Charlene Frizzera is an experienced health care professional with a background leading the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the largest purchaser of health care in the United States. She has significant expertise in reimbursement matters, fraud and abuse issues, and health care reform. At FaegreBD Consulting, Charlene works with clients, CMS and Congress to influence laws, regulations and policies.
Charlene worked in various positions at CMS for more than 30 years, eventually serving as Chief Operating Officer. Most recently, she was Acting Administrator of the agency, leading the policy and operational aspects of the Medicare Programs, the Medicaid Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. In recognition of her outstanding leadership at CMS, Charlene received the Presidential Rank Award in 2000 and 2008. After leaving the agency, she formed an independent consulting firm that advised clients on health care reform and Medicare and Medicaid program issues.
As Acting Administrator of CMS, Charlene led the agency in implementing an aggressive fraud, waste and abuse reduction program, the Affordable Care Act and the Medicare Modernization Act, which required development of the prescription drug program. As a result, Charlene provides clients with valuable knowledge regarding how and where they should interface with CMS departments and divisions to achieve their business goals and comply with relevant legislation, regulations and reimbursement requirements.
- Presidential Rank Award (top one percent of the country's Senior Executive Service in recognition of outstanding leadership) — 2000 and 2008
- Medicare Trustees Board — Secretary, 2010
- National Health Policy Forum — Steering Committee, 2008
- Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) — Faculty of Medicaid Commission
- National Association of Medicaid Directors — Alumni Member