Senator Houck Reports to the 17 th District
“Federal Health Care Reform: What’s Its Impact on Virginians?”
August 16, 2010
Over the last several months, one of the biggest news stories has been federal health care reform. Without a doubt, its implementation will have profound impact on citizens and their health care in the Commonwealth. For that very reason, I have led efforts in the Virginia General Assembly to inform and to educate both citizens and fellow legislators on this issue. Further, I am honored that Governor McDonnell appointed me to his Virginia Health Reform Advisory Committee which will examine this topic over the next several months.
As Chairman of the Senate Education and Health Committee, the Senate Health and Human Resources Subcommittee and past chair of the Joint Commission on Health Commission, I have called upon citizens, core health care organizations and Governor McDonnell’s administration to provide presentations on the topic.
Immediately after the bill’s passage, I directed the Joint Commission on Health Care staff to provide an overview of the federal health care reform bill. Staff provided this report at our May 26 th meeting in Richmond . You can review this presentation at http://jchc.virginia.gov/meetings.asp.
On June 21 st, the Senate Health and Human Resources Subcommittee met at the Children’s Hospital of King ’s Daughters in Norfolk . For the meeting, hospital representatives, the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and the Virginia Association of Community Services Board addressed the committee on this topic and its potential impact. At our next meeting at Prince William Hospital on July 19 th, representatives from the Virginia Association of Health Plans briefed the committee. As we prepare for health care reform’s implementation, it is important to hear from these organizations.
At this month’s Joint Commission on Health Care meeting, Dr. William Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, discussed the Virginia ’s Health Reform Initiative. According to the committee’s director, its goal is to “provide recommendations to the Governor towards a comprehensive strategy for implementing health reform in Virginia . The Committee will go beyond federal health reform and recommend other innovative healthcare solutions that meet the needs of Virginia ’s citizens and government.” I will join several other legislators, business leaders and representatives from the health care industry to serve on this committee. Its first meeting is August 20 th and 21 st in Roanoke .
As the Virginia Health Reform Initiative begins its work, I encourage you to send me your thoughts. My office is always available to you. It can be reached via telephone at 540-786-2782 or via email at senatorhouck@comcast.net.
Here are links to various government websites:
Joint Commission On Health Care