FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 16, 2006
CONTACT: C. Chic Smith
301-443-1592 office / 202-689-4885 cell
Email: csmith@ahrq.gov / Web site: www.citizenshealthcare.gov
FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Fifteen Days Left Before August 31 Comment Deadline
Washington, D.C. – The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group announced today it has already received 5,000 comments on its Interim Recommendations on health care. These recommendations were made public on June 2, 2006 for a 90-day comment period. Insights from the groups and individuals who comment will help shape the Final Recommendations that will be submitted to the President and Congress in September 2006. Five Congressional Committees are required to hold hearings on these recommendations. The Interim Recommendations were developed by the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group based on input received from participants in over 75 community meetings across the nation and respondents to Web polls. Over 25,000 people from around the country have shared their ideas. The Interim Recommendations outline a vision and a plan for achieving broad-based change in health care in America.
Most comments received to date have been submitted by individuals, but a number of national and other organizations have made their opinions known. Among the national organizations that have submitted comments are: The American Academy of Physicians Assistants, the American Hospital Association, the Consumers’ Union, the National Association of Community Health Centers, Public Citizen, and the Universal Health Care Action Network. Other organizations providing comments include: the Cherokee Nation and the Cincinnati Regional Chamber.
The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group is quick to remind the public-- individuals and associations-- that the comment period is not over until August 31. Everyone is encouraged to review the Interim Recommendations and submit comments. To comment on the Interim Recommendations and to read the letters from individuals and groups , visit www.citizenshealthcare.gov.
Comment on the Interim Recommendations
Provide comments on-line or by mail up until August 31. Comments may be submitted online at www.citizenshealthcare.gov or by mail addressed to the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group, Attn: Interim Recommendations, 7201 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 575, Bethesda, MD 20814.
About the Citizens’ Health Care Working Group
The Citizens’ Health Care Working Group was created by legislation sponsored by Senator Orrin Hatch and Senator Ron Wyden in the Medicare Modernization Act. The Working Group is charged with engaging Americans across the country in a discussion on health care services, financing, and trade-offs before making recommendations to the President and Congress. Five committees (Senate Finance, Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension, Senate Energy and Commerce, House Ways and Means, House Education and Workforce) will hold hearings on these recommendations. Visit www.citizenshealthcare.gov for additional information.
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