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System reform at what cost?Published: 2009-12-29 11:05:33By: Edie Ross | Hutchinson News | December 27, 2009 For nearly a year, Americans have watched and listened as health care reform legislation was discussed, crafted and passed by the U.S. Congress. Politicians from both sides of the aisle have discussed at length the strengths and weaknesses of the two bills - one that has passed in the U.S. House of Representatives and one passed by the U.S. Senate. But through it all, there has been little information from those who know health care best - doctors and hospital leaders. National physician and hospital groups, such as the American Medical Association and the American Hospital Association, have come out in support of legislative efforts, but similar organizations at the state level have different views. For their opposition, Kansas doctors and hospital administrators cite serious concerns with the expansion of federal oversight in health care, the sweeping nature of the proposals, and the effects of a government-run health care plan included in the House bill. Also, they say, the current legislation does not address some of the major issues they see facing health care - including liability reform and a need for more focus on wellness and prevention. The Kansas Medical Society, the Kansas Hospital Association and local and regional doctors and administrators acknowledge some positive elements of the legislation, including provisions to allow those with pre-existing medical conditions to obtain insurance, support for enhancements to primary care and for graduate medical education, health insurance "exchanges," and subsidies for individuals and employers to encourage - but not mandate - health insurance enrollment. Despite these positive elements, the KMS opposes the House health care reform bill, and executive director Jerry Slaughter said the group has similar concerns about the bill passed in the Senate on Christmas Eve. Full story |
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