News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 28, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Lauds State’s Health Care Leaders, Highlights Challenges of Health Care Reform

Gov. Gary Locke today lauded the commitment of health care leaders statewide and highlighted challenges facing the industry at the Washington Health Foundation Leadership Summit held at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle.

“Washington state has a strong track record on health care issues and is viewed as a national leader in this area,” Locke said. “We have led the nation in extending coverage to our most vulnerable citizens through Medicaid, Basic Health, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. We have addressed consumer insurance issues through the Patient’s Bill of Rights. And this year we passed landmark prescription drug legislation to address the skyrocketing prescription drug costs.”

The summit, which featured 500 invited health care leaders from around the state, was convened to review and develops health care priorities based on information gathered at community roundtables held statewide. Forty-four roundtables were conducted in each of Washington state’s 39 counties and resulted in nearly 10,000 individual comments and suggestions on the current health care system.

Locke highlighted the need for health care reform efforts to embrace four primary characteristics: responsibility, partnership, fairness and efficiency.

“If we can build a health care system with these characteristics, we will succeed in creating a healthier Washington for ourselves, our children and future generations,” Locke said.

The governor also stressed his desire to work with state agencies and the Legislature to address the economic and financial pressures placed on the state and many of its communities.

“It is critically important that we not allow good health care to develop into a privilege for the fortunate few,” he said. “We need to find a solution to address disparities in the modern health care system, a solution that serves everyone.”

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