HMO Reform

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HMOs were created to provide affordable health care but now their rates are shooting up. On today's program, we'll talk about the crisis in managed care. Is it possible for HMOs to reform AND keep costs down? And, what is the link between the direct advertising of drugs and the cost of your health plan?
Mark Hagland: Independent journalist and public speaker on healthcare issues. Jack Hudes: Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Kaiser Foundation Healthplan, California Division. Peter Lee: Director of Consumer Protection Programs for the Center for Health Care Rights, a consumer advocacy organization based in Los Angeles. Dr. Arty Southam: President and CEO of Healthnet, which claims to be the largest network HMO in the State (it contracts with doctors and hospitals and pharmacies); he's also Immediate Past President of California Association of Health Plans. Geoff Trewhitt: Spokesperson for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a national trade association for research-based pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Assemblymember Martin Gallegos: Democratic State Representative from the 57th District (which includes Azusa, Baldwin Park, El Monte, and surroundings); Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, and a practicing chiropractic doctor. Jim Radcliffe: Transportation reporter, The Daily Breeze. Congresswoman Maxine Waters: Democratic Representative from South Central Los Angeles and Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Accompanied President Clinton on his recent trip to Africa.

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producer:

Frances Anderton