For Immediate Release:                                                                                   

January 19, 2006                                                                                     

House Majority Leader Announces New Health Task Force

TOPEKA – House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) announced this afternoon his appointees to the new Health Task Force.  The task force will focus on finding ways to make Kansas healthier by assisting individuals in taking care of their own health.

“Everybody knows there is a crisis in Health Care.  The importance of our personal health demands we address this problem now; it simply cannot wait,” said Majority Leader Merrick. “Improving the health of Kansans is a top priority this session and will be for years to come”.

Appointees to the task force include: Rep. Jeff Colyer, M.D. Chairman; Rep. Peggy Mast, Vice-Chair; Rep. Bob Bethell, Rep. Terrie Huntington, Rep. Mike Kiegerl, Rep. Jeff King, Rep. Brenda Landwehr,  Rep. Ray Merrick, Rep. Melvin Neufeld, Rep. Mike O’Neal, Rep. Clark Shultz, Rep. Kenny Wilk, and Rep. Kevin Yoder.

“The House members serving on this task force bring a wealth of knowledge in the areas of health, insurance, Medicaid and taxation,” commented Majority Leader Merrick. “I am confident that under the leadership of Dr. Colyer and Rep. Mast this task force will use its expertise to establish affordable, portable care for a healthier Kansas”.

The task force will immediately address the problems facing Medicaid, commercial insurance, and the uninsured.  Another focus will be to strengthen the safety net for the most vulnerable Kansans, especially children and seniors.  Affordability of commercial insurance for individuals and businesses will be a top priority.

“All Kansans deserve access to high quality, affordable health care,” said Senator Jim Barnett. “I look forward to working with the task force to make these goals a reality.”    

“Good health is a personal priority for every Kansan,” said Representative Colyer. “It is priority for the House as well and we are moving forward now.”

The task force will begin hearings next week and a bill is expected this legislative session.

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