Lt. Gov. Carney To Chair Delaware Health Care Commission ::
Gov. Minner Taps Lt. Gov. Carney To
Chair Delaware Health Care Commission
Wilmington – Governor Ruth Ann Minner on Friday announced Lieutenant Governor John C. Carney, Jr. as chair of the Delaware Health Care Commission, the state’s public/private board charged with developing basic, affordable health care for all Delawareans.
“John shares the concern I have for one of the most fundamental roles of government – ensuring the health of our citizens,” Gov. Minner said. “Our Patient’s Bill of Rights and the creation of the Advisory Council on Cancer Incidence and Mortality are part of our administration’s attention to this issue, but there is much more to be done. John and the members of the Health Care Commission will develop our strategy to ensure a healthier Delaware.”
Carney takes over for Secretary of Health and Social Services Vincent Meconi, who had been acting chairman.
“I look forward to helping the commission meet its goal of improving the health of all Delawareans through a more effective healthcare system,” Lt. Gov. Carney said. “We need to make sure more Delawareans have access to affordable healthcare. We need to make sure we have enough doctors, nurses and dentists to provide needed services, especially in underserved areas in Kent and Sussex counties. And we need to reduce the incidence and mortality of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.”
The commission addresses a wide range of health issues in the state and makes information available so that better decisions can be made about health care. The group is charged with determining methods to reduce and control health care costs in conjunction with the private sector, identifying potential changes to state medical insurance regulations to promote efficiency, equity and affordability in health care insurance premiums, and studying incentives to ensure that employers continue to provide health insurance coverage.
The 10-member commission includes six appointees, four by the governor and one each by the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. The Insurance Commissioner, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Health and Social Services, and the Secretary of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families serve as ex officio members. The remaining members of the commission include:
- Jacquelyne W. Gorum, D.S.W., Dean, School of Education & Professional Studies, Delaware State University;
- Joseph A. Lieberman, III, MD, MPH, Chairman, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Christiana Care Health System;
- A. Herbert Nehrling, Jr., Former Assistant Treasurer for the DuPont Company;
- Robert F. Miller, Former Health Care Benefits Manager for the DuPont Company;
- Dennis Rochford, President, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay; and
- Lois M. Studte, R.N., Former Instructional Director of College Health Cluster, Delaware Technical and Community College.
