Oklahomans concerned about health care and its costs will have their voices heard by President Bush and Congress in a matter of weeks. More than 400 citizens will discuss the rising costs of health care and insurance coverage from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today during a public hearing at Express Event Center, 8512 Northwest Expressway. The meeting is part of a project put together by Citizens' Health Care Working Group of Bethesda, Md., which seeks public opinion. Citizens' Health Care Working Group was established as part of the Medicare Reform Bill in 2003. Funds were set aside for meetings that have a bipartisan atmosphere. "Oklahoma City is unique because it can weigh in directly with its input," said Marc Young, spokesman for the Oklahoma Insurance Department. "Electronic devices will allow, in real time, a way to put in comments. The recommendations made will be submitted to President Bush and Congress no later than Aug. 31." Young said there will be a cross section of guests, including private working citizens, seniors and members of the business community.

"With the escalation of health care costs, there's a growing concern of access for all Americans," Young said. "The health care community sees that as well. All of these problems will be addressed. There is no panel; it's a unique thing. It's geared, focused and driven by the citizens. There will be eight citizens in each group, with one facilitator. The real focus is to get real citizens' input. There are no bureaucrats or policy experts, and this is a real unique opportunity." More than 23,000 Americans have voiced their concerns through 85 meetings, but only participants at three officially weigh in with their recommendations. Matt Robison, spokesman for The State Chamber, said the hearing will have the interest of many in the business community. "The way health care is now, it's becoming more and more unaffordable," Robison said. "We're looking for ways to curb costs and make it more efficient. The State Chamber is focusing on evidence-based medicine and pay-for-performance models. We are also interested in electronic medical records and electronic prescription programs, which will bring more efficiency." Citizens' Health Care Working Group participants have made initial recommendations, and Oklahomans will help make adjustments to those. According to the group, Americans spend nearly $2 trillion on health care that is often inadequate. The group said Americans get the right care about 50 percent of the time and added that as many as 98,000 die from medical errors. Interim topics and previous recommendations participants will discuss include: public policy that all Americans have affordable health care; a "core" benefit package should be available to all Americans; financial protection against very high health care costs should be guaranteed; integrated community health networks should be supported; promote efforts to improve quality of care and efficiency; and restructure the way palliative, hospice and other end-of-life services are financed and provided. There is no admission charge to the event.