BCBSA Provides Update on State Legislative Health Care Activities; Medical Liability Reform Tops List

7/9/2003

From: Jackie Fishman of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, 202-626-8644; E-mail: jackie.fishman@wro.bcbsa.com

News Advisory:

Susan Laudicina, director of state services research for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), will provide a mid-year update on the leading state legislative activities affecting health care and the key issues states will face in 2004.

Laudicina will address the efforts of states to ease the impact of high medical malpractice insurance costs on health care affordability, as well as public and private sector efforts to improve access to quality health care for consumers. Laudicina also will discuss how lawmakers are attempting to rein in healthcare costs at a time when many states are facing severe fiscal crises.

Laudicina's update complements BCBSA's annual survey on "State Legislative Health Care and Insurance Issues." Copies of the most recent survey will be released at the briefing.

Media representatives planning to attend the briefing, please contact Jackie Fishman at 202-626-8644 or by e-mail at jackie.fishman@wro.bcbsa.com

WHEN:

Thursday, July 10, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

WHERE:

1310 G Street, N.W., 12th Floor - Ellington Conference Room, Washington, D.C.