Posted on 05/10/2007 12:22:48 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO, Calif., May 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Joined by Governor Schwarzenegger, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines, business leaders from the newly formed Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform (CAHR) today called for passage of market-based healthcare reforms to fix California and the nation's broken healthcare system. The group of business leaders said now is the time to bring all stakeholders together to achieve meaningful results that not only solve the cost and coverage problem, but build a healthier California.
Launched at a press conference on Capitol Hill earlier this week, CAHR is a working coalition of business leaders and employers committed to solving California and the nation's healthcare crisis by advancing a set of five core principles to guide and shape reform and public policy. Specifically, the coalition believes the foundation of any reform must be based on the following: Market-Based Healthcare System; Universal Coverage with Individual Responsibility; Financial Assistance for Low-Income Individuals; Healthier Behavior and Incentives; and Equal Tax Treatment.
"California is leading the way in engaging in one of the most crucial domestic policy debates facing the state and the nation. The debate is moving forward here because the Governor and the Legislature have put their ideas on the table and called for action," said Safeway CEO and CAHR chairman Steve Burd. "Now is the time to turn that momentum into results. This business coalition pledges to work together to solve the healthcare crisis that continues to spiral out of control."
At a roundtable discussion, CAHR members and the state's top elected Democratic and Republican officials discussed various reform proposals, shared innovative ideas and strategies on how to advance a productive dialogue to improve California's healthcare system this year. Coalition members praised the bold and innovative approaches being considered and pledged that the business community would be active participants in the process to advance market solutions that result in universal coverage, healthier lifestyles, prevention and equal tax treatment. CEOs and representatives from California companies such as Blue Shield of California, Bumble Bee Foods, CIGNA, The Clorox Company, Del Monte Foods, Jax Markets, Longs Drug Stores, McKesson Corp., PacifiCare, A United Healthcare Company, PG&E and Safeway Inc. participated in today's important and timely discussion.
"The costs of subsidizing the uninsured saddles businesses in California with hidden taxes through the form of higher premiums - resulting in a $14.7 billion drain on their bottom line. The Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform understands more than anyone how important it is to fix the broken system to improve our economy and as well as our ability to compete in the global marketplace," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "They also understand that as business leaders they share responsibility for a solution so we can create a healthcare system that is a model for the rest of the nation."
"Solving the healthcare crisis without business at the table is like trying to win the Kentucky derby without a horse. The Coalition to Advance Health Care Reform will be a powerful new voice for California employers in the coming debate. I appreciate the coalition's leadership and will work with it on a solution that expands healthcare coverage, improves quality, and maintains affordability," said Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata.
"I am heartened to see this coalition of major California employers stepping up to be part of the healthcare solution. They understand that California's economic future is based on a healthy workforce and a rational healthcare system where every person is insured and where all employers play by the same rules. I'm pleased we will be working with them on making healthcare better for all Californians. Today may not be the wedding, but getting engaged is a good reason to celebrate, too," said Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez.
"It is important that we work with the business community, both large and small, to find market-based solutions to our healthcare challenges that give Californians more access and choice," added Assembly Republican Leader Mike Villines.
"Longs Drug Stores is pleased to be a part of the Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform's efforts to identify and implement solutions to address rising healthcare costs and improve the quality of care," said Warren Bryant, Chairman, President and CEO of Longs Drug Stores. "As a major employer, as a major healthcare provider, as a corporate citizen in the State of California and as a retailer who is concerned about the coverage and cost of healthcare for its employees and customers, we support the five core elements of the Coalition to address health care reform."
"I represent small business in the food industry with 150 employees. Every year the cost of Healthcare is on the rise. To be a good employer to large families and to retain employees, cost is becoming prohibitive," said Bill MacAloney, CEO of southern California-based Jax Markets. "Our company looks forward to working with this coalition. We have been working on this issue for a long time. Our employees pay a portion of the cost of their healthcare and working together we need drive that cost down."
In the coming weeks and months, CAHR will be actively engaged in policy discussions at the state and federal level. The business community can be in a leadership position to advance market-based solutions that reverse rising healthcare costs, solve the problem of the uninsured and dramatically improve the quality of care for every American. California will play a critical role in shaping the national debate, which is why CAHR will be actively engaged in supporting reforms that reflect its principles. Nearly 40 companies, who combined employ more than 1.7 million workers, have signed up as initial members of the coalition and that number is expected to grow in the coming weeks. Edison International and Kohl's are the most recent companies to join CAHR.
"As we continue to experience annual double digit increases in the cost of providing healthcare to our employees, we are increasingly interested in healthcare reform driven and controlled by market forces," said Chris Lischewski, CEO of Bumble Bee Foods.
"We at Del Monte believe good health is the foundation of a rich and productive life for our employees, their families and all others in the communities in which we live. A healthy lifestyle and nutritious eating are primary building blocks to good health. At Del Monte, we have initiated programs to encourage health and wellness awareness, and by doing so, we are addressing the cause of more than two-thirds of today's primary diseases," said Richard G. Wolford, CEO of Del Monte Foods. "Reflecting our commitment to act to prevent disease through healthy personal lifestyle choices, we are here today to work together with our business colleagues and government leaders to forge solutions to build a stronger, healthier America. I look forward to working with the Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform to protect the future and health of families in California and beyond."
The full membership list includes: Aetna, Inc., Alex Lee, Inc., Blue Shield of California, Bumble Bee Seafoods, LLC, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., Cigna HealthCare, The Clorox Company, CVS/Pharmacy Corporation, Del Monte Foods, Edison International, Eli Lilly and Company, General Mills, Giant Eagle, GlaxoSmithKline, H.J. Heinz Company, Illinois Tool Works, Inc., Jax Markets, Kaiser Permanente, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., Kohl's, Kraft Foods, Inc. The Kroger Company, Longs Drug Stores, McKesson Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., Norfolk Southern Corporation, PacifiCare, A United Healthcare Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, PepsiCo, Inc., Playtex Products, Inc., Price Chopper, Raley's, Safeway Inc., Supervalu, The J.M. Smucker Company, United Supermarkets, Ltd., Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company.
For additional quotes from CAHR's member business leaders and information regarding our core principles about the coalition, including the latest information on membership, healthcare reform proposals, and healthcare news, simply visit CAHR's website at: http://www.coalition4healthcare.org.
SOURCE Coalition to Advance Healthcare Reform
Embrace socialism. Both parties do.
I knew there would be trouble when the dope smoking Summer of Love generation took over the corporations. Here’s trouble.
The Massachusetts “solution” is far from it.
Offer small business more incentives to offer benefits, close the gaps with individual access and fully enroll EXISTING child health programs, and would will fix 95% of the problem with insurance in this state.
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