Pension Mess, Invasive Snails and a Proposed 'Botax'
Ross Reynolds
12/07/2009 at 1:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
Pension Mess
Washington's oldest pension funds may not have enough money to cover retirees. How did that happen? And what will lawmakers do to fix it? Ross talks to Washington state's actuary.
Olympia Snail Invasion
New Zealand snails invade Olympia. Should we call homeland security, or pass the butter and garlic? John Ryan reports.
How Much for a Root Canal?
You can bid on plane tickets and hotel rooms online. A Seattle–based company is trying the same business model with medical procedures.
12:20 p.m.
Pharmacists and Health Reform
Jerry Seinfeld once joked that a pharmacist's whole job was taking pills from a big bottle and putting them in a little bottle. Actually pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who often know more about the effectiveness of drugs than doctors. We'll talk to one and take your calls.
12:40 p.m.
Botax and Cosmetic Surgery
The Senate is considering a 5 percent tax on elective cosmetic surgery. It's been dubbed the botax. Plastic surgeons contend their clients are not all rich. One third of the people who get plastic surgery make less than $30,000 a year. And plastic surgeons are also say their work is good for the economy because people who get cosmetic surgery earn more money. What do you say?
Guest(s)
Matt Smith is Washington's state actuary. He measures and manages financial risk for state employees' retirement plans.
Pat Bradley is the president and cofounder of PriceDoc.com.
Don Downing is a clinic professor in the University of Washington school of pharmacy. He also works as a pharmacist with the Nisqually and Skokomish tribes, and is on the board of the Washington State Pharmacy Association.
Dr. Phillip Haeck is a plastic surgeon and president–elect for the American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
KUOW does not endorse nor control the content viewed on these links as they appear now or in the future.
- 'Knives Drawn Over Botax,' Wall Street Journal
- 'Clinical pharmacists can fill in healthcare gaps,' L.A. Times
- Pharmacists are a vital, if under–used, part of healthcare,' L.A. Times
- 'Benefits of Medication Therapy Management,' L.A. Times
206.543.KUOW / 800.289.KUOW
Live Call–in Line
206.221.3663
Feedback Line
