04.06.09

Cantwell Convenes Roundtable Meeting with Whatcom County Experts to Discuss Economy, Job Creation, and Health Care Reform

Cantwell Moves to Increase Economic Development, New Job Opportunities, and Make Health Care System More Efficient and More Accessible

BELLINGHAM, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) convened a meeting this weekend of Whatcom County experts for a roundtable discussion on the state of the economy, job creation, and health care reform. As the state of the economy continues to remain precarious, Cantwell continues to take steps to create jobs and to improve economic development opportunities for Washington state. Health care costs continue to soar and are a major drain on the overall state of our economy. This month, Congress will begin debating and considering various health care reform proposals, and Cantwell plans to focus her efforts on addressing long-term health care, addressing the shortage of primary care physicians, the shortage of physicians practicing in rural communities, and inefficient Medicare reimbursements that do not reward good care coordination.
 
“Whatcom County’s unemployment rate has soared over five percent from this time last year,” said Cantwell. “While the stimulus bill is providing the community with support to create jobs and increase economic opportunities, we also have to address the long-term health of our economy. If we’re going to get serious about getting our economy back on track, we’re going to have to get serious about reforming our health care system. It is the most expensive system in the world, yet is inaccessible for far too many Americans.”
 
In February 2009, the unemployment rate in Whatcom County reached 8.1 percent, up from 7.9 percent in January 2009. Cantwell has long-worked to ensure that Washington state’s workforce has the tools it needs to compete in a 21st century economy; to promote research and development; and spur innovation.
 
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 and in rural communities; and, provide patients with quality, affordable, accessible care.
 
“We need to stop focusing on paying for procedures, and pay for preventative care, case and care management as well,” said Dr. Victor Collymore, Regional Vice President of PeaceHealth Medical Group. “Doctor’s don’t get paid for care management. We need payment reform.”
 
 
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 crating 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.
 
 
 
 
###