Thursday, March 22, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Named to National Panel Created to Improve Nation's Health Care System
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt's leadership to create a new health care delivery system in Missouri has earned him a seat on a national panel created to improve the nation's health care system. He will serve on the National Governors Association (NGA) new Health Care Working Group.
"I am honored to join with my fellow governors and represent our state as this panel works to improve the health of our nation," Gov. Blunt said. "Missouri is being recognized as a leader on health care reform and Mo HealthNet will serve as a national model."
"I am grateful for Governor Matt Blunt's willingness to serve on this important health care group," said Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty, co-chair of the Health Care Working Group. "Matt is a leader on health care issues and he has demonstrated by his words and actions his commitment to improving care for the people of his state."
Blunt is taking the lead in Missouri to establish a new health care delivery system that is focused on prevention and wellness. His Mo HealthNet proposal will put people first and improve the health of our most vulnerable citizens by making them active participants in their health care decisions. Mo HealthNet will provide participants with a health care home that gives them one central point of contact with a provider who knows them personally, and focuses on wellness by providing access to regular check-ups, screenings and immunizations based on their needs.
The Health Care Working Group was established to develop recommendations for federal action. The group will present a final report summarizing their findings and an action plan that supports state reform efforts.
The Health Care Working Group will be co-chaired by NGA Chair Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano and NGA Vice Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will join Blunt on the panel.