Panel Discusses Shortcomings in Health Care Bill

The recently passed health care reform bill does little for health care, an executive with one of the Valley’s largest medical groups said.

Speaking at a panel on reform, Dr. Keith Richman said the legislation does not address the costs of health care in the U.S.

“It has some real risk of unraveling because of a lack of reform and health care reform,” said Richman, of the Lakeside Medical Organization. “The costs impact everyone whether business or family.”

The panel sponsored by Lakeside Medical, the Valley Industry & Commerce Association, and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce also included West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land and James Lott, executive vice president of the Hospital Association of Southern California.

The provisions in the bill will not actually go into effect until 2014, Lott said.

“In the mean time we’re stuck with a system that is overpromised and underfunded,” Lott said. “[When the changes are implemented] it will take a lot of hard work and heavy lifting to make [health care reform] work.”

He also said that the bill does not address genes, behavioral and environmental factors.

Land, Co-CEO of the Saban free clinic, said she wishes the bill would have included an affordable public option.