Healthcare Reform---What’s in it for YOU?
(Besides a Bigger Bill)
Every administration since Harry S. Truman has been calling for “healthcare reform” in one form or another. It was a major issue in the last elections and today we are on the precipice of a major reform bill of undetermined effect and cost that purports to change the American Health System once and for all. Or does it?
On January 21, The City Club of Central Oregon will welcome Mike Bonetto and Jim Lussier, who collectively have over 60 years of experience in healthcare and health related public policy at the federal, state and local levels for an insightful discussion of Healthcare Reform---What’s in it for You?
Both presenters will focus on the nature of the current legislation being formulated by Congress, its focus, and more importantly, what important issues it does not consider in true health reform; and finally its impact on Oregonians.
Each will also provide insight into the complex nature of America’s healthcare system and its likely continued accelerating costs. They will identify areas that comprehensive healthcare reform must continue to pursue if we are to eventually benefit from a comprehensive, integrated health system that provides universal access in an affordable manner. They will also describe some benchmarks and “best practices” of transformational organizations and new services that are a spark of hope that, although healthcare is amazing in its complexity, there are solutions that can be emulated that improve health services, increase access and ultimately reduce cost.
Pre-registration is required by January 18th at 5:00 p.m. The cost to members is $15.00 for lunch. Nonmembers pay $30.00 for lunch and program.
The Forum will begin at 11:30 and conclude at 1:00 p.m. City Club Forums are conducted at St. Charles Center for Health and Learning, 2500 NE Neff Road in Bend.
THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE HAS PASSED - PLEASE PHONE THE CITY CLUB TO INQUIRE ABOUT AVAILABILITY. 541-633-7163
Speaker Bios:
Mike Bonetto, Ph.D, MPH, MS, has a unique portfolio of health care policy and planning experience. He is currently the Vice President of Business and Community Development for Cascade Healthcare Community and has been the Senior Vice President of Planning & Development for Clear Choice Health Plans in Bend OR; Director of the Oregon Health Policy Commission; Senior Policy Advisor to the Oregon Senate Republican Caucus; and Policy Analyst for the Oregon Insurance Pool Governing Board. Mike received a Ph.D. in health policy, Master of Public Health from Oregon State University, and Master of Science from California State University, Fullerton, and a Bachelor of Arts from Occidental College.
His current activities include: President and Co-Founder, HealthMatters of Central Oregon and Board Member, Deschutes County Public Health Advisory Board. Mike also served for 8 years as a Board Member on Volunteers in Medicine, Clinic of the Cascades. He was recently appointed by Governor Kulongoski to the newly formed Oregon Health Policy Board.
Jim Lussier, Jim is founder and principle consultant of The Lussier Center/TLC. The Lussier Center focuses on the quest for personal and organizational performance excellence through the development of governance and leadership skills.
Jim is an active member of numerous boards and commissions, including the Board of Directors of St. Charles Foundation. He served as President/CEO of Cascade Healthcare Community until 2004. CHC operates St. Charles Medical Center, a regional referral center serving central and eastern Oregon and St. Charles Medical Center – Redmond, Oregon. Jim has been employed and active in health care for 40 years.