DETROIT, Jan. 29, 2007 - The Detroit Economic Club (DEC) was pleased to host the Honorable Michael Leavitt, secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As secretary, he leads the Nation's efforts to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services to those in need.

Secretary Leavitt discussed his prescription for a value-driven health care system that will result in better care at lower cost for more Americans. His plan is based on four cornerstone principles: a universal electronic record system, quality assurance, clear and comparable pricing, and incentives rewarding quality and low cost. Presiding Officer G. Richard Wagoner, Jr., chairman & CEO, General Motors Corporation, William Clay Ford, Jr., executive chairman, Ford Motor Company, and Tom LaSorda, president & CEO, The Chrysler Group were also in attendance. Each publicly endorsed Leavitt's plan, signing a statement of support for his four cornerstones of value-driven health care.

"Today, several companies here in the Detroit area, including the Big Three automakers, are joining together with the federal government to make adopting the four cornerstones that I’ve just described as a prerequisite, or at least a high consideration, in the way we do business. Together, those signing today will represent more than 2 million lives. Earlier today we also designated the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, or GDAHC, as it’s referred to here, as one of the first community leaders in the nation. It signals that they’re on a pathway to be able to measure and achieve quality in this area. GDAHC will bring more than 100 Michigan organizations in the public and private sectors together in their “save lives and save dollars” program. As was mentioned earlier, they intend to save over $500 million in the next three years by implementing the evidence-based programs that we’ve talked about."

Download a broadcast-quality audio file of the above selection from Secretary Leavitt's remarks. Size: 1.07 Mb. Duration: 56 seconds.

Secretary Leavitt outlined an execution of the plan that would benefit all Americans.

"Here’s the proposition: We’re a compassionate nation. If you are poor and elderly, if you’re disabled, a pregnant mother, or a child needing protection, government will provide you with health insurance. Will not only provide it – will pay for most of it. We’re doing it currently through our Medicare/Medicaid and state children’s health insurance plan. For everybody else, state governments, with the help of the federal government, need to organize the marketplace so that every person has a choice of health plans that they can afford. Either through their employer, or as an individual. Extra help will be provided for those who still can’t afford even the basic plan. Again, the results will be predictable. Such an effort would provide more choices. It would give greater satisfaction. It would be lower cost, and we would have competition based on value. Better health, lower cost, all Americans."

Download a broadcast-quality audio file of the above selection from Secretary Leavitt's remarks. Size: 1.25 Mb. Duration: 1 minute, 6 seconds.

Click here to download a print-quality photograph of the Honorable Michael Leavitt at the Detroit Economic Club on January 29, 2007. Click here to download a print-quality photograph of Leavitt, Wagoner, Ford and LaSorda signing the statement of support. Photo credit: Jeff Kowalsky.

For more information on the U.S. automakers' commitment to a national initiative for improving quality and value in health care, click here for a press release from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The Detroit Economic Club was formed in 1934 as a platform for the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. It is known internationally as a top speaking forum for prominent business and government leaders, who address members and their guests at the Club's 35 meetings a season. With more than 3,000 members, the DEC is about vital issues, prominent voices, a commitment to education and inspiring leadership. The Club is proud to have hosted every sitting U.S. President since Richard Nixon and proud to have been ranked among the top speaking platforms for CEOs.