IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2007

Contact:

Rep. Jeff Colyer 785/296-667

HOUSE PASSES RESOLUTION SUPPORTING

OVERHAUL OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Topeka – The Kansas House of Representatives gave approval today to House Resolution 6015 which sets forth the House Republican Healthcare task-force market-based solutions to the current healthcare problems facing the State of Kansas.

“Our current system is plagued by the shrinking of private health insurance coverage, an expanding number of Kansans on Medicaid, and a stagnant number of uninsured.  Without clear-cut markets and competition, Kansans will continue to suffer,” House Speaker Melvin Neufeld (R-Ingalls) explained. “If left unchanged, our state’s Medicaid expenses will outpace what we spend on public education within 20 years.  This is our first step in a long process to reform how those in need receive health care without sending our state into bankruptcy.”

The Kansas House Republican Caucus made reforming the state’s health care system one of its top priorities this session.

“All Kansans face unique healthcare issues no matter their walk of life.  We must rethink our broken system and find solutions that serve all the needs of Kansas communities,” said Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell). “House Republicans are dedicated to good public policy that will help them meet those needs.”

In HCR 6015, House Members show they are committed to improving healthcare in the state by:

• Preserving and stabilizing the health care system safety net
• Using market forces to expand private health insurance coverage
• Strengthening the pluralistic, world-class health system of Kansas
• Expanding private sector health care and insurance
• Not relying on new taxes nor mandates
• Minimizing the impact of the uninsured
• Carefully crafting programs that emphasize wellness

Rep. Jeff Colyer (R-Overland Park) chaired the House Republican Health Care Select Committee that developed KanCare.

“This resolution is not just words.  It gives us an overall vision to help guide our state and lawmakers as they make future decisions on health care legislation and reform,” said Rep. Colyer.

You can read more about KanCare at www.kansashouse.org.

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