Date: August 13, 2002
For more information contact: Kyle Richmond (608) 267-9336 or kyle.richmond@oci.state.wi.us

Madison, WI--Governor Scott McCallum today announced two additional health care listening sessions during the month of August. The sessions will take place in Superior on August 21, and in Wausau on August 28.

"These sessions are generating a tremendous amount of interest and ideas from local business, citizens, health care providers and leaders. We're getting a wide spectrum of ideas on a variety of topics. That was my goal for these sessions," McCallum said. "Topics have included a discussion of the demographics of Wisconsin's population, health care delivery system reform, prescription drug pricing, Medicare, prevention and wellness programs, insurance plan flexibility, and consumer education."

The session in Superior will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, in the Rothwell Student Center Ballroom of the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The session in Wausau will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, in Room 133 of the Main Building/Theatre at the University of Wisconsin-Marathon campus.

Insurance Commissioner Connie L. O'Connell and Department of Health & Family Services Secretary Phyllis Dubé will again lead the sessions. Two listening sessions have already been conducted in Milwaukee and Green Bay and have generated a high amount of interest.

"We've had good participation at the first two listening sessions and there have been many good ideas and suggestions raised," Secretary Dubé said.

The McCallum administration has an aggressive health care agenda. SeniorCare, a prescription drug program for Seniors, begins September 1. Wisconsin Wins, a program to prevent tobacco products from getting into the hands of Wisconsin youth, was kicked off in July. At the first listening session in Milwaukee, Governor McCallum signed an executive order creating the Wisconsin Encourages Healthy Lifestyles (WEHL) Council to create wellness initiatives for state employees. Still, many health care issues, particularly increases in costs, continue to concern Wisconsinites.

"There are many people out there with incredibly diverse opinions about where we should go on the subject of health care in this state," said Commissioner O'Connell.

The UW-Superior Rothwell Student Center is located at the corner of Belknap and Catlin in Superior. The UW-Marathon Main Building/Theatre is located at 518 S. 7th Ave. in Wausau. Information on the health care listening sessions is posted on the OCI's Web site at http://oci.wi.gov/special/listen.htm.