The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO PETER LEE
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HON. ANNA G. ESHOO
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Ms. ESHOO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Peter V. Lee, the first and only Executive Director of the highly successful health benefit exchange, Covered California. He leaves the organization to
`look for the next mountain to climb.'
The story of the extraordinary success of Covered California is the history of Peter Lee's tenure. As of January 31, 2021, Covered California announced that 1,744,000 people, a new record high, had signed up for health coverage. Under Peter Lee's leadership, uninsured rates dropped 20.5 percent for Latinos, 12.4 percent for Asian Americans and African Americans, and 8.3 percent for Caucasians. All this has been achieved with rate increases kept low.
Peter Lee was unanimously confirmed as Executive Director by the Covered California board on August 23, 2011. Prior to serving as Executive Director of Covered California, he was the Deputy Director of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation at CMS where he worked to improve care and reduce costs. He was the Director of Delivery System Reform for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1995 to 2000 and the Executive Director of the Center for Health Care Rights. From 2000 to 2008, Peter was the CEO and Executive Director for National Health Policy of the Pacific Business Group on Health and the former Director of Programs for the National AIDS Network. Prior to this, Peter was a practicing attorney in Los Angeles.
Peter Lee is a member of a pioneering California health care family and his work at Covered California continued in that proud tradition. His grandfather, Russel Van Arsdale Lee, founded the Palo Alto Medical Clinic (now the Palo Alto Medical Foundation). His father, Peter Lee, founded the Family Medicine Department at USC and, at risk to his career, spoke out in favor of Medicare in 1965. His uncle, Dr. Philip R. Lee, helped create and implement Medicare, and served in the Clinton Administration as an Assistant Health Secretary. His uncle, Dr. Hewlett Lee, was a highly regarded and well-loved surgeon. Peter earned his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and his law degree from USC.
Peter Lee's work has improved the lives of millions of Californians and created a national model for other states to emulate. His tenure as Executive Director created a strong, vital organization well suited to continue its mission of service and innovation after his departure.
Madam Speaker, I ask the entire House of Representatives to join me in honoring and thanking Peter Lee for his outstanding work and in wishing him every blessing as he enters the next chapter in his superb career.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 38
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