Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report Highlights Health Issues in State of the State Addresses
The following highlights health issues mentioned in governors' recent state of the state addresses.
- Alaska: In her Jan. 22 speech, Gov. Sarah Palin (R) said, "When Congress turns to health care reform this year, we look to our delegation to make the case for greater competition, more private sector choices, and less litigation in the health care market," adding, "But we're not going to wait." Health care reform in Alaska can "move forward without delay," she continued. Palin called for "adjustments to kids' health insurance," saying the state will "fund more early screening" and "focus on preventing disease and promoting healthy living," adding that she will "ask that physical education be incorporated into daily school schedules." Alaska has "alarming levels of heart disease, diabetes, childhood obesity -- and all of these maladies are on the rise," Palin continued, adding that "health care reform on an individual basis is often just this simple: we could save a lot of money, and a lot of grief, by making smarter choices." Palin said, "Protecting good health is largely a matter of personal responsibility, but government policy can help." She continued, "Our new Alaska Health Care Commission will recommend changes that affect the well-being of Alaskans far into the future" (Palin speech text, 1/22).
- New Mexico: In his Jan. 20 speech, Gov. Bill Richardson (D) outlined his 2009 health care agenda, part of his economic security plan for the state. Richardson proposed that, "for every $10 a patient pays, insurance companies must spend $8.50 directly on care -- not on bureaucracy, and not to pad the bottom line." He added, "These companies shouldn't have the right to choose only healthy clients and reject those with pre-existing medical conditions." In addition, Richardson said that the state needs to "move from paper to electronic records to control costs, reduce errors and protect the privacy of patients." Richardson also proposed to "save tax dollars by consolidating public health insurance purchasers, and requiring them to work as one." He added that he plans to make the Women's Health Advisory Council "permanent in statute, so that women and men are treated equally when it comes to the cost of their insurance." Richardson also said, "And while my budget proposal is tight, it continues our commitment to cover health care for children -- first" (Richardson speech text, 1/20).
