Time for Reform

OPINION
March 23, 2007

No one can deny change is needed in our health care delivery system.

The first clue something is terribly wrong is when a receptionist, then nurse, then physician inquires "Do you have insurance?" before asking what ails you (that is, when you can finally get in the door).

The next clue is the cost of any prescription medication (unless you're at Wal-Mart, this is usually enough to make anyone sick all over).

And the final clue is the bottom line on your provider's bill (but unlike your tax return, don't even try to itemize).

For those without any private or public-funded health care coverage at all, the situation is worse: You just do without. Period. Until it gets bad enough to visit the emergency room, where every cost is multiplied ten-fold.

Consumers know there is a problem, members of the health care industry know there is a problem, and lawmakers know there is a problem. And, finally, some solutions are on the table.

We're not talking just a little dab here and a little dab there. We're talking great big let's-move-and-shake-this-thing reform in proposals coming from all different camps: the current and former governor, the legislators themselves, and even the industry. And, in the best example we've seen yet of "my people will talk to your people," the various health care reformists have found more similarities than differences in their plans, and they are already speaking of grids and outlines and (dare we say it?) collaboration.

This could be the start of something big - for minimum wage earning families, for single working moms, for the elderly and, ultimately, for everyone - if costs are shared, if the emphasis is placed on preventative care, if a system of transparency and accountability is established and followed and - most important - if everyone in the State of Oregon has access to the same basic high quality health care.

The idea is "universal," all right - but with more options and privileges and oversight than previously-proposed models using the "u" word. Under most of these plans you can still choose your own provider, shape your own coverage and not worry about exclusions for pre-existing conditions. The industry, meanwhile, will have to clearly state the cost of each visit or procedure, and whether or not that new gazillion-dollar CT scanner / MRI / cardiac unit is indeed necessary and / or economically feasible.

Why hasn't reform like this happened before now? Let's call it a convergent event; everyone had to march to the beat of their own self-interests until we reached this point of near-implosion, a time when only the wealthiest or the most destitute could actually afford health care.

We're nearly there, folks. And the time to act is now, because change is not going to happen overnight (remember, both government AND big business are involved here). We're just glad to see the discussion has started, and with so many interests at the table.

But while we're celebrating this first step, we vow to keep the pressure on until a complete overhaul is accomplished. We urge the public to do likewise, and contact your representative and / or senator with your thoughts. Today. (gk)