Issued July 09, 2015
WASHINGTON--Mary Kay Henry, International President of the Service Employees International Union, the nation's largest organization of healthcare workers, offered this statement of support for the nomination of Andy Slavitt as the next Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
"SEIU nurses, doctors, home care workers, and employees working in public health and social services know all too well that we need a healthcare system that provides access to quality, affordable care to those most in need, including our seniors, our children and individuals living with disabilities.
"As the Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an agency that touches the lives and well-being of every American, Andy Slavitt has already proven himself a healthcare champion and more than prepared to lead CMS.
"I commend the White House and Secretary Burwell for putting forward such a capable leader to guide our healthcare system during this time of incredible transformation. More Americans have healthcare coverage than any time on record, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the Children's Healthcare Insurance Program (CHIP), Medicaid and Medicare--all programs within his charge. We urge a swift confirmation process so that CMS can continue its work to improve the healthcare of individuals and families nationwide.
"We congratulate him on his service thus far to ensure nearly 90 percent of Americans have access to affordable insurance and can get the preventive care they need, and look forward to working together to expand quality, affordable healthcare to those left out. Now Congress needs to stop playing games with Americans' health and confirm Andy Slavitt."