Join Nebraska insurers push for health changes

 

Tuesday, Mar 10,2009, 4:43:57 PM   Click:

Copyright: Omaha World-Herald, Neb.
Source: Omaha World-Herald (NE)
Wordcount: 709


March 6 - When Harry and Louise Hillary fought on health care in the 1990 Mutual of Omaha has a leading role in quelling the Clinton administration's proposals.

Today, the issue is back in the spotlight, mutual insurance is private health company, and fiction Harry and Louise are absent.

But this time, Nebraska health insurers and the state of the medical community and other stakeholders, will join the campaign for change.

They say that the state can help accelerate the process if President Obama and the other in Washington, listening to their proposals, including:

- Forcing everyone to buy private health insurance unless they have Medicare or Medicaid, with subsidies provided for low income.

- Require employers to provide insurance or pay the fee.

- Requiring insurers to cover and provide reasonable rates to anyone who requests it.

- Coordination of care and find other ways to improve medical quality.

- Reduce costs and promoting efficiency through improved billing and record keeping.

Steve Martin, CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, said the Midwest states like Nebraska could become laboratories to reduce costs, improve quality and accessible health care to all.

"It is my hope that the Senate brings rationality to the process during the next year or two, which will give us the best possible solution that common sense will allow," said Martin, who has emerged as a Head of undertaking, as well as the head of the state of health the largest private insurer.

He speaks regularly with the head of the network of Blue Cross, which was one of more than 120 people in the health forum in Washington on Thursday.

The 38 subsidiaries of Blue Cross agree that reform is essential, said Martin. He said a report by the Nebraska Medical Association could serve as a framework for successful reform.

Martin said that because the problems are not as serious as in Nebraska, in some other states, businesses and the government could address and resolve them faster here, providing lessons that could help other states.

Approximately 10 percent of Nebraskans are uninsured, half the rate of some other States. Costs are rising but still below average.

He also said that the method of billing for medical services is too complex and encourages excessive prices for new services.

Martin said the Blue Cross encourages the Nebraska congressional delegation to support changes that would improve the health care system in the state and nationally, including those recommended by the Nebraska Medical Association.

A proposal containing many of the recommendations of the association, Bill Act 656, is due for a hearing in the Nebraska Legislature during this month.

At the national level, Martin has proposed a "hybrid" with the federal provisions, but for each state flexibility to manage its own plan.

Dr. Richard O'Brien, co-chairman of the Medical Association of the task force on health care reform, said the 2007 report of the group is one of more than 30 state reports recommending reforms.

Now, he says, the possibilities are well defined.

"The menu is there," said O'Brien, a professor at Creighton University and a doctor of internal medicine. "The different people and groups who seek to reform health care are picking and choosing the menu."

Passage of LB 656 to push us way ahead "and an example of an improvement, he said.

The association's proposals, which is reflected in the bill, with ideas from consumers, employers, hospitals, lawyers and other interested groups.

"I am convinced that people in Washington are aware of what we recommended," said O'Brien.

National reform would be somewhat different from that of changes at national level, he said. For example, a system could have a public insurer, and more private insurers recommended for Nebraska.

"There are only a few ways to change things for the better," said O'Brien. "Everybody looks at ways to reform health care is looking at the same thing and especially the choice between these different ways.

"It is difficult to say what will happen. I am quite optimistic that we will see action this year or this Congress. But then, I was very optimistic when I saw what was introduced in 1993-94. "

Martin said that the goal is to find a way to provide affordable health coverage for all Americans.

"Everybody's got to give up something to do."

- Contact the author: 444-1080, steve.jordon @ owh.com

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