Sacramento, CA – The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) released the following statement from Executive Director Cathy Senderling-McDonald today:

“Improving access to affordable health care is a proven poverty-fighting strategy.  CWDA applauds the selection of Jessica Altman to lead Covered California and build upon our state’s historic expansion of health care access.  Altman’s experience regulating Pennsylvania’s insurance market and reducing the state’s number of uninsured consumers will serve California well.

“County human services agencies are an important entry point to health coverage, whether provided via Medi-Cal or the plans offered by Covered California. CWDA looks forward to continuing our strong partnership with Covered California to ensure that each person and family has the coverage and benefits essential to their health.  

“Ten years ago, Peter Lee helped launch California’s health benefits exchange and has been Covered California’s only Executive Director to date. Peter has worked tirelessly to make coverage more affordable and accessible. CWDA deeply appreciates his partnership over the last decade and we wish him well in his next ventures.”