KHI NEWS SERVICE
TOPEKA, March 28
The first of three advisory councils that will work with the Kansas Health Policy Authority to develop a plan for major health-care reform met Wednesday.
The councils will work with the health policy authority”s Health for All Kansans Steering Committee to
develop a plan that is to be presented to the governor and legislative leaders by November for possible action in 2008
.
Members of the purchaser council, which is made up of representatives of health insurance companies and small and large employers, agreed to the following meeting dates:
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May 9
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June 13
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July 18
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Aug. 8
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Sept. 5
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Oct. 3
Chairwoman of the council is Jane Chandler Holt of Topeka, a former general counsel for Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Kansas. Other members are Bill Bruning of Kansas City, Brad Clothier of Wichita, Andrew Corbin of Topeka, Valerie Keller of Olathe, David Knocke of Topeka, Gregg LeMaster of Wichita, Jeff Levin of Manhattan, John Naramore of Lawrence, Dr. Marla Tobin and Keith Wisdom of Overland Park.
The group heard introductory comments from health policy authority chairwoman Connie Hubbell and executive director Marcia Nielsen.
Nielsen told them that at least two more representatives of small business would soon be named to the panel.
The second advisory council, the consumer group, is scheduled to meet for the first time from 10 a.m. to noon Friday in conference room B on the fourth floor of the Eisenhower state office building. The provider council will hold its first meeting on Wednesday.