Health Care in West Virginia

A national expert on health care coverage says his extensive study of the state's situation suggests "West Virginia could save roughly $2.7 billion in public and private health care costs by 2018 if it focuses on combating the twin scourges of obesity and chronic illness," The Associated Press reports.

Emory University health policy professor Ken Thorpe shared his findings with lawmakers Tuesday. "Thorpe said the savings depend on bills aimed at developing a statewide health information technology initiative," AP's Tom Breen reports. "He also said the state must devise a "medical home'' model for health care in which a patient's care is overseen by a single doctor or clinic and create programs to address chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension."

Thorpe also warned that if West Virginia fails to act, "total health spending in the coming decade could double from its present figure of $11.5 billion annually," the article said.

MetroNews also covered Thorpe's presentation, and has audio.