Las Vegas NowMedical, Insurance Organizations Discuss Health Care Reform

Medical, Insurance Organizations Discuss Health Care Reform

Health care leaders gathered in Las Vegas Tuesday as Nevada's largest private health insurance held a health care forum.

The forum was open to the public but cost $125 to attend.

The event was held at United Healthcare's offices. Organizers looked to bring together state and national leaders in health care to talk about issues including private versus public insurance, the state of health care in Nevada, and new technologies available. Insurance companies have expressed opposition to the public plan.

Attendees heard from politicians, including Governor Jim Gibbons and Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. There was also insurance executives, doctors and nurses. The group talked about President Obama's plan.

"I think the benefit for those folks that attend is education and knowledge about what's happening on health care reform and the impact on us in the industry and as consumers," said Todd Lefkowitz, forum coordinator.

Currently 190,000 Nevadans are out of work and many of them have lost their health insurance along with their jobs. A report by Families USA found 61,000 Nevadans lost health insurance between January and August. Families USA released a survey a few months ago saying health insurance premiums for families in Nevada were rising nearly three times as fast as wages.