HHS taps former CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield executive as senior drug pricing adviser

The Department of Health and Human Services has named a new adviser to oversee its drug pricing initiatives. John O’Brien, a pharmacist and adviser to HHS Secretary Alex Azar on health reform and drug pricing policy, was named senior adviser for drug pricing reform, HHS announced. He joined HHS after serving as vice president of public policy at CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield. O’Brien also has a prior stint at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on his resume, HHS said. “John O’Brien has already been an integral leader in HHS’ efforts to bring down the high price of prescription drugs,” Azar said. “As a senior adviser, he will carry forward the legacy of our departed colleague Dan Best and build on the substantial progress that has already been made.”