Insurance reform in a voluntary system: implications for the sick, the well, and universal health care

Article Abstract:

Reforms within the health insurance industry are necessary to assure quality and affordable care to all patients until universal coverage can be achieved. The American College of Physicians has proposed state and federal reforms to achieve this level of care. These include requiring insurers to offer the same coverage to all applicants, to cover all applicants, and not deny coverage based on previous conditions, health care usage, or occupation. These reforms should lead the community to realize that providing quality health care to all of its citizens is in its own best interest.

Evaluation, Health insurance

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Variation in the delivery of health care: the stakes are high

Article Abstract:

Physicians must take an active role in examining and reducing the variation in the practice of medicine. Surveys have shown that the number of diagnostic tests and surgical procedures varies substantially depending on the region of the country where they are done. All payers are interested in reducing this variation, including employers, insurance companies and the federal government. Data can be collected and fed back to physicians to allow them to change their behavior. Practice guidelines can help reduce variation, especially if based on scientific evidence.

Editorial

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Good Managed Care Needs Universal Health Insurance

Article Abstract:

Universal health insurance would improve the cost-effective delivery of care in a managed care system. Managed care health insurance programs, in an effort to reduce the costs of treatment, have developed low-cost, low-service health plans. Patients, in turn, are asserting their rights to care. The result will be more uninsured people as insurance companies seek to reduce their expenses.

United States, Managed care plans (Medical care)

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