Health Care Advocates in Fresno County Establish Coalition To Address Reform Efforts

Physicians, consumers and health care advocates on Thursday announced the establishment of a coalition to expand health care coverage in Fresno County, the Fresno Bee reports. The group is part of a network of 1,000 local and statewide groups organized by the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights to address health care issues.

Jerry Flanagan, health policy director of FTCR, said the state health care system "is bankrupt and threatens the California economy." According to Flanagan, 30% of Fresno County residents are uninsured and one-third of the uninsured are children.

Flanagan said his group has received support from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and other business groups. FTCR has planned town hall meetings in 11 communities statewide to discuss health care reform efforts (Correa, Fresno Bee, 4/1).