|
|
|
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Health Reform
William D. Petasnick
President and CEO, Froedtert Hospital
 A new Congress and new Legislature are beginning to work in Madison and Washington. American voters chose President Obama and the Democrats in 2008 then changed course, favoring Republicans in November. In Wisconsin, control of the Governor’s chair and the legislature changed from blue to red. In Washington, control is now divided.
A year ago, I wrote about the constant nature of change. Then, major health reform legislation seemed permanently stalled. By March, things had changed and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) became law.
Health reform has remained controversial and polarizing. Polls consistently expose the deep divisions. A recent Harris poll found that 40 percent of respondents favor repealing all or most of the law, 31 percent favor keeping all or most of the law, and 29 percent are unsure. The polls reveal an intriguing paradox: many who favor repeal also support key provisions that end coverage denials due to pre-existing conditions, extend tax credits to small businesses for coverage, and allow parents to keep children on their insurance until age 26. In my view, that law could share a title with a Clint Eastwood film: “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.” Good progress was made, expanding coverage to 32 million uninsured. But many provisions need to be reworked or replaced. And, the ugly partisanship that marred the process should be left behind as the new Congress modifies the plan.
While a wholesale repeal is unlikely, changes are expected. Health care faces complex problems and the status quo is unsustainable. A bipartisan effort will be needed to find common ground and drive sustainable solutions.
As providers, we must expect change and be nimble and adaptive. We can safely assume that Republicans and Democrats agree that health care should be accessible, affordable and high-quality, and can hone our focus on these attributes.
Most importantly, our focus belongs on each individual patient. It is my hope that policy efforts in Madison and Washington will start where good provider teams do: with a focus on the patient.
Source: Froedtert Today Date: January 2011 |
|
|