How a Healthcare Overhaul Might Affect the Industry

Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2009

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The healthcare business in America has long operated under a fee-for-service model. Doctors get paid for what they do when you're sick, not if they help you stay healthy. As Congress takes an August breather to consult with constituents, we're taking a few days to wade into the details of the current health care reform proposals. Tuesday morning we'll discuss how a health care overhaul might affect the industry - hospitals, providers and insurance companies.

Guests

Julie Rovner, Health Policy Correspondent, National Public Radio
George Stadtlander, Chief Managed Care Officer, Medical Mutual of Ohio
Dr. Mike Anderson, Interim Chief Medical Officer, University Hospitals
Dr. Toby Cosgrove, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Please follow our community discussion rules when composing your comments.

Vojislav 3:58 PM 8/17/09

I don’t want the government controling my Health Care. That’s not their business. I am a retired teacher, and as such, I have contributed to my State Teachers Retirement System, and will purchase Health Coverage, of my choice, through them. I want to be left alone, and not mandated. Insure the uninsured, but leave the 80% of Americans alone..that’s simple enough ! Thank you.

Barrie Stanton 4:26 PM 8/17/09

Please be fair and present both sides of the issues. Also please make sure you discuss where we are going to get the money to save Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security and start a new health care system. How much is this going to cost us. I work for Dr. Cosgrove and I respect the fact that he understands when and where we need to tighten our belts. When is the government going to tighten theirs?

Mary 11:30 AM 8/18/09

I applaud WCPN for airing this very important topic. Unfortunately, a government public plan is a terrible idea. This will lead to rationing, poor quality, mismanagment of money and will be too costly. Notice the politicians will not be on this plan. Go figure. We have the greatest health care system and ObamaCare will make it much worse. There also needs tort reform and disallow coverage to illegals. I hope you air both sides of this issue. Thank you.

Clifford 11:34 AM 8/18/09

I hear very loudly the voice of insurance companies.What I do not hear is the voice of labor.I don`t hear how many jobs are off-shored because of the more friendly Universal Healthcare other countries offer,that includes Canada,which is the most maligned.Also missing the the notion that competition would hurt.That if the current system had to compete it fail.How can a broken,miserable,government program be a danger?Surely no sane American would use such a program,or would they? Thanks for the effort.

Cash Patient 1:34 PM 8/18/09

Why I am against the Healthcare bill:

1. There is no explicit grant of authority to the Federal Government regarding health care management.

2. This congress is well known for voting on a bill without reading.

3. I do not want the government gaining access to my bank accounts.
Refer to page 59 lines 21-24. There is no explicit exclusion for individuals, and the main title clearly states “STANDARDS FOR FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE TRANSACTIONS.” This does NOT limit the provisions to Administrative financial transactions. The language used clearly separated administration and financial transactions with the use of the word “AND”.

4. I do not want a government official deciding whether I live or die. Ask your congressman why the death panel clause was removed after they claimed it never existed?

5. No one has figured out exactly how this will be funded without causing our deficit to grow larger.

6. How long do you think an employer will keep the medical plan in effect after this type of legislation passes? Not long.

7. How many of you are willing to pay higher taxes to fund someone else’s benefits AND pay to keep your current plan? - I’ll wager not many people want to pay twice.

8. THE BIG LIE (misrepresentation in Obama-speak) - “you can keep your current plan” Only until Y1 (2013) providing there are no changes to your policy or employment. After that, the bill forbids you to enroll in anything other than the government insurance. See page 16 of the bill begin on line 11, read section (A)

9. I hold all Americans to the same standards I hold myself to. Save your money for emergencies. When my daughter broke her wrist, I paid the hospital and doctors out of my own pocket. I did not ask anyone else to pay my debts or assume my responsibility. This meant I couldn’t buy a house anymore because my down payment funds were drained. Welcome to life people, you are responsible for your own debts even if it means you have to be uncomfortable.