Lack of health insurance subject of town-hall meetings LINCOLN (NET Radio) - The meetings will focus on a set of proposals designed by the Nebraska Health Insurance Coalition to reduce the number of Nebraskans without insurance coverage. Recommendations include stepping up efforts to enroll children in Medicaid, increasing the number of community health centers, and expanding the use of prescription drug discount programs.

State Public Health Administrator David Palm says the meetings will give Nebraskans a chance to comment on the plan. Palm says about 10 percent of Nebraskans under age 65 are uninsured, and that's too many. Palm says he believes the proposals can help to solve the problem, but adds it would take many years to fully implement the plan.

Meeting dates and times:

Omaha - May 9, 3 p.m., Scott Center

Lincoln - May 10, 3 p.m., Bryan Medical Plaza Conference Center

Norfolk - May 11, 7 p.m., Lifelong Learning Center

Grand Island - May 24, 3 p.m., I-80 Holiday Inn

North Platte - May 25, 7 p.m., Sandhills Convention Center

Gering - May 26, 2 p.m., Gering Civic Center

For more information:

Nebraska Health and Human Services System Office of Public Health, (402) 471-0146

http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/new/0505nr/insurance.htm © Copyright 2013, NET Radio