CHRT Press Release

April 24, 2008

Covering the Uninsured: Who Has the Will and Who Has the Way?

Panel will challenge assumptions about the uninsured and tackle tough questions about solutions

Contact:
Karen Stock, (734) 998-7555

Ann Arbor, Michigan - On Friday, May 2, 2008, the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) will convene a panel of experts to explore the problem of America's 47 million uninsured.

"In this election year, voters, candidates and the media are increasingly focused on the issue of healthcare and the uninsured - and rightfully so," said Marianne Udow-Phillips, CHRT's director. "We know the public is very concerned about access to health care but when it comes to specifics, it can be hard to find common ground."

Panelists Catherine McLaughlin, Professor of Health Management & Policy and director of the Economic Research Initiative on the Uninsured, U-M School of Public Health; Kevin Seitz, executive vice president of Health Care Value Enhancement, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; and Ellen Rabinowitz, executive director of the Washtenaw Health Plan will share their views and join Udow-Phillips to respond to audience questions. Tracy Davis of the Ann Arbor News will moderate.

Sponsored by the Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT), the panel discussion will take place from 12 noon - 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the Danto Auditorium at the U-M Cardiovascular Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Admission is free, but seating is limited. Register in advance by calling (734) 998-7555 or email chrtevents@umich.edu

For information about other events happening in during Cover the Uninsured week (April 27 - May 3, 2008), visit www.covertheuninsured.org and click on "Michigan."

The Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation (CHRT) was formed as a result of the University of Michigan's sale of its M-CARE health plan to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. CHRT combines the research strengths of the University with the health plan expertise of the Blues to test the best ideas for improving healthcare delivery, financing systems, population health, and access to health care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is a nonprofit corporation and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.