Mark Hatfield: “the Nation has turned its hearts and minds towards health care reform. President Clinton has rightfully identified a…”

“the Nation has turned its hearts and minds towards health care reform. President Clinton has rightfully identified a crisis in our society and it is now up to the policy makers of our country to provide solutions to this epidemic. In addition, the Nation's Governors are meeting this week to discuss a number of important issues including health care reform. One of the issues highlighted in Sunday's Washington Post was the desire of the States to retain flexibility in implementing comprehensive reform. As we focus on national health care reform, a few lessons can be learned from the State of Oregon. As my colleagues know, Oregon is one of the States that is out in front in enacting and implementing health care reform. In fact, today Oregon's innovative Medicaid expansion goes into effect to bring basic health care coverage to an additional 120,000 Oregonians. But, Oregon is progressive in the private sector of health care as well. I was reminded of this when I met with representatives from the Oregon Association of Hospitals earlier today. That is why I come before the Senate now. In a recent study, HCIA Inc., a firm that analyzes the hospital industry, examined 5,600 hospitals around the Nation and ranked the 100 best performers. Oregon led the Nation with 11 out of the 100 top performers--more than any other State.”