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CONG. HEALTH PLAN
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
the
Cong. Health Plan
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
04/30/93
14:44
202 547 1893
COLUMBIA INST.
002
File HC
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE
SOME UPCOMING COLUMBIA INSTITUTE HEALTH CARE FORUMS
MONTANA
Missoula, Montana: June 1, 1993
Billings, Montana: September 1, 1993
Great Falls, Montana: October 9, 1993
Chairs/Principals:
Senator Conrad Burns
Governor Marc Rascicot
MAINE
June 3, 1993
Portland, Mainc
Chairs/Principals:
Senator Bill Cohen
C. Everett Koop
Sean Sullivan
John Goodman, Ph.D.
Bill Gradison
RHODE ISLAND
June 14, 1993
Providence, Rhode Island
Chairs/Principals:
Senator John Chafee
Congressman Ron Machtley
Uwe Reinhardt, Ph.D.
VIRGINIA
June 18, 1993
Richmond, Virginia
Chairs/Principals:
Congressman Thomas Bliley
MICHIGAN
July 8, 1993
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Chairs/Principals:
Congressman Fred Upton
BE STREET, S.E., WASHINGTON. D.C. 20003
TELEPHONE (203) 547 2470 FACSIMI. a. (202) 54/ 1800
08/00/10
14:44
202 547 1893
COLUMBIA INST.
4
003
CALIFORNIA
Three day event
Town meetings: July 8, 1993
Summit:
July 9, 1993
Site visits: July 10, 1993
Sacramento, California
Chairs/Principals:
Congressman Vic Fazio
NEW JERSEY
July 12, 1993
Jersey City, New Jersey
Chairs/Principals:
Congressman Robert Menendez
CONNECTICUT
July 19, 1993
Hartford, Connecticut
Chairs/Principals:
Senator Joseph 1. Lieberman
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
&
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE
JONATHAN ORTMANS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
8E STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20003
TELEPHONE (202) 547-2470 FACSIMILE (202) 547-1893
VOICE MAIL (202) 547-0212
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE
ТПП
An independent public
policy group specializing in
conference management
and research services.
SAMPLE PROGRAMS FROM HEALTH CARE CONFERENCES
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
HEALTH CARE
AND SMALL BUSINESS:
Making Quality
Health Care Accessible
and Cost Effective
April 14, 1992
Four Seasons Hotel
Houston, Texas
Congressman Michael A. Andrews
&
A Columbia Institute Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
HEALTH CARE
AND SMALL BUSINESS:
Making Quality
Health Care Accessible
and Cost Effective
April 14, 1992
Four Seasons Hotel
Houston, Texas
Congressman Michael A. Andrews
A Columbia Institute Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
HEALTH CARE
AND SMALL BUSINESS:
Making Quality
Health Care Accessible
and Cost Effective
April 14, 1992
Four Seasons Hotel
Houston, Texas
Congressman Michael A. Andrews
A Columbia Institute Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
1992 INDIANA CONFERENCE ON HEALTH CARE:
Seeking a National Policy for the 21st Century
Saturday, January 25, 1992
Center for Continuing Education
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Congressman Tim Roemer
CHAIRMAN
A
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
1992 INDIANA CONFERENCE ON HEALTH CARE:
Seeking a National Policy for the 21st Century
Saturday, January 25, 1992
Center for Continuing Education
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Congressman Tim Roemer
CHAIRMAN
&
A
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
1991 MINNESOTA CONFERENCES
ON HEALTH CARE:
Facing the Challenges of the 1990s and Beyond
December 2, 1991
Morning Session
Sunwood Inn
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Afternoon Session
Madison Inn Conference Center
Moorhead, Minnesota
Congressman Collin C. Peterson
CHAIRMAN
A
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
1991 California Health Care Summit:
Analyzing National Policy Options for the '90s
November 11, 1991
The Claremont Hotel-Oakland, California
Congressman Pete Stark, Chairman
&
A
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
24
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
1991 FLORIDA CONFERENCE
ON HEALTH CARE:
Leading the Nation Toward a National Policy
November 8, 1991
Orlando Airport Marriott
Orlando, Florida
Congressman Jim Bacchus
CHAIRMAN
A COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE
Tennessee Examines Tomorrow's Policies
Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel
Nashville, Tennessee
May 31, 1991
Congressman Bob Clement
CHAIRMAN
$
A
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE
April 28, 1993
Ms. Doris Matsui
Deputy Assistant to the President and
Deputy Director of Public Liaison
Old Executive Office Bldg., Room 122
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Doris:
For more than 12 years the Columbia Institute has organized conferences on public
policy issues throughout the United States. Over 300 conferences on a wide range of
subjects have been chaired by several hundred members of the House and Senate from both
political parties.
In recent years most of the conferences have been on the subject of health care.
Many of these have been chaired by Democratic members of the Senate and House in all
regions of the country. These forums have been particularly useful for Democrats because
they enable the members to bring information and expert opinion and analysis to the people
of their home states and districts and to hear the views of their constituents on the alternative
approaches to health care reform. By taking a leadership role in informing the public and
seeking workable solutions the members assist the Administration in developing an effective
outreach tool for health care reform.
Conferences have been funded by a broad diversity of private sector companies who
have an interest in educating the public on the issues. There is also interest on the part of
some foundations in supporting events such as these that are not partisan in nature but will
examine all the paths to health care reform.
We believe this creates an opportunity for the White House to join in an effort that is
perceived to be a constructive attempt to present the answers to an urgent national need.
In planning such conferences one option is for the events to be co-chaired by
members from both parties. In light of recent criticism of the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation, this is most likely to attract foundation support. Another option is for a series
of conferences to be chaired by individuals with Democrats and Republicans chairing about
the same number of conferences. Foundation support may be available but, in any case, we
believe that funding could be arranged from other private sector sources. A third option
8E STREET, S.E., WASHINGTON, D.C. 20003
TELEPHONE: (202) 547-2470 FACSIMILE: (202) 547-1893
would be to proceed with the planning of events to be chaired by Democrats to be financed
by broad sponsorship in the same way that past events have been funded.
We will welcome the opportunity to work with you in planning a program that will
enable the White House to inform the public and to create a dialogue that will help to lay the
foundation for workable health care reforms.
Sincerely yours,
Janash Jonathan Ortmans
Executive Director
Enclosures
SAMPLE PROGRAM, PRESS COVERAGE, SURVEY AND INVITATION
FROM A RECENT HEALTH CARE CONFERENCE IN NEBRASKA
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
HEALTH CARE IN
THE 21ST CENTURY:
NATIONAL CHALLENGES,
NEBRASKA SOLUTIONS
Friday, April 16, 1993
Saturday, April 17, 1993
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Kimball Hall & Student Union
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:
Hillary Rodham Clinton
First Lady of the United States of America
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair
A COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
8E STREET, SE, WASHINGTON, DC 20003
TELEPHONE: (202) 547-2470 FACSIMILE: (202) 547-1893
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD Saturday, April 17, 1993
Health-Care Conference
Health Conference: Different Points of View
Ellwood
Dean
Ms. Shikles
Brown
Mrs. Clinton
Dr. Paul Ellwood
"We have a belief in high technolo-
Germans see their doctors a lot. use
Chief executive, Jackson Hole Group
gy that borders on immortality."
more drugs and receive more hospital
"We have come to expect perfect
care than do Americans.
"President Clinton is the first presi-
outcomes. If that doesn't happen. we
"But the costs are less in Germany
dent we've ever had who has really
think the doctor or the drug company
because prices are controlled. They
cared about health care."
screwed up."
say to a group of doctors. 'Here is a
"If he wants to move the health-care
pool of money, and that is all the
svstem quickly, he ought to spell out
Gov. Nelson
money there will be. You are on a
the scope of benefits up front and
budget.'
Co-chairman, Nebraska health-care
what standards the system will be
conference
expected to measure up to."
E. Richard Brown
If Clinton does that. he will find
"We cannot change the system sim-
that many health-care reform meas-
ply by changing who pays.
Putting
On leave as public health professor,
ures will become reality even before
UCLA, and consultant, Clinton
a cap on costs without cutting costs
health-care task force
Congress passes health-care legisla-
will not work."
tion. Dr. Ellwood said.
"States need a federal program that
maximizes state involvement. pro-
National health-care reform will
Howard Dean,
vides flexibility that encourages inno-
change the rules by which insurance
vation and creates an environment for
Vermont Governor
companies operate. Brown said. It will
states to develop solutions tailor-made
Co-chairman, National Governors'
prevent them from reducing their risks
to their particular needs."
Association Health Care Task Force
by cutting off insurance for high-risk
Nelson said Nebraska solutions
individuals.
"Medicare is a living. breathing
must recognize that:
"The way we are putting incentives
example of why the federal govern-
-Health-related expenditures are
into the system will force out a lot of
ment should not be allowed to run a
increasing by 10 percent to 12 percent
weak (health-care) plans. Plans that
national health-care system."
per year. Health-care expenditures in
don't provide good care at reasonable
"You can't figure out the bills. and
Nebraska are expected to increase
prices will lose out. Health-care plans
from $4 billion in 1990 to more than
you can't find anyone on the tele-
will have to be allowed to fail."
$8.5 billion in 2000.
phone who can help you figure out the
-About 155,000 Nebraskans under
bills - even if you are a doctor."
age 65. including 55,000 children, had
Hillary Rodham Clinton
"We have been rationing health care
no insurance coverage in 1990.
in the United States by cost. That's
Head of the President's Task Force
-Rural communities have fewer
for National Health Care Reform
wrong. I think every American
has
a right to adequate health care.
physicians and other health-care prac-
titioners than cities. Seven rural hospi-
"A lot is right about the health-care
tals closed between 1986 and 1991,
system. However. the security that
Bill Gradison
and 15 to 20 will need large subsidies
many of us take for granted - that
President. Health Insurance Associa-
to remain open.
fundamental personal security - can
tion of America
no longer be taken for granted."
"Growing numbers of workers are
On characteristics of the American
Janet Shikles
uninsured. One hundred thousand
people that should be considered in
move into the ranks of the uninsureds
Director, health financing and policy,
planning national health-care reform:
U.S. General Accounting Office
each month."
"We are impatient people. If you
"It's kind of like. "There but for the
need a heart bypass operation. you
All Germans receive health care as a
grace of God go I.' Many of us are just
want it as quick as picking up a Big
right of citizenship, and overuse of the
one job layoff away from having no
Mac."
system "is a major problem," she said.
insurance.'
*
OPINION.
Lincoln Dournal
"Dedicated to the People of Nebraska, and to the Development
of the Resources of the State"-Sept. 7, 1867.
Editorials: Opinions of the Journal
If we had five minutes
with Hillary Clinton
Of all the jokes about Hillary Rodham
alliances."
Clinton's power, the one about daughter
Key to-whether citizens will accept mas-
Chelsea Clinton getting sick at school is
sive changes in the nation's health care sys-
more clever than most.
tem is their understanding of what they will
The principal wanted to call her mother
have to pay, what they will have to give up
but Chelsea objected. "Oh, please don't call
and what they will get, both for themselves
my mother," she said. "She's very busy
and for the good of society as a whole.
working on health care and all sorts of other
Please make that abundantly clear.
important things. Call my father."
We're still struggling with the advan-
On Friday, this very busy First Spouse
tages and disadvantages of - pardon our
will be working on health care for a few
jargon - a single-payer plan versus man-
hours here in Lincoln at a conference co-
aged competition. Perhaps the Friday con-
chaired by Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., and
ference will illuminate this debate.
Gov. Ben Nelson.
Canada has a single payer plan that re-
The Journal sees no need to call Chel-
placed a lot of private insurers with one big
sea's father - yet. But if we had five
one: the government. Everyone gets cover-
minutes with Hillary Clinton, here's what
age under a plan administered by the gov-
we would say:
ernment and financed by taxes.
We like the idea of universal health
Managed competition in essence ar-
coverage. All Americans should have equal
ranges for everyone to get health insurance
access to health care.
through large groups. Insurers and health
Nebraska has a smaller share of people
maintenance organizations compete to
who lack health insurance coverage than
offer the basic health coverage for those
other states. A report by the Employee
groups.
Benefit Research Institute showed only five
Whatever the task force decides, the
states have a smaller percentage of people
plan should recognize the needs of rural
under 65 without health insurance. Nebras-
areas. A health alliance would work in Lin-
ka's percentage was 10.2 percent in 1991 and
coln or Omaha, but not in Broken Bow or
the national percentage was 16.6 percent.
Rushville.
Nevertheless, Nebraska has too many
Finally, it's not enough to combine
"working poor" who must worry about
Medicaid and private insurance into some
financial ruin if someone in the family gets
sort of reform proposal and leave out the
sick or has an accident.
other huge purchasers of health care: Medi-
Whatever the national health care
care and self-insured plans that are exempt
task force recommends, please make it
from state regulation under federal law.
easy to understand for those who will have
Leaving out those two chunks of the pie
to live with it, not just for those who speak
would keep the door too far open for the
the jargon of "providers" and "third-party
cost shifting that plagues the health care
payers" and "managed competition."
system today.
The task force seems to be going that
That's it, Hillary Clinton. We don't pre-
way. It speaks of giving out "health security
tend to be experts or even to understand all
cards" and has switched from talking about
the jargon, but you have our attention and
"health purchasing cooperatives" to "health
we are watching with interest and hope.
Lincoln Journal-Star
SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 1993
E
Reformers hope
health sessions
give 'kick start'
BY MARTHA STODDARD
Lincoln Journal-Star
Local group impressed with
The next step on the way to reform-
first lady's knowledge and
ing health care will be to gather ideas
warmth. Page 3E.
from the public and hear what resi-
dents want, Nebraska elected offi-
But some criticized the conference,
cials said Saturday after a two-day
held at the Lied Center for Perform-
conference in Lincoln.
ing Arts, for not offering more chance
On Friday, participants at "Health
for public input. Conference sessions
Care in the 21st Century: National
included little time for questions or
Challenges, Nebraska Solutions"
comments from the audience, he said.
heard from Hillary Rodham Clinton,
Susan Kelly, a disabled Lincoln
who chairs the President's Task
nurse who is covered by Medicare but
Force for National Health Care Re-
often has to choose between eating
form.
and paying her out-of-pocket medical
"I'm hoping this conference will
bills, said she initially registered, then
provide a kick-start of interest again
returned her ticket in frustration.
in health care reform," said state Sen.
"I had in mind a meeting of minds
Don Wesely, chairman of the Legisla-
of people trying to find out what peo-
ture's Health and Human Services
ple in this country need as far as
Committee.
health care. I think that the experts
A flurry of legislation followed a
need to know what people need," she
1985 conference on health care,
said.
Wesely said. He hopes this conference
But Kerrey defended the confer-
will have the same result by speeding
ence and said he gets public input all
passage of bills now in the hopper and
the time by way of letters and calls to
by sparking other proposals for
his office.
change.
I believe the public needs to be
The conference is part of an ongo-
given intormation as well as given a
ing effort to engage Nebraskans in
chance to say what they want," he
debate over health care reform and
said.
to inform policymakers, said Sen. Bob
Those attending the conference got
Kerrey, D-Neb., who chaired and
plenty of information. While the
started organizing the event.
Friday morning sessions, including
"We're in the last 30 meters of a 200-
the keynote address by Clinton, fo-
meter race. I don't know if we will
cused on national issues, Friday after-
pass reform at the federal level this
noon and Saturday focused on state-
year but it is not an option (whether
level efforts.
to do reform)," he said.
Gov. Ben Nelson, conference co-
Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said
chairman, said Nebraska's reform ef-
Friday that states must have a role in
forts will go on the road later this
reform. He cited his experiences with
year with a series of public hearings
Medicare as a practicing doctor as an
on the proposals of the Blue Ribbon
example of why the federal govern-
Coalition and Inter-agency Task
ment should not run health care.
Force. Those two groups have laid
Minnesota state Sen. Linda Berglin
the groundwork for a Nebraska solu-
said her state is in the process of im-
tion to health care problems, he said.
plementing a reform package that in-
The hearings on their reports will
cludes controls on costs, insurance re-
seek to build consensus about state-
forms, programs to improve access
level change.
to care in underserved rural areas
"For this to move forward. it has to
and a plan to provide health coverage
have a lot of steam," Nelson said.
for all uninsured state residents.
Lawmaker surrenders
First lady's speech moved to Lied; tickets available
By Jeff Zeleny
Senior Reporter
Health care package announcement possible
in the conference.
"Wc're a great believer that many in the U.S.
on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Clinton has not had a public schedule re-
have a great opportunity to contribute," hc said.
ickets still remain for First Lady Hillary
cently because of her father's death last wcck.
"We fell that il would bc a suitable location."
T
The two-day conference, sponsored by the
Rodham Clinton's speech at the Uni-
Columbia Institute in Washington D.C., will
The speech will bc her first public health care
Kerrey, sponsor of Health USA, aplan intro-
versity of Nebraska-Lincoln Friday.
focus on national health carc issues now being
announcement in wccks, Ortman said, and il
duced in 1991 that would reform America's
The speech, the highlight of the Nebraska
discussed by Congress, said Jonathan Ortman,
comes at a critical time for the nation's health
health care system, is actively engaged in health
health care conference, was originally thought
executive director of the institute.
care situation.
carc issues, Ortman said.
to be sold out, but il moved to a bigger venuc
Clinton, head of the president's national
"The Congress is very likely to consider a
"Il sccms sensible that hc bc spcaking about
Wednesday.
health carc task force, accepted the invitation
bill sent 10 them by the president suggesting
il," hc said.
Clinton's appearance was originally sched-
Tuesday, Ortman said, and she will possibly
how wc perform health care in the United
Kerrey, co-chair of the conference, will
uled for the 850-scal Kimball Recital Hall, but
makea policy announcement during her speech.
States," hc said.
introduce Clinton and participate in the confer-
the speech was moved to the Lied Center for
"Shc will clearly bc giving an indication on
Nebraska was chosen as the conference sitc
cncc Friday and Saturday.
Performing Arts, which holds 2,200 pcople.
how far they have gone (in) developing a
because of Kerrey's strong commitment 10
"I am very pleased that Mrs. Clinton will bc
Tickets for the 12:45 p.m. speech arc avail-
packageto Congress,' Ortman said from Wash-
health care reform, Ortman said, and to give a
able through Scn. Bob Kerrey's Lincoln office
inglon.
varicly of pcople an opportunity to participate
See HILLARY on 3
Hillary
UNIL has caused some officials: to propare for the spoech.
scramble and change plans, but J.B.
Continued from Page
Milliken, executive assistant 10 the
The first lady's speech prompted
NU president, said the university is
Chumblcy to rearrange plans for jazz
ablc to speak at the conference,"
doing all il can to accommodate the
saxophonist Sonny Rollins' Friday
Kerrcy said in a statement released
conference.
night performance.
from his Washington office Wednes-
day. "Her role in the health care rc-
"The university is trying 10 coop-
Chumbley said hc was happy
form debate is vitally important."
crate: in any way possible," hc said.
Clinton was coming to UNL but sc-
The conference is the first public
"It's something Scn. Kcrrey asked us
cretly wished President Bill Clinton
health carc forum since Clinton took
carly' on."
was also coming.
the reins of the task force. About 30
Robert Chumblcy, executive di-
conferences were sponsored by the
rector of the Licd Center, said this was
"Wcwcrc kind of hoping the presi-
Columbia Institute before Clinton's
the first time a national political fig-
dent would come and play some lunes
appointment.
urc like Clinton had been to the Licd
with Sonny," hc said, "but I don't
Center. Hc said hc was workingcloscly
think that's going to happen. Maybc
The first lady's last-minute visit 10
with a Whilc House Advance Tcam 10
next limc."
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD Friday, April 16, 1993
Insurers' Stakes High
In Health-Care Move
Continued from Page 1
America," said Barry Schweig. professor
of finance at Creighton University. "But
it could go either way."
If insurance companies become the
arm for administering a national plan.
thev might have to hire more people. he
said.
George Rejda. insurance professor at
the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. said
the Clinton administration will need the
industry's expertise to make a national
health-care plan successful.
Ms. Huerter
Weekly
The insurance companies that survive
will be those that become more competi-
legally requires any company that sells
tive and find ways to reduce administra-
health insurance to individuals to charge
tive costs, he said. "Some smaller
the same prices regardless of the age or
companies could go under," he said.
medical condition of the insurance pur-
"The stakes are enormous," Rejda
chaser.
said.
year-old drug addict is charged
As evidence that Mutual's executives
the same as a healthy young person,"
and managers understand the implica-
Weekly said.
tions of health-care reform, the company
As a result, premiums for most New
1-
points to 850 of its middle and upper
York individual policyholders have
S.
managers who have made donations to
skyrocketed, he said. Only Mutual of
e
the company's political action commit-
Omaha and Blue Cross-Blue Shield re-
tee this year, up 46 percent from three
main as insurers of individuals in New
years ago.
York, he said.
e
1
The company's latest figures show that
Weekly cited some of the same reasons
0
Mutual's managers contributed $168,600
that Mrs. Clinton has for the rapid
to the company's political war chest
increase in health-care costs.
during the 1991-92 election cycle, more
For example, Mrs. Clinton said this
i
than double the $76,106 in donations
week that big malpractice court judg
during 1989-90.
ments have driven up medical costs.
Mutual's PAC donated $16,000 to the
Weekly said he agrees but is skeptical
campaigns of eight members of the
that the Clinton administration will seek
Senate Finance Committee and $16,100
meaningful reforms. "Trial lawyers were
to the campaigns of 13 House Ways and
among the biggest contributors to the
Means Committee members during 1991
president's campaign," he said.
and 1992. Those are the two primary
The task force will report to the
committees that will consider health-care
president next month. Once the Clinton
reform legislation.
administration's plan reaches Congress.
Weekly said Mutual supports the idea
the insurance industry will have a better.
of making health care available to all
chance to be heard, the Mutual execu-
Americans. Moreover, he said, the com-
tives said.
pany has insight into problems that
For basic health-care reform to work,
might develop under a national health-
"we've got to take an evolutionary ap-
care plan.
proach and avoid political revolution,"
For example, the State of New York
Weekly said.
Fatal Stampede
Yaounde, Cameroon (AP) - A herd
Omaha Colorld Herald
of about 360 elephants trampled two
(USPS 406-280)
people to death and destroyed 12,800
Published daily except Sunday at World-Herald
acres of crops in northern Cameroon.
Square Omaha, Nebraska 68102
Ceramics Artist Dies
Main offices (402) 444-1000
Class/fied
(402) 342-5633
Miami (AP) - Katherine "Kay" Pan-
Circulation
(402) 346-3363
Sports acores
345-2200
coast. an artist known for her ceramic tile
Retail Adv. 444-1420
murals and three-dimensional art. has
died at age 92.
Omaha Daily Herald founded 1865
Compassion
Mrs. Clinton Makes
Case for Reforms
Of Health System
BY ROBERT DORR
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
Health-Care
Lincoln - Hillary Rodham Clinton
Conference Inside
said Friday that she finds it "very hard to
look into the eyes of working Americans,
KERREY: Sen. Bob Kerrey
the backbone of America" and hear
proposes a trust fund to monitor
them say they can't afford medical
how much health care costs the
insurance and sometimes can't get need-
nation, and legislation on the
ed medical care.
issue is under discussion. Page 2.
The first lady told a packed house of
SENATORS: Two state
2,000 people at the Lied Center for
Performing Arts here that the nation
lawmakers evaluate the speech by
must restore "compassion and caring" to
Hillary Rodham Clinton. Page 2.
its health-care system.
EXCERPTS: Highlights of the
It won't be easy, she said. "There's no
speeches at Friday's session of the
magic bullet out there."
health conference. Page 3.
But if nothing is done, annual health-
WAITING: Health insurance
care costs will double by the year 2000 to
$14,000 per family in taxes, insurance
official says it is too early to really
ed
premiums and out-of-pocket costs, she
judge the heal th-care reform plan
said.
because the American public
ate
Moreover, many small businessmen
hasn't received details yet. Page 3.
0
will face agonizing decisions about
HILLARY: Few doubt that
whether to keep high-risk workers in
Hillary Rodham Clinton is tough
their insurance plans, she said, and high
enough for the Health-care fight.
R
medical costs will make America's large
Mike Kelly, Page 15.
companies less competitive.
Mrs. Clinton was in Nebraska at the
invitation of Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb.,
to speak at a conference considering
Mrs. Clinton shook the hands of
health-care issues facing the state and the
dozens of people in the Lied Center
nation. Kerrey and Gov. Nelson are
audience who came forward, joining
chairmen of the two-day meeting, which
Kerrey, Nelson and Vermont Gov.
is being sponsored by the Columbia
Howard Dean at the edge of the stage.
Institute, an independent, bipartisan or-
Outside the Lied Center, a small group
ganization based in Washington.
of demonstrators carried signs protesting
the possibility of a national sales tax,
Mrs. Clinton emotionally told of poi-
sometimes called a value-added tax, to
gnant talks with people around the
finance health-care reform. President
country since she became head of the
Clinton acknowledged this week that the
White House health-care reform: task
tax is one financing method under study.
force.
Jerry Klug, president of Free Flow
Mrs. Clinton told of talking with a
Inc., an Omaha manufacturer of water
woman in New Orleans who had alump
flow meters, carried a sign reading: "No
in her breast. The woman told Mrs.
tax increase."
Clinton that a surgeon had told her: "If
Klug said, "Bill Clinton lied to get
you had insurance, we would biopsy it.
elected. He's still lying. He said he
But since you don't, we will just watch
wouldn't tax the middle class."
it."
Mrs. Clinton arrived by plane Friday
The task force she heads will report
morning and met privately with Kerrey,
next month to President Clinton, who
Nelson and a group of eight people who
will send to Congress the administra-
explained a Lancaster County plan
tion's recommendations for an overhaul
matching Medicaid patients with doc-
of the nation's health-care system.
tors.
Mrs. Clinton received standing ova-
tions at the start and finish of her
She flew on to Montana at midafter-
37-minute talk from a crowd that includ-
noon for meetings with health-care offi-
cials and Indian leaders.
ed insurance executives, hospital admin-
istrators. doctors, business people and
Mrs. Clinton mentioned the Lancaster
consumer advocates, as well as members
County plan in her speech. "That is the
of the general public.
kind of partnership and cooperation we
Some people were turned away when
have
to
have
I was told that one
they didn't have free tickets that had
reason it works is that the faces of
been distributed in advance.
Please turn to Page 2, Col. 1
First Lady: Health Care
Must Revive Compassion
Continued from Page 1
care system that really works so Ameri-
Medicaid have been humanized."
cans once again can be secure."
The plan, involving the Lincoln-Lan-
Mrs. Clinton disclosed only in broad
caster County Health Department, the
terms what her task force's proposed
Nebraska Department of Social Services
national health-care plan would contain.
and the Lancaster County Medical So-
At a press conference afterward, she
ciety, helps doctors and patients deal
indicated the plan would deal with huge
with Medicaid paperwork and ensures
malpractice lawsuits that, she said, have
that Medicaid patients find a doctor.
"had a chilling effect" on the practice of
She also referred to her meeting with
medicine.
several couples in a farm home near
She indicated in her talk that the plan
Ankeny, Iowa, last month.
would:
She said that as they told of their
Distribute health-care cards that
insurance premiums, which cost several
will entitle all Americans to basic health
thousand dollars a year, she thought:
care.
"Why on earth would we want to drive
Deal with anti-trust laws that, she
out of business farm families who are
said, prevent hospitals from cooperating
among the most productive workers in
in purchasing expensive equipment.
America?"
In addition to 37 million to 40 million
Make the health-care system
uninsured Americans, another 22 million
simpler by developing uniform insurance
have "only the barest bones insurance"
forms and "by ridding the system of
that won't cover catastrophic illnesses,
unnecessary paperwork and bureaucra-
Mrs. Clinton said.
cy."
"All of us must recognize we are all
Changing the mix of federal aid for
part of the problem, and we will all have
educating doctors to encourage training
to be part of a solution if it is going to
more general practitioners and fewer
work for America.
We want a health-
specialists.
Statue Atop Capitol Will Be Repaired
Washington (AP) - After 130 years of
smoothed, corrosion removed and the
standing guard on the Capitol dome, the
surface restored to the greenish-brown
statue of Armed Freedom is in need of a
patina it had in 1863, when it was
little R&R.
installed.
So. at a cost of $750,000, the bronze
statue, a sort of victory goddess with
flowing robes, sword and shield, and a
Hasbro to Pay $175,000
bizarre headdress topped with a scream-
ing eagle, will be plucked from its perch
To Settle Dispute on Ad
via helicopter and lowered to the Capitol
Washington (AP) - The nation's
Plaza for five months of cleaning and
largest toy manufacturer has agreed to
repair.
pay the government $175,000 to settle
The 19-foot-6-inch, 14,985-pound
charges that it falsely claimed the GI Joe
bronze statue will be hoisted from its
Battle Copter could fly.
iron moorings May 9.
But in so doing, Hasbro Inc. of
The statue will be given a thorough
Pawtucket, R.I., did not admit to any
cleaning with jets of water and, perhaps,
false claims in its 1991 ad on the
crushed walnut shells. Pits will be
toy.
SA
2.
OMAHA WORLD-HERALD Saturday, April 17, 1993
Kerrey Pushes Fund to Monitor Costs
short of the necessary amount next year,
BY MARY MCGRATH
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
Kerrey said. Janet L. Shikles, director of
health financing and policy at the Gener-
Lincoln - Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb.,
al Accounting Office, told the conference
proposed Friday that a trust fund be
that for several years, GAO reports to
created for all federal health-care expen-
Congress have described "the consider-
ditures to flow through in order to show
able and increasing problems in our
how much health care costs the nation.
system and have urged Congress to take
The new trust fund would replace
some tough actions."
1 Medicare trust funds.
Total U.S. health-care expenditures
Legislation to create such a trust fund
for this year are estimated at $939 billion,
is under discussion, said Sheila Nix, a
she said.
legislative aide to Kerrey. Sen. Daniel
Medical costs have grown as the
Patrick Moynihan, D-N.Y., and Senate
number of uninsured people has in-
Majority Leader George Mitchell of
creased, she said. Unless significant
Maine have encouraged Kerrey's efforts,
changes are made, she said, the cost of
she said.
the health-care delivery system could
Kerrey spoke at a two-day conference
exceed $2 trillion by the turn of the
on health-care problems facing the na-
century.
tion and the state. First lady Hillary
"The problem of access to health care
Rodham Clinton was the featured speak-
is very serious and getting worse," she
er at the conference.
said. "It is estimated that about 100,000
The 850-seat Kimball Hall was nearly
individuals are losing their health insur-
filled as the program featuring Kerrey
ance each month."
began at 8:30 a.m. Kerrey and Gov.
Nelson led the conference. In attendance
Ms. Shikles said factors driving
were health-care professionals, civic
health-care costs are an aging popula-
leaders, corporate executives, represen-
tion, increasing availability of expensive
tatives of health and social service agen-
technology, consumer demand for serv-
cies, and consumer advocates.
ices and a fee-for-service system that
rewards more when more services are
"I don't believe that health-care re-
form is an option," Kerrey said. "I
provided.
believe it is a necessity."
"What's interesting," she said, "is that
Kerrey said the conference would
every other industrialized nation is fac-
"give us an idea of what others in the
PHIL JOHNSON/TH WORLD-HERALD
ing these same problems."
nation and in other states are thinking
NICE TO SEE YOU: Sen. Bob Kerrey, D-Neb., and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Yet all have a level of health-care
about health-care reform so that Nebras-.
chat before speaking at the health-care forum.
spending significantly below the U.S.
kans can make informed decisions about
level, insure all their citizens and have
what should be done here."
helping to contain costs.
government will spend $284 billion on
health-care outcomes about the same as
He said he believes in high-quality
Kerrey said the trust fund he proposes
health care this year and $318 billion
the United States', she said. The United
health care and has benefited from it. He
would help make the public aware of
next year, an increase of $34 billion.
States should look at what has worked in
said he likewise believes that each
costs and of the choices that the nation
Based on the percentage of govern-
other countries, she said.
American must help pay for health care
must make to pay for care.
ment money devoted to health care in
Nelson told the conference, "We've
as he is able and must be responsible in
For example, he said. the federal
1993, such a fund would fall $10 billion
got a lot on our plates, a lot to do."
SUNDAY, APRIL 18. 1993
LINCOLN JOURNAL-STAR
STATE/LOCAL
3E
First lady impresses Lincolnites
Program to find doctors for Medicaid patients draws interest
BY MARTHA STODDARD
tute," she said.
The large turnout
Lincoln Journal-Star
Clinton was a good listener as well,
prompted one local health
Clark said. Although she had heard
The Lincolnites who met Friday
with first lady Hillary Rodham Clin-
official to compare the
about the program just before her
ton to explain a local program that
event to the recent visit of
speech, she mentioned it several
matches Medicaid recipients with
times and was able to summarize it
doctors came away impressed with
Barney, the purple
accurately.
her knowledge, attentiveness and
dinosaur, to Omaha.
"We were pleased that we were the
warmth.
people she got to meet with. I think it
care because most doctors were
indicates her interest in local solu-
"She seemed very interested in a
refusing to take new Medicaid pa-
tions," Clark said.
very genuine way. She's a very atten-
tients.
Other items of note in relation to
tive person," said Natalie Clark, exec-
The Medical Society, the Health
Clinton's Lincoln visit:
utive director of the Lancaster
Department and the Social Services
Security was tight, with many Se-
County Medical Society.
Department worked-together to find
cret Service agents evident both in-
"She was a very gracious and
a solution.
side and outside the Lied Center for
warm person. She put everyone at
Through the Medicaid Referral
Performing Arts, where Clinton
ease," said Dr. Chris Wright, medical
System they created, Medicaid pa-
spoke to an overflow crowd.
director for the state Department of
tients can call one number at the
One local police officer on hand
Social Services.
Health Department to be referred to
noted that Clinton didn't rate as many
Clark and Wright, along with Lin-
a doctor and get help with transporta-
Secret Service agents as had Presi-
coln cardiologist Dr. Chris Caudill,
tion or other problems that might
dent Bush during his visit to Lincoln,
public health nurse Pat Lopez, Lin-
make it difficult to get medical care.
but she rated more agents than Mari-
coln-Lancaster County Health De-
Referrals are made by rotation so
lyn Quayle, wife of the former vice
partment Director Jane Ford and
doctors are assured they won't be
president.
Mary Dean Harvey, state director of
overloaded with Medicaid patients.
Several local law enforcement
Social Services, met with Clinton be-
Doctors can refer patients to public
officials also were on hand to protect
fore her Friday speech at a health
health nurses for follow-up care and if
Clinton. Those who helped out had to
care conference here.
problems crop up. Doctors also can
go through several hours of training
get help dealing with the state Medic-
The six told Clinton and Phil Lee,
on how to deal with any contingency.
aid bureaucracy.
assistant U.S. secretary of health and
The program won a Beneficiary
The large turnout of people for
human services, about Lincoln's
Services Certificate of Merit from the
Friday's session of the health care
Medicaid Referral System, a grass-
federal Health Care Financing Ad-
conference and for Clinton's visit
roots effort that has found doctors for
ministration last fall.
prompted one local health official to
6,300 Medicaid patients over the past
Both Clinton and Lee seemed inter-
compare the event to the recent visit
two years.
ested in the local program and asked
of Barney, the purple dinosaur, to
The program began in 1991. when
questions about how it was developed
Omaha. Barney's visit ended up being
Medicaid patients in Lincoln were
and how it works, Lopez said. "Her
cut short when the popular children's
having increasing trouble getting
(Clinton's) questions were very as-
figure was mobbed by children.
Health Leader
Foresees Good
In Reform Plan
BY MARY MCGRATH
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
Lincoln - Former Rep. Bill Gradis-
on, R-Ohio, said he doesn't know when
health-care reform will come or exactly
what it will look like.
"But I'm confident it will be a system
with two typically American characteris-
tics." said the president of the Health
Insurance Association of America.
"It will be very complex. And it will be
very expensive." he told participants at
Friday's health-care conference.
"Many say you find the devil in
details" of the plans. he said. "But I think
you can also find God in the details."
He said several details of health-care
reform have not been discussed fully
enough for the public to characterize
them yet.
One of these areas is the question of
what will be in the basic benefit package.
The package reportedly would be as
good as or better than 85 percent of the
health plans now available.
Such a package would mean that some
companies might have to provide more
benefits for employees, he said.
What is more, the federal budget
probably would be affected. he said.
The benefits package would be more
generous than Medicare in such respects
as coverage for outpatient prescription
drugs.
- Gradison said it is inconceivable that
the nation's elderly and disabled would
get fewer benefits under Medicare than
the rest of the country would receive.
Other aspects of reform that have not
been fully discussed, he said, are what it
will cost. how long it will take to phase in
and how it will be paid for.
Gradison said coming up with funding
will not be "an easy slam-dunk."
It can be done. he said. but it will be a
tough sell.
Gradison said people can be motivat-
ed to support health-care reform and its
cost if they think it will benefit them or
their families.
Gradison said health insurers have
concerns about the proposed purchasing
cooperatives. or local health alliances.
which would look for the best price and
quality of health care offered by combi-
nations of providers and insurers.
This system could lead to a declining
number of providers and insurers. he
said.
Beatrice (Neb.) Daily Sun,
Monday, April 12, 1993 A-2
Hillary Clinton invited to tour BSDC,
but visit to institution called unlikely
By Lana Likens
Clinton is scheduled to give the
for the conference, she invited Mrs.
center.
Daily Sun staff writer
Friday luncheon address, A View
Clinton or a member of the
"It would be wonderful if some-
from Washington."
National Task Force on Health Care
body would come," Mrs. Cr awford
In conjunction with a possible
Belles said late last week that
reform she chairs to visit BSDC.
said.
visit to Lincoln for a health care
Mrs. Clinton had not declined the
Mrs. Crawford said she has sent
conference, Hillary Rodham
invitation to the Nebraska confer-
information on BSDC to task force
BSDC Superintendent Dr. Hugh
Clinton has also been invited to tour
ence, but a visit had not been con-
members. She said it's important
Sage said Monday he did no t expect
the Beatrice State Developmental
firmed, either. She' said no
that Mrs. Clinton and task force
Mrs. Clinton to tour the center. He
Center.
announcement could be made that
members realize there is a need for
said he has received no word from
Jennifer Belles, Columbia
Mrs. Clinton would attend until a
facilities such as BSDC.
her staff, and no arrangements have
Institute project associate, said Mrs.
confirmation was received.
"The people there at BSDC need
been made for a visit.
Clinton has been invited to attend
special services - they need the
Sage is one of those invited to
the conference, "National Health
WHEN PAT Crawford, a mem-
experts," she said.
attend the health care conference
Care in the 21st Century: National
ber of Voice of the Retarded and
She said her letter said that to
this weekend in Lincoln, however,
Challenges, Nebraska Solutions," to
the BSDC Parents Association,
really understand the health care
and said he will attend. Sen. Bob
be held Friday, April 16, and
found out there was a chance Mrs.
needs of people who live at BSDC,
Kerrey is chairman of the event and
Saturday, April 17, in Lincoln. Mrs.
Clinton would come to Nebraska
a task force member should visit the
Gov. Ben Nelson is co-ch airman.
Doctor: Health-Care Cost
Doesn't Decide Quality
BY ROBERT DORR
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
Lincoln - Less medical care might
Consultant:
mean that Americans would get better
medical care. a doctor who helped
Plan Must
craft what is expected to become a key
concept of national health-care reform
said Friday.
Protect All
Many Americans wrongly believe that
they can get the best health care by
WORLD-HERALD BUREAU
paying a lot, said Dr. Paul Ellwood.
Lincoln - The Clinton health-
president and chief executive officer of
the Jackson Hole Group of Teton Vil-
care reform plan will prohibit
lage. Wyo. The health-policy analysis
insurance companies from cutting
off small companies that have
group is given credit for developing the
high medical costs, a health-care
"managed competition" concept.
task force consultant said Friday.
"Fear still pervades much. of our
E. Richard Brown, on leave as
thinking that if we change the incentives
professor of public health at the
so that we pay less, that will result in a
University of California at Los
loss of quality," he told those attending
Angeles. said a more difficult task
Friday's health-care conference.
will be drafting ways to compen-
"We can get better quality by doing
sate health-care plans for taking
less." he said.
high-cost patients in the future
That contention was a common theme
and also to encourage the plans to
of speakers at the health-care meeting.
become more efficient.
Dr. Ellwood and others contended, for
Brown said he had talked with
example, that the risk of medical mal-
the father of a 13-year-old cere-
practice suits forces doctors to give too
bral palsy victim in Lincoln.
much care.
"The parents had to fight long
By contrast, managed competition
and hard to get the equipment
calls for networks of doctors, hospitals
their son needs" from their insur-
and insurance companies to compete for
ance company, he said.
the health-care business of large pools of
The health-care reform plan
people on the basis of quality and price.
being developed "must protect the
A purchasing pool might consist of a
needs of all people." he said.
single large company. In other cases. a
Brown said the "managed com-
pool would consist of groups of small
petition" concept will be influen-
companies and individuals.
tial in the new health-care plan.
"I think we ought to call them
But many other ideas also will be
McPools, after the president's eating
drawn on, he said.
habits," he said, referring to President
He cautioned that the national
Clinton's occasional stops at McDon-
task force must be careful not to
ald's while jogging.
change the system too much. "We
Dr. Ellwood said he realized some-
don't want to throw out the baby
thing was wrong with the existing medi-
with the bath water." he said.
cal payment system when he headed a
physical rehabilitation center.
"We didn't do well at first, but then we
longer than in the United States, he said.
got better at it, people got well faster and
Yet the Japanese spend half as much
the beds emptied," he said.
on average as Americans for health care.
But the center became worse off finan-
he said.
cially because it was being paid only for
"If there ever was an argument that
patients still in beds, he said.
fish is more important than medical care.
To some extent, he said, that has been
Japan is it." he said.
reversed by health maintenance organi-
Dr. Ellwood said national health-care
zation plans that charge flat fees in
reform must make doctors. clinics and
advance and emphasize keeping people
other health-care providers accountable
well.
for the results of their treatment of
Americans must learn to take better
patients. One way would be to have
care of themselves, he said. In Japan, the
patients fill out a questionnaire measur-
health-care system "is atrocious" and the
ing their satisfaction with the care they
average hospital stay is 53 days, much
received. he said.
Health Care in the 21st Century:
National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
1) Do you believe that health care for all Americans should be
considered a right or a major goal of society?
35% Right
60% Major Goal
5% - Other
2) Do you believe that it is the responsibility of the government
to provide basic health care services to all persons who are not
able to pay for them?
71% Yes
26% No
3% No Opinion
3) Do you believe that the responsibility for health care reform
lies primarily with the federal government, the states or with both
equally?
26% Primarily Federal
17% Primarily State
57% Both Equally
4) Do you believe that in reforming the health care system highest
priority should be given to controlling costs, providing access to
all citizens or to improve quality? Please rank the following in
order of priority with 1 being the highest priority, 2 the second
highest and 3 the third.
Controlling Costs
Improving Quality
1 - 40%
1 - 9%
2 - 41%
2 - 26%
3- 19%
3 - 65%
Access to All Citizens
1 - 51%
2 - 35%
3 - 14%
5) Which general approach to the reform of health care services do
you support?
20% National (Single Payer)
4% Pay or Play
35% Managed Competition
28% Other Market-Based Reform
13% Other
6) Do you favor or oppose a requirement that all employers provide
basic health care services to all employees and their families?
49% Favor
43% Oppose
8% No Opinion
7) Do you believe that budgets for health care services at either
the state or national level (or both) should provide enough funds
to provide all necessary health care services regardless of the
cost?
25% Yes
71% No
4% No Opinion
8) a. In the event funds provided by state and federal governments
are not sufficient to pay for all services to all persons, would
you favor a system such as the Oregon plan that allocates resources
according to a system of priorities?
65% Yes
24% No
11% No Opinion
9) Do you believe that (a) long term care or (b) catastrophic
health coverage should be considered in a major health care package
or should they be explored as separate issues in the future?
a. long term care:
51% As Part of Health Care Package
49% Separate Issue in Future
b. catastrophic health coverage:
76% As Part of Health Care Package
24% Separate Issue in Future
10) Following are a number of proposals that have been suggested
for inclusion in a plan for comprehensive health care reform.
Participants were asked to rank the options according to importance
for a successful health care reform plan.
2 malpractice reform
5 eliminating unneeded procedures
6 market competition
-
10 co-payments by users
-
15 deductibility of insurance premiums
9 - higher premiums for those engaged in high risk behavior (i.e.
smoking)
1 preventative medicine
-
_13_ - reducing fraud and overbilling
_18_ a cap on government payments
_3_______________________ administrative reform
_14_ repeal state mandates and provide uniform basic coverage
_11_ portability of benefits
_17_ Prescriptions with co-payments
_8_______________________ 8 special incentives to ensure adequate services in rural areas
-
_16_ limits on annual insurance premium increases
_4_______________________ extend coverage to all persons
_12_ require all employers to provide basic coverage to all
employees
7 other
HEALTH CARE IN THE 21ST CENTURY:
National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair
March 19, 1993
DR D WILCH
PO Box Cc
Winnebago, NE 68071-0747
Dear Dr Wilch,
President Clinton called health reform "an essential part of
national revitalization" and has made it one of the nation's top
priorities. With this in mind, we have decided to convene and chair a
conference, entitled "Health Care for the 21st Century: National
Challenges, Nebraska Solutions," on Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April
17, 1993. The conference will be held in the Union on the campus of the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln beginning at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning,
and we are pleased to invite you to attend and participate in this
event.
The goal of this forum is to inform Nebraskans about the central
issues and reform proposals involved in the health care debate so they
may make solid decisions about which plan they support, both nationally
and locally. The conference will bring together experts in government,
the health care professions and private industry to discuss the
challenges of providing universal access to affordable, quality health
care services. Featured speakers will include Dr. Paul Ellwood, Dr.
Rick Brown and Governor Howard Dean.
During these two days, we hope you will join us in a thorough
discussion of such important topics as managed competition, global
budgeting, the President's proposal, and state initiatives for health
care reform. Please see the enclosed agenda for more information.
The only expense to the participants will be the cost of the
luncheon and refreshment breaks. To confirm your attendance, please
complete and return the enclosed response form along with your check for
$17.00 made payable to the Columbia Institute, the coordinators of the
event.
Your attendance and participation will help to assure the success
of this important event. We look forward to seeing you on April 16 and 17.
X J. ROBERT KERRY
Sincerely,
E. Bugha
E. BENJAMAN NELSON
United States Senate
Governor, State of Nebraska
A
COLUMBIA INSTITUTE Coordinated Event
NOT PRINTED AT GOVERNMENT EXPENSE
REGISTRATION
Health Care in the 21st Century:
National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
I will attend "Health Care in the 21st Century: National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions" at the University of Nebraska,
Lincoln Union on April 16 and 17. My check for $17.00 is enclosed to cover the cost of the luncheon and refreshment
breaks. (Please make checks payable to the Columbia Institute).
NAME
ADDRESS
TITLE
CITY/STATE/ZIP
COMPANY
PHONE (OFFICE)
PHONE (HOME)
Mail to:
Health Care in the 21st Century:
National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
For more information, please contact
8 E Street, S.E.
Senator Kerrey's office at
Washington, D.C. 20003
(402) 391-3411.
Register early, as space is limited.
PREVIEW OF SPEAKERS
SENATOR J. ROBERT KERREY - Represents Nebraska in the United States Senate
After serving one four-year term as Governor of the State of Nebraska from 1983 to 1987, Senator Kerrey was elected to the
United States Senate in 1988. Taking the initiative in health care reform, Senator Kerrey spent three years developing Health
USA, a completely comprehensive health care package, and is now recognized as a leader in the Senate on this issue.
GOVERNOR E. BENJAMIN NELSON - State of Nebraska
Governor Nelson was elected in 1990 after serving as the state's director of insurance, executive vice president of the National
Association of Insurance Commissioners, and attorney-of-counsel with Kennedy, Holland, DeLacy & Svoboda. Under
Nelson's leadership, Nebraska has moved from 31st to 21st in Financial World magazine's "State of the States" financial health
ranking.
LINDA BERGLIN - State Senator and Chair, Health Care Committee, Minnesota State Senate
First elected in 1980 and currently serving her fifth term, Ms. Berglin is the first woman full committee chair in the Minnesota
State Senate as a result of her current position as Chair of the Health Care Committee. Immersed in the health care debate,
she also holds the position of Co-chair on the Legislative Commission on Long Term Health Care and the Health Care Access
Oversight Commission. Prior to the Senate, Ms. Berglin served four terms as a state representative.
HOWARD DEAN, M.D. - Governor, State of Vermont
Governor Dean was elected in November 1992 after serving as lieutenant governor and member of the Vermont House of
Representatives. He is Co-chairman of the National Governors' Association Health Care Task Force and was recently named
to President Clinton's health care task force headed by Hillary Rodham Clinton. Governor Dean earned his M.D. from Albert
Einstein College of Medicine and completed his residency at the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont.
PAUL ELLWOOD, M.D. - President & Chief Executive Officer, Jackson Hole Group
Dr. Ellwood is currently concentrating his efforts on working with health care leaders to devise and implement "The 21st
Century American Health System" to assure universal insurance coverage, managed competition, and health outcome account-
ability. He practiced medicine for 17 years and was coeditor of the Handbook of Physical Medicine. Dr. Ellwood is the first
recipient of the U.S. Healthcare Quality Award for his outstanding contributions to the improvement of the quality of health
care in the United States. He received his M.D. at Stanford University.
JANET SHIKLES - Director of Health Financing and Policy Issues, U.S. General Accounting Office
In her position, Ms. Shikles directs a staff of 140 people conducting audits, evaluations and policy analyses of Medicare,
Medicaid and national health policy issues. Her recent studies have included analyses of lessons that can be learned from the
Canadian health insurance system, cost containment strategies in the French, German and Japanese health systems, and
current state initiatives. Previously, she was a senior analyst in health research with the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services.
Health Care in the 21st Century:
DATE and TIME:
National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
Friday, April 16, 1993
8:30 a.m. 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 17, 1993
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair
LOCATION:
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
For more information, please contact
Student Union - Centennial Ballroom
Senator Kerrey's office at (402) 391-3411.
Parking will be available at the state fairgrounds, one block north of Military Road on 14th.
PRELIMINARY AGENDA
8:30 a.m.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
2:15 p.m.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
3:15 p.m.
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair
4:15 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
SESSION I: NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
9:00 a.m.
SOCIAL VALUES VS. ECONOMIC NECESSITY
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 1993
Janet Shikles, Director of Health Financing and Policy,
U.S. General Accounting Office
8:00 a.m.
COFFEE AND DANISH
OPTIONS FOR REFORM
8:30 a.m.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
9:30 a.m.
THE MARKET AND HEALTH REFORM
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair
10:00 a.m.
MANAGED COMPETITION
9:00 a.m.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Paul Ellwood, M.D., Jackson Hole Group
State Senator Linda Berglin, Minnesota State Senate
10:30 a.m.
COFFEE BREAK
9:40 a.m.
THE BLUE RIBBON COALITION
10:45 a.m.
ELEMENTS OF COST CONTROL IN THE CONTEXT
Frank Barrett, Chair
OF A MARKET SYSTEM
10:00 a.m.
GOVERNOR'S INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE
E. Richard Brown, Ph.D., U.C.L.A. School of Public
Health
Mark Horton, M.D., Chair
10:20 a.m.
RESPONSE FROM LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS
11:15 a.m.
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
Moderator: Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
Darroll Loschen, M.D., President, Nebraska Medical
Association
12:00 p.m.
LUNCHEON
Sister Norita Cooney, President, Mercy Midland Hos-
12:45 p.m.
LUNCEHON ADDRESS: A View From Washington
pital
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Chair, President's Task Force
Neal Westphal, Personnel Director, Lincoln Telephone
on National Health Care Reform*
Randy Horn, Executive Vice President, Mutual of
Omaha Companies
SESSION II: STATE PERSPECTIVE
Labor Representative*
1:30 p.m.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: A View From the State
11:30 a.m.
CONCLUDING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT
House
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
Governor Howard Dean, State of Vermont
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair
*To Be Confinned
SPONSORS
(To Date)
Abbey Home Health Care
Immanuel Medical Center
Accent Service Company, Inc.
Lincoln Telecommunications Company
AMI St. Joseph Hospital and Mental Health Center
Medical Rehabilitation Education Foundation
Baker's Supermarkets
Mutual of Omaha Companies
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska
Nebraska Medical Association
Central States Health & Life Co.
Omaha Public Power District
Clarkson Hospital
Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
Continental General Insurance Company
Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Creighton University
Share Health Plan of Nebraska/United HealthCare
First Data Resources
Union Bank & Trust Company
Guarantee Mutual Life Company
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Health Insurance Association of America
Vetter Health Services, Inc.
Special thanks to the following cosponsoring organizations for their assistance:
Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging, Good Samaritan Hospital Hospice, Lincoln Area Agency on Aging, Nebraska Association of Home
and Community Health Agencies, Nebraska Association of Homes for the Aging, Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Nebraska
Association of Public Employees AFSCME Local 61, Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association, Nebraska Hospice Association, Nebraska
Nurses Association, Nebraska Optometric Association, Nebraska Pharmacists Association, Nebraska State Physical Therapy Association,
Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging, South Central Nebraska Area Agency on Aging, Visiting Nurses Association
Health Care in the 21st Century:
National Challenges, Nebraska Solutions
Friday, April 16, 1993
8:30 a.m. 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, April 17, 1993
8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Student Union Centennial Ballroom
Senator J. Robert Kerrey, Chairman
Governor E. Benjamin Nelson, Co-Chair