Nebraska Senator Forms Commission To Examine Health Care
Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) has formed a commission of health care experts to develop health care reform recommendations for federal legislation, the Omaha World-Herald reports. The commission comprises 10 members who will examine health care access and quality, cost control, the roles of medical science and technology to improve care, and the effect that baby boomers will have on future costs, according to the World-Herald (Thompson, Omaha World-Herald, 2/23).
Part of the commission's mandate is identifying "more effective financing vehicles for American health care than current public and private plans." Hagel said that the goal will be to ensure sustainable health care for all families.
Chuck Marr, founding CEO of Alegent Health in Omaha, will serve as the commission's chair. "Having accessible, affordable and quality health care is the desire of every American," Marr said (Lincoln Journal-Star, 2/22).
Hagel said, "As medical technologies advance and our population ages, health care will become increasingly important to maintaining America's competitive position in the world." He asked the committee to submit its recommendations after one year of study (Omaha World-Herald, 2/23).