Candidate for
Board of Directors; Beach Cities Health Care District

Health Districts (originally known as Hospital Districts) were originally created in the 1940s, to fill a need not addressed by other government or private agencies. Specifically, they formed to address the shortage of hospital beds in CA at the end of WWll.

It is evident today, by the numerous hospital closures, the need was met and exceeded. The checks and balances of individual buyer influence was missing and the results have been costly.

The same dynamic is still at work. There is a lack of effective consumerism and costs are so out of control; we have a health care crisis.

The stability of our health care system is precarious. This threatens the well-being of our community. We are transitioning from a system where employers, insurers and government were the dominant influence to a system where individuals shoulder their own expenses and risk. The incentives of employers, insurers, and government defined our present health care system and stifled consumer input. Now consumers must rise to the occasion and save the best healthcare system on earth. No more costly intermediaries. But the market lacks responsiveness to consumers, and individuals lack the skills to navigate and create a healthy system.

The outstanding need in our community is to effectively meet this challenge. The quality of life in our community for years to come, will depend on how well we do.

As a board member of BCHD I will bring to the table my expertise and knowledge of public and private options.

I will be a source of information regarding legislative activity in Sacramento affecting those options.

I will increase information and education access.

Sincerely Janice Michaud