Speaker Morgan Appoints Clary to House Select Committee on the Rising Cost of Health Care
September 12, 2003

Raleigh - Speaker Richard Morgan and Speaker Jim Black has established the House Select Committee on the Rising Cost of Health Care. Among Speaker Morgan’s appointments was Representative Debbie Clary. Speaker Morgan said, “The employer and private sector cost of providing and paying for health care has been rising at an alarming rate. This committee is charged with the responsibility of studying the issue during the interim. Rep. Clary is well known for her advocacy for the poor and elderly, who are negatively impacted by the rising cost of health care. She will be a strong asset to this Select Committee.”

The Committee will conduct the study and make recommendations for reform during the 2004 Short Session. The rising cost of health care is an issue that must be addressed on a state and federal level. “I am pleased to be a part of the committee. I understand the dilemma that businesses and individuals face as cost is forcing them to reduce and even drop health coverage. I am also honored that the Speakers would include me on the committee.” added Representative Clary.

The Select Committee shall review the following to determine how to stem the rising cost of health care:

1. The rate at which the cost of health care has been increasing and the reasons for the increases.
2. Actions other states are undertaking to address rising health care costs.
3. The effect of the cost of health care on the availability of health care.
4. The affordability of health care to North Carolinians.
5. The effect of increased costs on the ability of employers to provide health care benefits to their employees.
6. Ways to alter the structure and operation of the health care system to reduce the cost of health care.
7. Factors that affect the cost of health care to citizens and providers and how those factors can be changed to reduce the cost of health care.
8. Any other issues the Select Committee determines is appropriate in addressing the issue of the rising cost of health care.

Rep. Clary has also been appointed by the Speakers to serve on the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Medical Malpractice as well as Governmental Operations and is Co-Chair of the NC Study Commission on Aging.