Statement of Amy Rosenthal, Director of External Affairs at Community Catalyst, on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ announcement of new Marketplace leadership positions.

(BOSTON)— We applaud the decision by Secretary Burwell to create the new leadership positions of Marketplace CEO and Marketplace CTO within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These positions will directly focus on the success of the Marketplaces in year two of open enrollment. Secretary Burwell’s management and leadership skills are evident in this decision to bolster the Marketplace team. We believe this guidance will be essential to strengthening and improving Marketplace operations for the second open enrollment period.

After a successful first open enrollment period that resulted in 12 million people gaining coverage through the Marketplaces, Medicaid and CHIP, we are excited about Secretary Burwell’s efforts to further improve Marketplace operations. These new changes will enhance implementation and accountability efforts ensuring even more people can access high-quality, affordable health coverage.

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About Community Catalyst

Community Catalyst is a national, non-profit consumer advocacy organization founded in 1998 with the belief that affordable quality health care should be accessible to everyone. We work in partnership with national, state and local organizations, policymakers, and philanthropic foundations to ensure consumer interests are represented wherever important decisions about health and the health system are made: in communities, courtrooms, statehouses and on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.communitycatalyst.org.