DURHAM, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) today released the following statement on House Bill 769, Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights, which this afternoon passed the state House Committee on Families, Children, and Aging Policy.

Dr. Tunde Sotunde, President and CEO, Blue Cross NC:

“Foster parents play an essential role in the lives of the children in their care. However, too often they do not have access to resources, information and the decision-making process that would help them act on behalf of children in their care.

“The hearing today in the House committee on the Foster Parents’ Bill of Rights is an important step toward ensuring that foster parents get the support they need to positively impact the lives of children. Blue Cross NC, including our Healthy Blue Medicaid plan, strongly supports the state’s foster care community and is committed to our investments in foster care organizations working on behalf of families and children in North Carolina.”