Physicians must speak out on heath reform to make a difference for patients

Uncertainty surrounding health system reform and the future of the Affordable Care Act has left many physicians with questions about how current proposals will affect them and their patients. Stakes could not be greater for patients who may again face the stark, life-or-death choices arising from the possible loss of health insurance. As a longtime member of the American Medical Association’s Board of Trustees and a former president of the association, I believe strongly in the campaign to cover the uninsured that the AMA launched in 2006 and I applaud the organization for continuing to pursue this vision in the current national health reform discussions. After all, physicians see the problems the uninsured face firsthand. Americans without health insurance often put off seeing a physician until their health problem reaches crisis proportions, making their conditions more difficult and costly to treat. Access to affordable and meaningful coverage is a paramount element of our efforts to improve the health of our nation. It is important to remember that the lack of insurance does not just discriminate against individuals in need of coverage — it affects each and everyone of us, whether through limited access to health care or higher health care costs. While the Affordable Care Act is not perfect and action is needed to stabilize the individual market, it did provide new coverage to 20 million Americans who were unable to secure it before. I am proud that the AMA h...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Policy Health reform Source Type: blogs