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Health Care Reform Priority for Congress in 2009
By
Michael A. Piekarz
Staff Writer
Health
care for America’s seniors is at the forefront of the options
released in the congressional white paper — “Call to
Action, Health Reform 2009” — considered by many to be
an indication of the policy direction to be taken by the 111th Congress
when it enters session early next year.
The plan, drafted by U.S. Senator Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the influential
Senate Finance Committee, outlines numerous initiatives designed to provide appropriate
and cost-effective care to America’s burgeoning senior population along
with the rest of the nation.
The plan has the backing of a majority of the members of the influential Senate
Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Members
of both committees issued a joint statement in support of the plan.
“Today, millions of Americans live under the shadow of illness or financial
strain without sufficient health coverage or any coverage at all in our broken
system. Our health care system, while excellent in many regards, falls short
of providing the best value for the money we spend,” read the joint statement
issued by the senators.
“We agree that the members of the 111th Congress should seek to achieve
comprehensive health care reform that includes access to effective coverage,
quality care for all, and measures to control rising costs. We intend to work
together toward quality, affordable health coverage and care for every American,” they
concluded.
The plan includes several recommendations that are directed specifically to the
concept of life-long health care with a focus on health issues associated with
aging.
Noting that the U.S. is the only developed country that does not guarantee health
coverage for all its citizens, the plan calls for health coverage — via
private and public plans and subsidies for those in need — for every American
in fewer than 10 years.
The plan also recommends prohibiting insurers from denying coverage to those
who are or have been sick and mandates placing a limit on an insurers’ ability
to charge higher premiums based on age or prior illness.
Improving the value and quality of chronic health care is also a major component
of the plan, which calls for efforts to promote coordination among healthcare
providers by encouraging those in different settings — doctors’ offices,
hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and others — to collaborate and provide
patient-centered care.
Also addressed are concerns about shortages in the geriatric health care workforce,
by recommending a range of sweeping initiatives to increase recruitment into
geriatrics and to ensure that all geriatric health care providers are adequately
trained.
With seniors being the fastest growing demographic group in the nation, the plan
also recommends investing in the direct care workforce and assistive technologies
to allow Americans the opportunity to age in place.
The plan was influenced by an earlier business roundtable discussion held in
Washington D.C. which discussed the interaction between the health care system
and the economy.
Business leaders concluded that health care costs inhibit job creation and damage
America’s ability to compete in global markets and suggested that health
care reform needed to be addressed as part of an overall economic recovery.
“We are clearly facing a significant recession. That economic challenge
commands a significant investment of government resources. Some say that we will
have to choose between fixing the economy and enacting comprehensive health reform.
I reject that false choice. I say, we can and should do both,” said Senator
Baucus.
“Not only can we, but we have to.”
Senior care experts were quick to applaud the plan’s recommendations.
“We are heartened by Sen. Baucus’ proposal, his dedication to ensuring
that health care reform is swift and comprehensive and benefits the young and
old alike, and his willingness to work in a bipartisan manner to effect needed
reforms,” said American Geriatrics Society President John B. Murphy, professor
of medicine and family medicine at Brown University.
“Senator Baucus’ call for universal access to affordable, quality
health coverage and expansion of care to enhance the prevention and treatment
of chronic diseases will improve the quality of life for millions of Americans
of all ages, especially our most vulnerable older adult,” Murphy concluded.
Senator Baucus hopes to be able to reach a consensus on his proposed health care
reforms when the new Congress begins session on January 6, 2009.
“Frankly, I think we are at a time in American history when we are at a
crisis in health care … there is a tremendous commitment to go the extra
mile to put [a reform plan] together in a very meaningful way. It’s my
goal to just keep us all working together,” he explained.
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
