Raimondo Appoints New Health Insurance Commissioner

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 19 -- Gov. Gina Raimondo, D-R.I., issued the following news release:

Health Insurance Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Hittner publicly announced today plans to retire from her position effective next month. In her place, Governor Gina M. Raimondo will appoint Dr. Marie L. Ganim. The Governor has submitted her name to the Rhode Island State Senate for advice and consent.

"We've made great strides over the past few years in ensuring Rhode Islanders have access to quality, affordable health care," Raimondo said. "Ninety-six percent of all Rhode Islanders now have health insurance, and our state is home to one the lowest uninsured rates in the country. I am confident that Dr. Ganim possesses the expertise and strong professional background needed to keep us moving in the right direction."

Dr. Marie L. Ganim is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director for the Rhode Island State Senate. She previously served as the Senate's Director of Health and Human Services Policy. Prior to working for the Senate, she spent time as Policy Director for former U.S. Congressman Robert A. Weygand and as a Health Policy Specialist in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. Dr. Ganim holds an undergraduate degree in political science from Providence College, a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University and a Ph.D. in public and international affairs with a specialty in health policy from Northeastern University. She lives in Lincoln.

Current Health Insurance Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Hittner has served the state for four years, since her appointment in June 2013. Over her tenure, Rhode Island has maintained some of the lowest rate increases in the country, despite national uncertainty about health care. Under Dr. Hittner's leadership, the office has saved Rhode Island consumers hundreds of thousands of dollars through its rate review process, focused on care transformation and promoted collaboration among providers and insurance carriers.

"I am grateful to Dr. Hittner for her years of service to Rhode Islanders, and wish her the best of luck in this next chapter in her life," Raimondo said.