Expert panelists take on the ‘state of health’ Friday
BUSINESS FOCUS
Local residents and businesses will have the opportunity this week to hear from experts on healthcare and how it can impact their bottom line.
The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a “State of Health” event Friday at the San Marcos Conference Center at Embassy Suites that promises to deliver the “411” on the intricacies of healthcare specific to Central Texas.
Anthony Stahl, CEO of Central Texas Medical Center, called the three panelists an “amazing all star” crew. Jeff Lundgren, chief healthcare and immigration lobbyist and executive director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will speak from a national viewpoint, while Jeff Moseley, CEO of the Texas Association of Business will give remarks regarding state-level affairs and Earl Maxwell, CEO of St. David’s Foundation, will offer a more localized approach.
“If we’re going to be competitive in global markets, we have to have a healthy workforce,” Stahl said. “Three decades ago, as a nation, we spent less than a trillion dollars on healthcare. This year it is projected we will spend 3.7 trillion dollars — that’s over 19 percent of our gross domestic product. That’s not sustainable for our country, state or county. That curve has to bend.”
Just like families, businesses “need to find ways to spend less but get more for our dollars,” he said.
That struggle to save money while assuring adequate care is playing out at the same time uncertainty clouds the industry, Stahl pointed out. “Because of the uncertainty of our laws, we’re really in a state of flux, not knowing what will happen. It makes it hard for businesses to plan their budgeting and how much they spend on insurance to take care of their workforce.”
Stahl thanked Chamber President Jason Mock for addressing the issue, calling the event a natural progression for the chamber, which traditionally sponsors talks on the state of education. That, as well as the state of the city, is important, he said, “but health is important as well.”
The State of Heath will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. Individual tickets are $40. For more visit sanmarcostexas.com.
