Eric Hargen

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma and television personality Mehmet Oz, M.D., are rumored to be on a list of potential candidates to replace former Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, M.D.

On Oct. 11, Trump named HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan as acting secretary.

Politico reported in early October that President Donald Trump was considering at least a dozen names for the post after Price resigned over criticism about his use of private and military jets. 

In addition to Verma, who can list a strong working relationship with Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) also was mentioned as a possible replacement. However, his chances could be dimmed due to backlash over his handling of the Hurricane Irma-related deaths at a Hollywood, FL, nursing home, some observers said.

Other potential candidates were reported to include Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin.