Who will be the next Secretary of HHS?
Barack Obama is almost three months into his presidency, and we still do not have a Secretary of Health and Human Services. After Tom Daschle withdrew himself from the running in February, we are still awaiting the confirmation of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D), amidst findings that she owed a minimal amount in back taxes.
Assuming she gets confirmed, what kind of secretary would Sebelus be? A good sign is the mention of long-term care on her agenda.
Last week told the Senate Finance Committee about the importance of long-term care during the opening statements of her confirmation hearing:
"I will strengthen [Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program's] roles in protecting Americans with the highest costs and lowest incomes," Sebelius said. "This includes ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive care that is high-quality and adaptable to their needs. And it includes improving their performance in providing long-term care, which is so critical to so many Americans."
Withi so many issues vying for attention, long-term care needs a voice.