Senator Ken Salazar addressed the conference attendees during lunch today. Senator Salazar echoed the stark facts that have been presented throughout this conference. 47 million people do not have health insurance in our nation. 9 million children are uninsured. Two-thirds of the uninsured are middle class working families. Health care premiums are up 70%. Monthly health insurance premiums average $1,200.00. For many working families the monthly finance decision comes to this "Do we pay the mortgage or do we pay for health insurance?".
Senator Salazar's top five health care challenges:
1. We need to create a health care system that includes high quality health care that is cost effective and maximizes the health care dollar.
2. We need consumer tools that will help people make intelligent choices. Prevention.
3. We need to have a way to treat chronic illness. A way to provide the consumer with the medical care they need.
4. We need to invest in quality providers. Provider development.
5. We need to address the health disaparities that still exist in our nation.
Senator Salazar stated that "the time has come for fundamental health care reform".
It will probably not happen during this Congressional session. Instead Senator Salazar stated that the U.S. Senate Finance Committee will probably spend this session laying the ground work for change in the future. This will be a session of research and study.
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