Cabinet
Gov. Gregoire signed an executive order April 1, 2010, to create a Health Care Cabinet. Its charge is to provide leadership and accountability for how our state implements health care reform. It will offer advice and recommendations to the Governor for achieving reform ‘the Washington Way.’ This means working diligently, openly, collaboratively and inclusively to guarantee the best possible outcomes for Washington citizens. The Governor is committed to leveraging Washington’s leadership in such areas as the Basic Health Plan, coverage for children and use of the high risk pool to our greatest advantage.
Cabinet members will maintain open conversations and strategic partnerships with major health care stakeholders as we all work together to improve access, lower costs and get better results. They will consult with tribal, local and federal governments to obtain valuable perspectives and feedback.
The Health Care Cabinet is tasked to:
Conduct an in-depth analysis of the federal legislation;
Identify the steps necessary to construct an implementation plan; and
Design processes to maximize stakeholder and public input and to ensure transparency in implementing reform.
By Aug. 1, 2010, the Cabinet is required to submit a work plan that identifies a number of elements, including:
Short- and long-range opportunities, issues and gaps created by the enactment of national health care reform;
Structures and processes needed by state agencies to accomplish reform, including those that assist the private sector;
Work force capacity and training needs in the public and private sectors; and
Steps to achieve these goals.
Though the Cabinet’s report is due this summer, it will meet monthly through March 2011 to continue this vital work. Meeting materials are available below.
Health Care Cabinet
Permanent members
Kari Burrell, Chair |
Susan Dreyfus |
Marty Brown, vice chair |
Doug Porter |
Mary Selecky |
Additional members
(serve on an as-needed basis)
Steve Hill |
John Lee |
Mike Kreidler |
Judy Schurke |
Eldon Vail |
Staff
The Cabinet is staffed by the Executive Policy Office, Office of Financial Management and permanent member agencies.
Cabinet meeting materials
April 23, 2010
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Joint Legislative Select Committee on Health Reform – statute
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“Initial Recommendations on Federal Health Care Reform Impacts” – staff paper
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“Implementation Timeline for Federal Health Reform Legislation” – National Governors Association
July 7, 2010
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Letter from American Indian Health Commission for Washington State to the Governor
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Letter from Governor to Chairwoman Scott and Chairman Cladoosby
More information
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a wealth of helpful information. Email [email protected] to subscribe.