The Truth said:
Perhaps the real solution is true reform?
Medicare and Medicaid audit units targeting waste, corruption, and fraud.
Already in the bill.
Section 3403 of the Democratic bill in the Senate that lays out how the Congress would deal with recommendations from a special Medicare Commission, which would be charged with finding ways to save money in the program.
The Truth said:
Locating Urgent Care Centers next to Emergency Rooms to triage patients
I think, if I'm not mistaken, the purpose would be for ERs to refer non-emergency case to the urgent care right next door. Nice and convenient, but the question would then be 'Would it be practical and/or economically feasible?' Most emergency rooms are located in hospital complexes. Where would the urgent care be built without taking up valuable hospital space. My area has many urgent care facilities (at least as many, if not more, as ERs) conveniently located around the area, yet people still go to the ER rather than urgent care. I think a lot more education in this area would be helpful
The Truth said:
A majority of the states have some sort of tort reform already and show no sign of benefit to the consumer. Plus it effects the further erosion of the citizens due process in the judicial system.
The Truth said:
Insurance competition across state lines
This is a little more complicated than a five word 'wish list' statement.
Right now insurance companies have highly organized and capital intensive networks in the markets that they operate in - notice the difference in rates your insurance pays for 'in-network' vs. 'out-of-network' providers.
An out-of-state health plan isn't going to have that negotiated advantage of a network of providers for discounted services and it wouldn't be economically feasible for 100's of insurers to establish networks in every area of the country.
There would be choice, but I don't see much savings through competition.
Unless restrictions and/or regulations are instituted it would also undermine consumer protection that the public has fought long and hard for.
The Truth said:
Federally fund regional pools of the uninsured and have the insurance companies bid on plans for them
Curious...how would a federally funded pool save money?
The Truth said:
LOL...behind closed doors? Every media and blogger has a representative camped out in all the legislative bathrooms.