Gathering Addresses Key Reform Issues of Affordability, Quality, Prevention, Availability and Technology

TORRANCE, Calif. – May 21, 2009 – Henry Loubet, Chief Strategy Officer for Keenan & Associates, represented both the insurance broker industry and the Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) at the recent White House Forum on Health Reform held in Los Angeles.  Loubet serves on the IHA board of directors and was a founding member.  The gathering was the fifth and final installment in a series convened around the country to address key healthcare reform issues.  President Obama identified four primary issues for the forum series: health care affordability, quality and prevention, expanded coverage and information technology. 

Loubet brought a unique perspective to the forum with his dual representation of the insurance broker distribution industry along with the nonprofit organization.  Keenan is the largest privately held insurance brokerage and consulting firm in California.  The Integrated Healthcare Association is a statewide leadership group that promotes quality improvement, accountability and affordability of healthcare in California.

The Los Angeles forum was hosted by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire, with welcoming remarks by Dr. Robert Ross, President and CEO of the California Endowment.  The discussion was facilitated by well-known cardiac surgeon, author and media health expert Dr. Mehmet Oz.  Participants included leading physicians, hospitals, government officials, nonprofit groups and private citizens for a wide ranging and candid discussion of the issues, including a review by the two governors of programs and accomplishments in their respective states.  In addition, citizens shared personal stories of challenges faced in navigating the healthcare system for themselves, their aging parents or ill children and how fragmented, expensive and difficult the experience can be.

President Obama addressed the forum via video and emphasized the priority of health care to his administration.  Also in attendance was Melody Barnes, President Obama’s Domestic Policy Advisor and Domestic Policy Council Director.  Officials and citizens in several California cities were included via videoconferencing as well. 

About Keenan

Founded in 1972, Keenan is the 17th largest insurance brokerage firm in the United States and the largest independent broker in California.  Keenan is dedicated to providing superior insurance products and services to schools, community colleges, municipalities, and healthcare organizations for employee benefits, third-party claims administration, workers' compensation, integrated disability, risk management, and property and liability.  Keenan has a network of offices located throughout California and a staff of more than 650 insurance specialists.  For more information, call 800-654-8102 or 310-212-3344, email info@keenan.com, or visit http://www.keenan.com/