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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend March 1, 2007 Hearings planned on universal health care State Senate committee will be in Medford and Ashland in late March to hear residents' comments SALEM — The co-chairmen of a special Senate committee on health care reform will hold public hearings around the state to discuss a proposal before the Legislature for universal health care coverage. Sens. Alan Bates, D-Ashland, and Ben Westlund, D-Tumalo, will visit 17 cities, including Medford and Ashland. The Medford hearing will begin at 10 a.m. March 24 at the Central Library, 205 S. Central Ave. The Ashland session will begin at 7 p.m. March 23 at a location to be announced. Bates, a primary care physician, and Westlund have been spearheading a proposal to contain health-care costs — about $17 billion a year in Oregon alone — and make sure all Oregonians have access to an affordable essential benefits package. "We want to produce a framework for comprehensive reform that is economically sustainable," Bates said. Advertisement Senate Bill 329 brings the many programs — state, federal and private — under a single board. The goal is to begin issuing health care coverage cards by January 2009. The new system would also stress preventive medicine and management of long-term health problems. Bates said the hearings in the Capitol have been productive, but said many people can't come to Salem. "We want to bring the discussion to them," he said. The schedule has been structured so the two lawmakers can still attend Senate floor sessions. "We probably won't miss any votes," Bates said. In addition to SB 329, the committee is looking at proposals by former Gov. John Kitzhaber, the Oregon Health Policy Commission and the Small Business Council. The proposals have many similarities, Bates noted. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary