The Senate will pass their bill this week. I am waiting to find out what is in the bill.
Of course, I will not spend too much time studying this issue, because the bill differs greatly from the House bill.
After Xmas we will have a joint committee making more sausage from two sausage bills.
Only then can we really dissect the strengths and weaknesses of health care reform.
I suspect that the final bill will have some things I love and some that I fear.
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"The Senate will pass their bill this week. I am waiting to find out what is in the bill." So are the senators. Do you think they read it before voting?
DB,
Am I the only physician that is outraged and appalled at the AMA support of the Senate Reform Bill?
from what I read, the AMA support was bought by:
1. negating proposed Tax on Electtive Plastic Surgery
2. eliminating a fee for physicians to apply for Medicare (probably a couple hundred bucks)
3. and the major one… elimination of a provision to increase primary care by reducing payment to HIGH paid specialties.
Is this really a joke?
AMA is no longer the voice of doctors, and I really would love to see a REAL doctors organization come to the front.
AMA was bought off. AARP was bought off. Now that the bill is out we know everyone is bought off! I've seen earlier posts here about controlling costs and making informed decisions based on cost, and cost-benefit analysis. Is that not the heart of consumer-driven health plans? Take the book, "Bend the Health Care Trend" by <a href="http://www.strategicvisionpublishing.com/about-the-authors
"> Mark Gaunya and Jennifer Borislow</a> which is about CDHP and how they can save money. The premise seems very logical: when consumers are empowered to make informed, responsible and cost-conscious decisions about their lifestyle and healthcare spending, they will be healthier and happier, which in turn will help drive down the rapid rise in health care spending. The book includes practical tips for employers in building a culture of health and wellness that benefits all of their employees. I wish the plan I'm covered by included a provision for fitness club memberships — I regard working out as integral to my own good health!
Hmmm — link didn't work. Try http://www.bendthehealthcaretrend.com/ or http://www.bendthehealthcaretrend.com/