Co-Ops and Health Care

Can the rural co-op save America’s healthcare system? In Colorado, they think they may have the model, reports Michael Riley of the Denver Post this morning. These are the humble cooperatives that electrified rural America, Riley writes, and have “suddenly landed at the center of the debate over Congress’ effort to reform a health care system dominated by multibillion-dollar drug companies and hospital conglomerates.” One key factor – the co-op model is attractive to Republicans. http://bit.ly/yDpDQ

Consider also the tragic state of American Indian health care, compellingly described in an Associated Press that appeared in the Missoulian today. When it comes to health and disease in Indian country, the statistics are staggering. American Indians have an infant death rate that is 40 percent higher than the rate for whites. They are twice as likely to die from diabetes, 60 percent more likely to have a stroke, 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure and 20 percent more likely to have heart disease. In today's political climate, talk about fixing this system doesn't get very far -- the problem is too big, the numbers of people affected too small.  http://bit.ly/17qVUJ