8 August 2005

Governor: Improving health, making health care more affordable
Sebelius appoints Dr. Marcia Nielsen to chair new Health Policy Authority

As part of her ongoing effort to improve the health of Kansans and make health care more affordable for Kansas families, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today appointed Dr. Marcia Nielsen to chair the new Kansas Health Policy Authority.

“Reducing health costs so more Kansas families can have access to health care remains one of my top priorities. Helping Kansans lead healthier lives was the goal when we first proposed the Healthy Kansas initiative last year, and it remains our goal today,” Governor Sebelius said. “This is one of the most significant reorganizations in the history state government in Kansas that will bring the pieces of health care data, planning and policy under one umbrella.”

The Kansas Health Policy Authority is tasked with finding ways to reduce the cost of health care and expand health insurance coverage for Kansas families. In addition, the Authority will develop and maintain a coordinated health policy agenda that combines effective purchasing and administration of health care with health promotion and public health strategies. Saving taxpayer money by streamlining the state’s health care operations and lowering health costs promoting healthy lifestyles and preventive screenings are examples of the initiatives the Governor expects the Authority to undertake.

“For the first time, we’ll have a group of talented, dedicated individuals focused solely on ways to improve the health of the people of Kansas. I can think of no better leader for that group than Dr. Nielsen,” the Governor said.

Dr. Nielsen received a Ph.D. in Health Policy and Management from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, a Master of Public Health degree from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science from Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, Iowa. At the University of Kansas Medical Center she serves as both a faculty member in the Department of Health Policy and Management as well as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health Policy and Governmental Affairs.

Nielsen is a Nebraska native, a former U.S. Army Reservist, and a returned Peace Corps volunteer. She has served as researcher on several medical studies, and worked as a senior legislative assistant for Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey. She currently lives with her husband and twin daughters in Prairie Village.

Three members of the nine-person authority are appointed by the Governor, with six appointed by legislative leaders. To ensure a good balance of representation, a range of expertise and broad experience, Governor Sebelius will make her remaining two appointments once the other appointees have been announced.