BCBSA Applauds Governor Sebelius' Confirmation As HHS Secretary
April 29, 2009
WASHINGTON – Scott P. Serota, president and chief executive officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate confirmation of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
"We are very pleased with the Senate's confirmation of Kathleen Sebelius as the secretary of Health and Human Services. Secretary Sebelius has a strong record of proven leadership that is needed as our country faces serious challenges – from H1N1 flu to healthcare reform that delivers coverage for everyone, improved outcomes and reins in consumers' and employers' costs.
"Secretary Sebelius has long been an advocate of expanding access and making healthcare more affordable. We look forward to working with her, the Obama administration and members of Congress on comprehensive healthcare reform this year that builds on the existing employer-based system of coverage to expand coverage to all Americans and improve quality while reining-in costs.
"Now is the time for all of us who are passionate about healthcare to roll up our sleeves and work together. BCBSA and the 39 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies look forward to working with Secretary Sebelius and the new administration toward our shared goal of making quality, affordable healthcare available to everyone."
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 39 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for 100 million members - one-in-three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com.
