Health Care Reform: Update and Comments

Thankfully, certain members of Congress are working to slow down the fast track of Health Care Reform. While hopefully there is no argument that changes need to be made in Health Care, the direction the Pelosi-ObamaCare would take the United States health care system is wrong.

For more information on a balanced health care solution, we have been tracking the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center recommendations.

• Create Value
  Improve patient health outcomes and satisfaction with U.S. health care. Decrease medical errors, costs and waste. Read details.
• Coordinate Care
  To increase value, patient care services must be coordinated across people, functions, activities, locations and time. Patients must actively participate in this process. Read details.
• Reform the Payment System
  Change the way providers are paid in order to improve health and minimize waste. Read details.
• Provide Health Insurance for All
  Provide guaranteed, portable health insurance for all individuals, giving them choice, control and peace of mind. Read details.

It appears that the U.S. Senate is moving to put things on hold until after the August recess. Hopefully, we will see health care reform down the road, but as the Mayo Clinic Health Policy Center suggests. It is important to maintain a market driven system to achieve value, choice, reform and provide health insurance for all. There are countries in Europe that have achieved this as well.

Recent news on Health Care Reform:

"No one wants to find themselves in this position. But there comes a
time when you have to step up and say it's time to slow down and get it right."
- Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR)

Reform Stance Puts Spotlight on Blue Dog Democrats -Washington Post
Mike Ross (D-Ark.) vowed last week to block health-care reform unless Democrats make major changes to the legislation, the lawmaker's phone lines have been ...

Fast track for health care reform is derailed - SmartBrief
Blue Dogs stall health care - Jackson Clarion Ledger
Rahm hits the Hill - msnbc.com

An Update on Health Care Bills in Congress

The House and Senate are currently considering health care overhaul measures. Parts of the legislation are being re-written and revised on a daily basis, but below are the general objectives of the two bills. Currently, we are not in favor of either measure, here is a link on the provisions in each bill. Click here to view this document as a PDF.

Robin Tucker