Tonight’s forum puts spotlight on health care reform

A free forum tonight will address facts and myths surrounding health care reform.

Presented by Spokane Public Radio and City Cable 5, the forum will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Spokane City Hall Council Chambers, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Former radio reporter Doug Nadvornick will moderate and take questions from the audience about the Affordable Care Act, according to a news release from the station. Potential discussion topics: health care exchanges, changes to Medicaid and Medicare, and how the changes will affect consumers.

The panelists will include government officials and doctors:

• Susan Johnson, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius’ representative in the region.

• Mike Kreidler, state insurance commissioner.

• Madeline Otto, director of federal government relations for Group Health Cooperative.

• Michael Marchand, director of communications for Washington Health Benefit Exchange.

• Dr. Jeff B. Collins, chief medical officer for Providence Health Care.

• Dr. William Lockwood, medical director for Community Health Association of Spokane.

The forum will be taped for broadcast on Spokane Public Radio services KPBX 91.1-FM and KSFC 91.9-FM and on Channel 5. Dates and times for the radio and television broadcasts will be posted on Spokane Public Radio’s website, www.spokanepublicradio.org, on Wednesday.