Kathleen M. Keeshen Named General Counsel of Covered California

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.