The United States does not have a health care system.  We have a hodge-podge of plans for different segments of the population and a general assumption that commercial health insurance is the only way to afford health care.  Health insurance is NOT health care.  40% of the people in this country have no health insurance.  50% of bankruptcies in this country are because of medical costs.  We have the highest administrative costs in the developed world and spend more money on health care than any other developed nation and have the worst health outcome - lowest life expectancy and highest infant mortality and maternal mortality rate.  This issue has come to the forefront as the politicians in Washington have promised to “reform” health care.  The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by our own Senator Max Baucus is proposing “reform” based on the Massachusetts model where all citizens are required to  buy health care insurance from a commercial insurance provider with compliance enforced through the tax code.
On May 27th from 2-4 p.m., Baucus staffers will be co-hosting a Health Care Reform conversation with CHP in the upstairs of the Coleman Building in Livingston (112 W. Lewis). They are putting together a panel to include various personal opinions and perspectives on reform ideas. Pat Bousilman, who works with Senator Baucus, will be explaining the Senator’s approach. Additionally, panelists will include John Nordwick, CEO with Bozeman Deaconess, Dr. Ken Younger – ophthalmologist with Medical Eye Specialists, Jan Strout with the Change that Works campaign, Rebecca Hintze, PA-C – community health center medical provider, and a single payer proponent, Dr. Ed Stickney.

Please take the time to come join the discussion
Location: Community Health Partners, upstairs in Coleman Building on Main St at LewisStart Time: 2:00 pm
Date: 05-27-2009
End Time: 4:00 pm