PHCA Congratulates Commissioner Miller on Her Nomination as Secretary of the Proposed DHHS

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Health Care Association congratulates Insurance Commissioner Teresa Miller, who was nominated today to serve as the Secretary of the proposed Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

“We look forward to working with Commissioner Miller on the many funding and policy issues that affect Pennsylvania’s seniors and individuals with disabilities,” said W. Russell McDaid, President and CEO of PHCA. “These are challenging times for Pennsylvania seniors and those who provide their care, and Commissioner Miller’s experience and expertise will position her well for success.

“We are committed to working with Commissioner Miller in creating a strong and stable long-term care delivery system that ensures that limited available state resources serve older Pennsylvanians and persons living with disabilities in the safest, most appropriate, and cost-effective setting possible,” McDaid said.

“We remain supportive of the Administration’s proposal to create a Department of Health and Human Services and appreciate Commissioner Miller’s willingness to work with all stakeholders to assure the safe delivery of quality health care for all commonwealth citizens under this unified Department.

Pennsylvania’s population is aging rapidly and the demand for long-term care services is growing, especially among residents and patients who have higher acuity levels, more complex medical needs and chronic health conditions that require around-the-clock care.

“This unification proposal will allow the state’s regulatory agencies and the Medicaid program to work in unison to develop policies that positively impact nursing home residents and direct care workers creating additional efficiencies. We remain committed to ensuring that additional state resources are provided at a resident’s bedside when they require round the clock skilled care, where they are needed the most.”