Making federal health care reform real at the local level
As the nation debates comprehensive health reform, it's increasingly clear that any changes will involve a strong leadership role for state officials and health-care groups. To ensure that their voices and ideas are heard, along with those of consumers, Commissioner Kreidler is convening a "Health Care Reform Realization Committee."
Starting in December 2009, the 15-20-person committee will gather recommendations on implementing health-insurance reforms from opinion- and community leaders across the state.
For more details about the group and its role, please see this factsheet.
Earlier efforts: Local leadership councils
Throughout the state and local debate, Commissioner Kreidler has tried to tap local leaders for ideas and input. From September 2008 - March 2009, he convened a series of Leadership Councils around the state to gain insight into the needs for health care reform. More than 120 civic, business, community and health care leaders participated across the state.
During these invitation-only events, participants:
- Discussed and developed principles for health care reform proposals.
- Evaluated five state legislative proposals, including the Commissioner’s Guaranteed Health Benefit Plan, based on those principles.
- Produced recommendations for health care reform policy.
See a summary of their findings.
Locations
Two rounds of Leadership Councils were held in the following areas.
- Port Angeles, including representatives from throughout the Olympic Peninsula.
- Vancouver, including representatives from throughout the Columbia Basin.
- Seattle, including representatives from the greater Seattle area.
- Bellingham, including representatives from Mt. Vernon.
- Tacoma, including representative from the south Puget Sound area.
- Spokane, including representatives from the greater Spokane Valley.
- Yakima, including representatives from the Tri-Cities area.
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