What To Expect From Kathleen Sebelius As Secretary of Health and Human Services

What To Expect From Kathleen Sebelius As Secretary of Health and Human Services in Politics and Legislation

Today, President Barack Obama will round out his cabinet with the official nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius for Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, reported The New York Times.

The Obama Administration has had just under a month to vet Governor Sebelius, plenty of time to avoid any similar problems that arose with former Senator Tom Daschle.

But Governor Sebelius could face resistance and hard questions from Senate Republicans who will question her support of a bigger government role in health care and abortion rights.

So what can the health care industry expect from Sebelius as HHS chief?

Based on her track record as governor and Kansas insurance commissioner, Sebelius shares much of President Obama’s vision on health reform such as expanding children’s health insurance with the State Children’s Health Insurance Program and giving more Americans access to Medicaid.

Governor Sebelius also proved she will stand up to the health insurance industry. As insurance commissioner, she blocked the purchase of Kansas’ largest insurer by another company. It all went to the Kansas Supreme Court, where Sebelius’ decision was eventually upheld and the sale was stopped.

Sebelius was also lauded for fighting health plans from rationing care and fighting health care providers from discharging patients early, wrote the Times article.

On the other hand, as governor of Kansas, Sebelius has been unable to push any health care reform policies due to tough resistance from Republican lawmakers.

But on the federal level, Sebelius will enjoy a Democratic majority in both Houses of U.S. Congress, which will decidedly things a bit easier than in Kansas.

To sum up, Governor Sebelius will stand up with health insurance companies, be a strong consumer advocate, and push for a bigger government role in health care and insurance.

We’ll resist the Wizard of Oz cliché.

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