Uninsured near top of AMA agenda

The American Medical Association will renew its push for expanded health insurance coverage as part of its legislative advocacy agenda in 2007, officials said. While changes in tort reform and caps on damages in lawsuits remain the AMA’s top legislation priorities, the physicians group is committed to a dramatic reduction in the number of uninsured Americans, said Cecil Wilson, chairman of the AMA’s board of trustees. “We believe this needs to be a priority for this country -- and to that end we are looking toward the next presidential election as an opportunity to gather momentum,” Wilson said. “Our goal is to change the system.” -- by Michael Romano