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Focus Session
"Health in the Balance: State and Federal Health Care Reform and Coverage Initiatives"
Moderator
Arthur Garson Jr., M.D.
Executive Vice President and Provost,
University of Virginia
Speakers
Stephen C. Schoenbaum, M.D.
Executive Vice President for Programs,
The Commonwealth Fund
William J. Scanlon, Ph.D.
Senior Policy Advisor,
Health Policy R & D
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| Scanlon, Garson, and Schoenbaum |
This session focused on various state and federal initiatives and proposals for expanding health care coverage and reforming the health care system.
The moderator, Arthur Garson Jr., M.D., began by highlighting the need for universal coverage and suggesting some principles for reform.
Stephen Schoenbaum, M.D., initiated his presentation by describing trends in the number and characteristics of the uninsured. He then summarized some key health system performance findings at the state level and noted that, although leading states outperform lagging states on multiple indicators, all states have room to improve. Dr. Schoenbaum described a number of state reform plans including two that are intended to provide universal coverage. He also presented a number of other state proposals aimed at expanding coverage and improving health services.
William Scanlon, Ph.D., focused on federal initiatives, originating from sources such as the administration, Congress, and the presidential candidates. He noted that a large number of bills have been submitted in the 110th Congress. Both the proposed legislation and other proposals for federal initiatives reflect the broad range of possible reform activities and range from comprehensive single payer systems to incremental tax-related plans. Dr. Scanlon concluded by contrasting past (1990) and current public perceptions of the need for health care reform. |
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