Thoughts about Healthcare "Re-Form"

Photo Source: News-Press.com

Last evening I attended a Health Care Forum which was held by Congressman Connie Mack IV, who serves the 14th Congressional District where I reside in Florida. Congressman Mack put together a panel of five health care experts within the community who presented comments about the current healthcare debate. The panel consisted of: Mayor Jim Humphrey, City of Fort Myers, serving as moderator; Ambassador Al Hoffman Jr; Edward Morton, former CEO of NCH Healthcare System; Jim Nathan, Pres/CEO of Lee Memorial Health System; Robert Sanchez, of the James Madison Institute; and Dr. Allen Weiss, Pres/CEO of NCH Healthcare System. Hundreds were in attendence.

Several good comments were made by the panel and audience. An attempt was made to present the issue in as much of an objective way as possible. Here are some interesting comments which were presented:

- Last year the discussion on whether Congress should approve billions in TARP funds to our financial system generated huge response from the general public from both sides. However, there was almost no response by the general public in 2003 when Congress voted to approve over $1 Trillion of Medicare increases.

- We have seen Medicare costs escalate about 14% since its expansion in 2003.

- Healthcare expenses use about 20% of our country's GDP.

- About 10% of the population incurs 70% of medical expenses in our present system. Most of these expenses are for treatment of chronic illnesses. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

- Experts have estimated that Florida alone could save about $6.4 billion by better utilizing the roles of the Primary Care Practitioner and focusing on preventative treatment.

- The current system easily approves spending $250,000 to amputate a diabetic patient's leg but will not spend a few dollars for a brochure to educate the diabetic patient how to better address their lifestyle and treatment of their disease.

- Vision care costs have actually decreased over the years as competition has taken hold between providers.

- Access to a waiting list is not the same as access to healthcare.

- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) which roll over unused balances each year, combined with a plan that covers catastrophic illness or accident is probably one of the best answers. One panelist stated, "We can roll over our unused cellphone minutes-- we should be able to do the same with our HSAs."

What was clear is that this issue will be solved only when both sides come together to discuss the problem as adults. No name calling, no hurling of insults, no political bashing. Yes, emotions can run high. Our health care problem is serious and the clock is ticking against us. Much is at stake. Our friends in Washington should take note. The sooner we Americans unite and reach a compromise in a partisan manner, the sooner we can solve this problem as a win-win for all of us.

Congratulations Congressman Mack for putting this forum together.
10/3/2009 8:31:37 AM