By Susan Britt
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY—On April 6, 2015, Gov. Bentley appointed Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Clayton) to the Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force. It’s an honor to be asked to serve the people of Alabama,” said Beasley.
Beasley is a licensed pharmacist and partner in Clayton Drug Company and Clio Drug Company in Barbour County.
“As Governor and a physician, the health of Alabamians is extremely important to me,” said Bentley. “Alabama faces serious problems with chronic conditions. many of our health issues are related to lifestyle choices, poverty and access to quality health care. The Alabama Health Care Improvement Task Force will address options to improve the health of Alabamians, including strategies to have more accessible and more-affordable health care in the State.”
Bentley created the Task Force to find creative ways to better provide healthcare to Alabamians especially those in rural communities.
He has emphasized that this group will not expand Alabama’s Medicaid program by accepting funding made available by the Affordable Care Act.
Beasley said that he is looking forward to working with the members to provide quality health care of all Alabamians, make it more affordable, more accessible and continue to improve quality.
The group may suggest changes to state regulations and laws concerning health care. Its initial recommendations to the Governor are due before the beginning of the 2016 regular session of the Legislature.
The first meeting of the task force is scheduled for April 15, in the Old Archives Room at the State Capitol.
