patients.”
Mr. Bennett served as federal regulatory manager for the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) for 10 years. He was responsible for forming AAFP responses to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Food and Drug Administration, Government Accountability Office, and other federal agencies. Prior to joining AAFP, Mr. Bennett worked for the Medical Group Management Association as a federal legislative lobbyist focusing on Medicare payments. He also worked for the CMS Office of the Administrator and CMS Office of Communications as a liaison to physician and other medical organizations.
Mr. Bennett said physicians deserve more autonomy to care for their patients, and hopes his new role at TMA will help them navigate red tape, particularly as the health care system is changing.
“Physicians need to be well informed of their options in evolving away from fee for service and into alternative payment models,” Mr. Bennett said. “I hope to improve the practice of medicine for all Texas physicians by working to reduce needless administrative burdens caused by public and private payers.”
Mr. Bennett is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor of arts degree in history and a minor in English.
TMA is the largest state medical society in the nation, representing more than 53,000 physician and medical student members. It is located in Austin and has 110 component county medical societies around the state. TMA’s key objective since 1853 is to improve the health of all Texans.
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