Auburn SGA hosts health care panel

By: Ed Enoch staff writer | Opelika Auburn News
Published: October 22, 2009

Ed Enoch
staff writer
Auburn University students got a chance to hear different perspectives on health care reform as part of a forum sponsored by the Student Government Association Wednesday night at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
While there was no consensus on how to reform the system, the six-member panel agreed current trends are unsustainable and require systemic changes and revisions to individual expectations.
Leanne Townsend, state director for President Barack Obama’s Organizing America, said while the proposals aren’t perfect nor a complete solution, they are an important step.
“What is most important now is starting the process,” she said.
Robin Stone, vice president of governmental affairs for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, said Americans expect high-quality care, but with it comes a cost.
“You are going to have to pay,” Stone said. “Whether you are going to pay a premium or taxes.”
“The real discussion is around how do you achieve that (reform) in a sustainable fashion,” said Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer and director of the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Dr. Paul Jungnickel, associate dean for academic and student affairs at AU’s Harrison School of Pharmacy, said American health care exists as an oddity in a market-based system.
“Health care is like no other market,” he said. “There is often a gross disparity between what one needs and what one can afford.”
AU Medical Director Fred Kam said part of any reform will be a revision of consumers expectations.
“We want Dillard’s care at dollar store prices,” he said.
But even if the system is reformed, one trend will continue as the population ages and technology advances, according to Williamson.
“Health care isn’t free,” Williamson said, “and we are all going to have to pay some how, some way.”