Vancouver, WA – On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) will host a press conference to hear from a cross section of health care stakeholders from southwestern Washington state. The focus of the discussion will be on reforming the nation’s Long Term Care system, addressing critical physician shortages in the areas where they are most needed, and Medicare reimbursements. Over the next few weeks, Cantwell plans to introduce legislation to address our country’s growing health care crisis. Her legislative efforts aim to reduce costs, increase healthy outcomes, provide incentives for physicians practicing primary care in rural communities; and, provide patients with quality, affordable, accessible care.
Cantwell’s health care bills would:
• Reduce federal Medicaid and Medicare costs by approximately $2.8 billion over five years by letting people access home and community-based long-term care and avoid Medicaid.
• Expand enrollment in allied health training programs and address chronic shortages in the field.
• Encourage hospitals to expand residency programs in rural communities by creating an interest-free loan program.
• Address the shortage of primary care physicians
• Help people avoid receiving care in nursing homes by coordinating care for “dual eligible” patients (those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid) and providing them with preventative and wellness education.
WHEN: Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at 10:30 am
WHERE: Marshall Center, Oak Room
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd.
Vancouver, WA
WHO: U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell
David Kelly, Executive Director, Southwest Washington Agency on Aging and Disabilities
Larry Cohen, Director of Strategic Planning, Southwest Washington Medical Center
Dr. Janice McClean, Medical Director, Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic
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