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Putting the Brakes on Health Care Costs; Would the Presidential Candidates' Plans Work?

Posted on: Thursday, 29 May 2008, 09:00 CDT

Alliance for Health Reform:

WHEN: Tuesday, June 3, 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. (Lunch available at noon.) WHERE: First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club SPEAKERS: Paul Ginsburg, Center for Studying Health System Change Uwe Reinhardt, Princeton University Mark McClellan, The Brookings Institution Ed Howard, Alliance for Health Reform (moderator)

Most polls show health care as the #2 domestic issue facing the next president and Congress. But it's clear that for many consumers, business leaders and government decision-makers, this means: "Reduce my health care costs first, then let's talk about covering the uninsured."

For instance, when asked which one of four health issues they most wanted presidential candidates to talk about, four out of 10 respondents in an April poll chose "Reducing the cost of health care and health insurance." Expanding health coverage ranked second.

All three presidential candidates are taking this sort of news to heart. All have offered proposals for reining in health costs.

But would their plans actually slow the rise in health care costs, or the cost of health coverage? Are there even better solutions that the candidates aren't talking about? The Alliance for Health Reform and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation are sponsoring a June 3 luncheon briefing for reporters to address these and related questions.

Three respected health economists will assess how well the cost containment provisions offered by Sens. McCain, Clinton and Obama would work. Speakers will also present any alternatives that they judge to be more effective. As with all of our Press Club briefings, we will allow as much time as possible for questions and answers.

The Alliance for Health Reform is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit health policy education group in Washington, DC. We help journalists, elected officials and other shapers of public opinion understand the roots of the nation's health care problems and the trade-offs posed by various proposals for change. Our aim is quality, affordable health coverage for all in the U.S. We do not lobby or take positions on legislation. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D - W.Va.) is our founder and honorary chairman; Sen. Susan Collins (R - Maine) is our honorary co-chairman. www.allhealth.org

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, the Foundation works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For more than 35 years, the Foundation has brought experience, commitment, and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those it serves. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, the Foundation expects to make a difference in your lifetime. www.rwjf.org

Source: Business Wire

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