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2009 Health Care Conversation

Across the state people are taking part in CaliforniaSpeaks Health Care Conversations. As our health care system continues to fail too many of us, people are getting off the sidelines and getting involved in reforming the system. Starting in our own communities.

Conversations may be as small as just a few people or as large as one hundred people or more.  Participants use prepared materials to learn about health care reform options and talk about the trade-offs they are willing to accept to ensure that all Americans receive access to affordable, high quality health care. Conversations can last 1½ hours or 2 to 3 hours – you can choose the length that works best based on what you want to cover.

While these Conversations will take different shapes and forms, at each one, participants will:

  • Review the basics of our health care system – including the challenges we face;
  • Hear personal stories about some of the difficulties we’ve had with the health care system;
  • Explore different options for improving our health care system;
  • Be prepared to participate in shaping health care reform at national, state, and local levels; and
  • Make a commitment to take action on health care reform.

    • Conversations will cover three key topics to the health care reform debate

    Topic #1: How should we make sure everyone has affordable health care coverage?
    Topic #2: How should we control health care costs while maintaining the quality of care?
    Topic #3: How should we pay for health care reform?

    In each topic area, explore the various options being considered and determine your own views.