Cost shifting is a big part of the problem in health care

• Published November 30, 2009

Comments (0)

Washington and several other states have addressed many of the ills of the national health care system. Our access to health care act guarantees insurance to all Washington citizens, but unfortunately our Legislature watered down and diluted some of its best provisions which should be restored.

This state also has a Basic Health Plan for those who can�t afford regular health care. Washington does not allow discrimination for pre-existing conditions. Oregon has tried and needs to re-implement its health care allocation provisions act. Other states have health care provisions that if also incorporated into one comprehensive plan would more than solve all our health care issues for affordability and universal care.

There are many other ways of making health care more affordable:

We need to overcome all the attorneys in Congress who oppose tort reform.

Restitution by all who steal or commit fraud by up to three times the damages incurred whether individuals, companies or insurers. This includes patients, doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies.

Eliminate medical care abuses by requiring all insurers to expose all areas of abuse as in palliative care vs. curative care, excessive care and unnecessary care.

Correct the ills and inefficiencies of the Hill-Burton Act such as having a nurse triage all who come to a hospital and limit to appropriate care.

Find a way to deal with the illegal aliens issues.

I�m sure we can find many more ways to make life better for the honest people of this great nation.

Frank Byles, retired deputy insurance commissioner, can be reached at 360-352-4725.

<< Previous page