Health Reform: Preserving a Strong Role for the States

with Michael O. Leavitt former Secretary of Health and Human Services and Governor of Utah

PROGRAM

Welcome, Larry Jacobs, Center for the Study of Politics and Governance 

Introduction,  Kathy Mock, Blue Cross Blue Shield

Keynote and Q & A, Secretary Michael Leavitt

Panel Discussion, Minority Leader Paul Thissen, Representative Steve Gottwalt, Dave Hage and Larry Jacobs

For generations, Minnesota has championed true public-private solutions to challenges that affect our state’s health care system. This approach, praised nationally as the “Minnesota Model”, merges private sector innovation and strong public policy in order to make health care as efficient and effective as possible for the greatest number of people.

In the spirit of this strong tradition of collaboration, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Humphrey School's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance at the University of Minnesota are convening a series of public forums on how best to implement health care reform at the state level. By fostering discussions among local policy makers, stakeholders, and citizens, these meetings will explore today’s fiscal and demographic challenges and examine opportunities for ensuring Minnesota’s legacy as a leader in individual and community health. 

The first forum in the series will be on Thursday, Feb. 16 and will feature former Secretary of Health and Human Services and Governor of Utah, Michael O. Leavitt. Secretary Leavitt’s talk will focus on the importance of states moving forward with health reform, whether supportive of the law or not, in order to preserve the right to implement the law in a manner that reflects the state’s values and marketplace. His talk will be followed by a panel discussion with state legislative leaders moderated by Professor Larry Jacobs and Dave Hage, health team leader, Star Tribune. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, a non-profit health company, is dedicated to engaging people from all communities and sharing ideas about how to create a healthy future for all Minnesotans. 

The Center for the Study of Politics and Governance develops practical, independent, and non-partisan solutions to pressing political and policy challenges. CSPG brings together three critical components of public governance today: objective high quality analysis, publicly visible forums, and civic engagement. 

This event is free and open to the public.

For parking and directions please go to http://www.hhh.umn.edu/contact/parking.html

To request disability accommodations, please call 612-625-5340 or e-mail cspg@umn.edu. 

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.