The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group In 2003, Congress passed a law saying: “In order to improve the health care system, the American public must engage in an informed national public debate to make choices about the services they want covered, what health care coverage they want, and how they are willing to pay for coverage.”

The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group Randall L. Johnson (IL), Chair, Director of Human Resources Strategic Initiatives, Motorola Frank J. Baumeister, Jr. (OR), physician specializing in gastroenterology Dorothy A. Bazos (NH), registered nurse, adjunct professor at Dartmouth College Montye S. Conlan (FL), consumer advocate Richard G. Frank (MA), professor of health economics at Harvard University Medical School Joseph T. Hansen (MD), President of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Therese A. Hughes (CA), government relations and legislative analyst at the Venice Family Clinic Brent C. James (UT), physician and vice president of Intermountain Health Care Michael O. Leavitt (UT), Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Patricia A. Maryland (IN), president of St. Vincent Hospitals and Health Services, Inc Catherine G. McLaughlin (MI), professor of health economics at the University of Michigan Rosario Perez (TX), registered nurse and the Vice President of Mission Integration and Outreach Services for CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health Care Aaron Shirley (MS), physician and an associate professor in pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center Deborah R. Stehr (IA), health care advocate and is a full-time care giver Christine L. Wright (SD), registered nurse

Our Charge We have been asked to facilitate a national debate on healthcare and deliver recommendations to the President and Congress. The law that created the Working Group requires the President to respond to these recommendations and designates the five congressional committees which will hold hearings on them. Before we can make recommendations, we need to hear from Americans across the country.

Health Care in the United States We have much to be proud of….. Many of us are benefiting from medical advances, and are living longer, healthier, and more productive lives. We export our medical know-how, advanced technology, and breakthrough medicines throughout the globe. Most of us say that we are pleased with the health care we receive. But We Also Have Serious Problems….. Reliable data show we have significant issues with: Escalating costs Unreliable quality Inconsistent access to health care

It’s a Vicious Cycle… The problems are complicated… Cost Quality In 1960, we spent a nickel out of every dollar we earned on health; today we spend 15 cents out of every $1 on health. $6,400 was spent per person in 2004; By 2014, this amount is expected to be $11,000. Quality often falls short of the mark. Adults get, on average, only 55% of the recommended care for many common conditions. Almost 46 million are uninsured. Many uninsured are from working families. The uninsured are 8 times more likely to skip medical care because they can’t afford it. Access

We Need To Hear From You Tell Us What You Think What health care benefits and services should be provided? How should health care be delivered? How should it be paid for? What trade-offs should the American public be willing to make in either benefits or financing to ensure access to affordable, high-quality health care coverage and services?

Working Group Appointed Hearings Report Questions for America Community Meetings Interim Recommendations Public Comment Period Final Recommendations Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep 2005  2006  2/28 5/118/17 10/6 4/14 1/136/01 12/146/01 9/01 7/19/27 THE TIMELINE

Here’s What You Can Do Inform your organization about this opportunity to get involved Host a community meeting for the Working Group Host a webcast Download the Community Meeting kit from our website and hold your own meeting – and send us the results. Link to from your websitewww.citizenshealthcare.gov For additional information, contact Jessica Federer at or