MANKATO Glen Peterson was looking at the responses to a survey sent out earlier this year by state Sen. Kathy Sheran of Mankato.

The question on health care reform jumped out at Peterson, not surprising for a retired professor in Minnesota State Universitys College of Allied Health and Nursing.

But it wasnt the number of respondents who favored a single-payer health care system that struck him, or the percentage who preferred President Obamas Affordable Care Act.

It was the most popular response to the question that got him moving.

Not sure I dont have enough information was selected by 40 percent of the 793 respondents, more than any other answer. For a teacher, the idea of people not having enough information was about as grating as fingernails on a chalkboard.

Doesnt this really call for some sort of educational forum? Peterson recalls thinking.

So he got to work, and his efforts will culminate with a public informational forum Saturday afternoon featuring some prominent Minnesota experts on health care policy.

Options for Structure of Our Health Care System will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MSUs Centennial Student Union ballroom. Three experts will offer in-depth looks at three possible reforms: the Affordable Care Act (frequently called Obamacare) and health care exchanges; a more state-based approach where federal health care programs are replaced by vouchers and block grants to states; and a national health care/single-payer approach.

The goal is for the audience to leave better informed about all three approaches after hearing the panelists speak and answer audience questions.

Weve asked them all to take the educational/informational focus rather than trying to win converts, Peterson said.

Originally posted here:

MSU to host forum on health care policy