March 18, 2013 Spokesman

Posted by D. "Rick" Walter 
on Mar 18, 2013
 

Rotary meeting dated March 18, 2013.  President Patti Smith opened the meeting and asked Gary Bruner to lead us in the pledge of allegiance.  She also thanked Scott Rethke for greeting and Rick Walter from scribing.  Visitors included our Student of the Month, Christy Chen.  Rick Walter was given the "Ignite" pin for bringing a qualified guest who could possibly join the group and benefit from participating in Rotary.

Announcements:

  • Jerry Campo discussed dates for the Salmon Bake and mentioned that Rick Ostrander has volunteered his home for the event. The club was asked if they prefer a Sunday or Monday for the event and it was evenly divided.
  • Patti Smith mentioned that our first Kirkland Cross Corridor Clean-up was a success.  It took about an hour and they ended up with four bags of garbage. She thanked the Rotarians who contributed their time.
  • District 5030 Conference in Coeur d’Alene, ID - Scott Rethke and Chris Rusnak will both be attending.
  • DV Hurst gave us inspirational moments while Dr. Ernie Norehad shared a less inspirational joke.

SPEAKER:

Chris Morgan introduced our speaker: Bob Malte, CEO of Evergreen Hospital. His presentation was "Health Care Reform From the Hospital Perspective".  The Affordable HealthCare Arct was considered a good attempt at helping with the 16% or 50 million Americans who are uninsured.  To bring this home, in Washington, there are over one million without health insurance.  Health insurance on average, costs employers $15,000 per employee per year.  Medicare is on the path to insolvency - this bill delays that. 5,000 people turn 65 every day - this requires Medicare coverage for them.  Add to these burdens, the rules allow you to cover your children us to age 26. Also the pre-existing condition clauses in the new act will cause significant costs. 

Bob Malte talked about "Exchanges" and what that will look like. He also discussed new approaches such as Flat fees for services and applying limits to medical assistance such as not replacing a Knee for a 92 year old person. Also doing more with medical professionals that are not doctors.

Bob took questions until the night grew old and then President Patti adjourned.

Scribe for a night  Rick Walter