Fix health care system-win $10,000

sjoe · Jan 29, 2003

OK, now is the time for all of those with good ideas:

Fix health care system, win $10,000

Tuesday, January 28, 2003 Posted: 11:19 AM EST (1619 GMT)

SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- A $10,000 prize can be yours! All you have to do is fix America's ailing health care system.

A health care consultant in Seattle is sponsoring the contest to spark new ideas and start a debate about health care reform.

So far about 100 people and groups have entered, including doctors, lawyers, a Los Angeles venture capital firm and the daughter of a Navajo healer.

"We need to start talking about our health care system. It doesn't work," Kathleen O'Connor said.

Nationwide, 41 million people lack health insurance, according to 2001 Census Bureau figures.

The deadline for completed plans is July 1; entry fees range from $10 for senior citizens and students to $500 for corporations. O'Connor has recruited eight judges from across the country and is looking for a ninth. All are from various professions with experience in health care.

"I'm not interested in ideological purity or elegant design," said contest judge Ed Howard, vice president of the Alliance for Health Reform. "I want something that works."

O'Connor said she will pay the winner with money from entry fees and, if necessary, from her own pocket.

The top three entries will be forwarded to the state's congressional delegation.

(story courtesy of CNN.com)