Washington Policy Center Launches 2009 Federal Health Care Reform Project
Reform discussion needs patient-driven alternatives, sound input on
cost and impact of government-run health care

Seattle – Washington Policy Center (WPC), the state’s premier independent policy research organization, has launched a new project focused on analyzing federal health care reform proposals.

As Congress and the President debate plans for reforming health care, it is essential they and the public consider how more government involvement will impact accessibility, affordability, and quality.  Health care reform must be focused on patients, allowing more access to more treatments and more doctors with less interference from insurance companies, politicians, and special interests.

A balanced, common sense approach that provides assistance to those who truly need it and keeps health care patient-centered rather than government-centered for everyone.

The project is spearheaded by Dr. Roger Stark, WPC’s Health Care Policy Analyst.  Dr. Stark is a retired surgeon and has been involved extensively in the health care community.  In 2007 Dr. Stark authored the book Health Care in the U.S.: Problems and Solutions, and his opinion-editorials have appeared in The Seattle Times and the Washington DC Examiner.  He has done in-depth research on Medicaid, health care reform measures across the country, and patient-driven health care.

Dr. Stark, along with WPC’s Vice President for Research Paul Guppy, will be analyzing the proposals under consideration, speaking at public forums across the state, producing a video on what the reform will mean to the average citizen, and providing analysis as events unfold via WashingtonPolicyBlog.org and opinion-editorial articles.

To arrange an interview with Dr. Stark or Paul Guppy contact John Barnes at 206-999-9908 or jbarnes@washingtonpolicy.org.

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Check out the latest WPC health care publications, including a recent op-ed in The Seattle Times on Obama’s reform plan.

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