Statement of Robert Restuccia, Executive Director of Community Catalyst, on the resignation of Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services

(BOSTON)— “Thanks to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius’s leadership in implementing the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 10.5 million people have enrolled in private marketplaces or Medicaid, and 3 million young adults are able to stay on their parents’ health plans. Despite technology challenges and a relentless campaign by opponents to thwart the law at every turn, Secretary Sebelius and her staff persevered. Now millions of people have affordable quality health care—many for the first time. 

“We have deeply appreciated Secretary Sebelius’s understanding of the important role consumers play in shaping the health care system. She always has made a strong effort to regularly engage and be responsive to groups representing consumers, which has been critical to implementation of the law.

“As a national consumer health advocacy organization based in Massachusetts, we learned in our work to implement our state’s 2006 health reform law that local in-person assistance plays a critical role in helping consumers enroll in and navigate their health care options. In 2011, Secretary Sebelius visited the Massachusetts consumer helpline to see firsthand the powerful impact of strong in-person assistance. And in 2010 and 2012, she made it a priority to ensure funding for these critical programs. This is part of her legacy, and we hope it will continue to be a priority for the Administration.

“We thank Secretary Sebelius for her service to our country and her tireless commitment to making affordable quality health care a reality for millions of Americans.”

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About Community Catalyst

Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.