Groups Send Letter to Obama Affirming Health Care Reform With Cost Savings

Today representatives from six health care associations met with President Obama, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and other senior Administration officials at the White House to express their commitment to health care reform that includes cost savings.

Anesthesiologist and pain physician Rebecca J. Patchin, M.D., represented the AMA in her role as chair-elect of the board of trustees. Other organizations participating in the meeting included the American Hospital Association (AHA), America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed), Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

Through the meeting and a formal letter to President Obama, the group announced its intention to work together toward comprehensive health care reform that would reduce annual health care spending growth by 1.5 percent or $2 trillion over ten years.

ASA continues engaging in high-level discussions with Members of Congress and the Administration to discuss priorities for health care reform.