Approximately 35 doctors from around the state gathered recently atop the First Security Building in Little Rock to discuss health care reform with Congressman Mike Ross.

The two hour meeting provided plenty of opportunity for exchange with Ross. He led off his remarks by stating his principles regarding health care; 1) no government run health plan 2) people who are happy with their insurance should be able to keep it 3) doctors and patients should make health decisions not bureaucrats 4) health care costs must be reduced 5) no health care funding for abortion or illegal aliens 6) no death panels to determine grandma’s fate. “Congressman Ross was generous with his time and he listened intently to what we had to say. His responses to questions posed gives me comfort that he has a firm understanding of physician concerns. We are fortunate to have Congressman Ross in a leadership position regarding health care reform. He will be an advocate for reasonable, workable reform,” said Dr. Scott Bailey of Fayetteville.

Congressman Ross predicted the vehicle for health care reform will be the bill passed out by the Senate Finance Committee. He was confident a piece of legislation would pass through Congress in 2009. “We thank Congressman Ross for his time and attention to our thoughts and concerns on health care. I believe he has a grasp of the issues we face in delivering care. His experience working in the health industry gives him a broad perspective on the system,” added Dr. Scott Schlesinger of Little Rock. ARdocsCare is in the process of scheduling meetings with other members of the congressional delegation.

We urge you to check the website frequently for information on those meetings. Your participation will be welcomed. www.ARdocsCare.org