Health Reform Hearings Begin

WASHINGTON – As Congress tackles health reform, the Energy and CommerceHealth Subcommittee held its first hearing, "Designing a HighPerforming Healthcare System," in its series, "Making Health Care Work for American Families."U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), Vice Chair of the Committee on Energyand Commerce, today hailed the Committee's efforts going forward.

"Our health care system is broken," said DeGette. "Maintaining thestatus quo is just not an option. The United States spends more –$6,697 per capita – than many developed nations on health careservices. Yet, despite the high spending, our health care indicatorsand outcomes are far worse. This is unacceptable and it is imperativethat we reform the health care system in order to provide access toaffordable, quality health care for every American."

Today's hearing explored options for making the health system workbetter and for designing a high performing healthcare system. TheCommittee on Energy and Commerce will be holding a series of hearingsto prepare for reforming our health care system.