Fundamental Reform Needed for Health Care
The health care cost crisis is far worse than people
think, and fundamental reform of the health care delivery and financing
systems is critically needed.
That's what WEA Trust Executive Director Alan Jacobs
told leaders from throughout the nation this month.
Jacobs told the National Education Association Summit
on Health Care Benefits in Washington, D.C., that health care costs
are rising faster than the nation's ability to pay them.
He said mid- to long-term solutions must include:
Statewide evidence-based prescription drug purchasing,
with a list of preferred prescription drugs; and education of doctors
and the public that counteracts advertising.
- Centralized processing for payers and providers that eliminates
fragmentation in the current system and would reduce the state's health
care bill by over 10%.
- Charge and payment reform, including a standardized fee schedule
that requires all providers to charge a uniform percent of the schedule
for all patients; and requires all insurers to pay a uniform percentage.
- A modified single-payer system that provides coverage for all citizens.
Posted December 13, 2002