BCBSA Applauds Selection of Two Experienced Healthcare Leaders
March 3, 2009
WASHINGTON – Scott P. Serota, president and chief executive officer of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) released the following statement regarding President Obama's nomination of Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius to be secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Nancy-Ann DeParle to be director of the White House Office of Health Reform:
"In selecting Gov. Sebelius as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, President Obama has again demonstrated his commitment to healthcare reform.
"Gov. Sebelius has been a strong advocate of expanding access and making healthcare more affordable. She has an impressive record as a governor and as former insurance commissioner, and is a passionate believer in the need to expand coverage, and lower costs, promote prevention and wellness efforts, and encourage the use of health information technology.
Nancy-Ann DeParle is an excellent choice to lead the new White House Office of Health Reform. She brings a long resume of experience and understanding of healthcare policy at the state and federal level, and at the same time knows first hand how the healthcare system impacts working families struggling to afford care.
"BCBSA and the 39 independent, locally operated, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies share Gov. Sebelius' commitment to making quality, affordable healthcare available to everyone.
"We agree that healthcare reform is urgently needed and look forward to working with Gov. Sebelius, Ms. DeParle, the administration and Congress."
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 nearly 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.
