SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Covered California Executive Director
Peter V. Lee today announced the appointment of Kathleen M. Keeshen as General
Counsel.“I am thrilled to have Ms. Keeshen joining our executive team. Her
extensive experience in health care, expert knowledge and passion for our
mission will be a tremendous asset to Covered California,” Lee said.
Keeshen will serve as the chief legal adviser to the Covered
California board, executive director and Covered California’s executive staff,
providing advice on a variety of matters on programs and operations.
“I’m honored to be part of this history-making program,”
Keeshen said. “I’m excited to have a chance to play a role in developing and
implementing this program that will forever transform health care in our state
and help millions of Californians.”
Since 2007, Keeshen has been the deputy director and chief
counsel for the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Legal
Services. As the first chief counsel for the then newly established agency, she
has been responsible for legal policy, litigation, regulations, and
administrative hearings, and oversees the department’s privacy office.
Keeshen has dealt with a range of legal issues related to
promoting healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and protection of the public
from an unhealthy and unsafe environment, and access to quality health
services.
Previously, Keeshen served as the chief deputy general
counsel for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Office
of Legal Affairs and Chief Counsel for the California Department of Corrections.
Keeshen has a law degree from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor of Science
degree from Clemson University.
About Covered California
California was the first state to create a health benefit exchange
following the passage of federal health care reform. Covered California is
charged with creating a new insurance marketplace in which individuals and small
businesses can get access to health insurance. With coverage starting in 2014,
Covered California will help individuals compare and choose a health plan that
works best for their health needs and budget. Financial help will be available
from the federal government to help lower costs for people who qualify on a
sliding scale. Small businesses will be able to purchase competitively priced
health plans and offer their employees the ability to choose from an array of
plans and may qualify for federal tax credits. Covered California is an independent
part of the state government whose job is to make the new market work for California’s
consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the Governor and
Legislature.
For more information on Covered California, please visit
www.CoveredCA.com.
