MPNblog.com | Missouri Political News: House Dems announce health care package in Kirksville

House Democratic members traveled to Kirksville earlier this week to announce a package of health care bills to be proposed during the 2008 legislative session.

"We are here to let the people know we have a clear alternative that will help. Especially people in rural Missouri," Rep. Judy Baker (D-Columbia) said. "We're here today at a hospital, instead of in front of a Jiffy Lube, which is where the governor rolled out his health care plan."

The first part of the Democrats' proposal is a restoration of health care to those cut off by Gov. Matt Blunt and the Republican led legislature back in 2005. A poll conducted in March indicated that nearly 3 in 4 Missourians wanted Medicaid cuts restored.

"If we were to use all of the public money and all the private money that is currently being spent on health care in Missouri, and use appropriate priorities with an appropriate plan, we could provide health care for every single Missourian," said Rep. Rebecca McClanahan (D-Kirksville), a former nursing professor at Truman State University. "And if we can, we should."

Another element of the proposal would create an 11-member panel called the Missouri Health Policy Authority to address health care efforts statewide. The panel would be comprised of doctors and other health care professional appointed by the governor.

Rep. Mike Talboy (D-Kansas City), presented a component of the package that would create the first regulations in the state that address medical records to ensure patient privacy.

"The information that's discussed [with doctors] is much more important than probably anything else you're going to do on a day-to-day basis," Talboy said.

Democrats also proposed that an office of inspector general be established to serve as a watchdog of state resources, ensuring efficient use, along with preventative health measures to combat smoking and obesity.

The overall health care package is just one part of the House Democrats' Moving Missouri Forward initiative, begun by Rep. Jeff Harris (D-Columbia) when he served as the House Democratic Leader.