The HMO backlash - righteous or reactionary?

Article Abstract:

The best outcome of the backlash against health maintenance organizations (HMOs) would be to return them to their original form. So far, 35 states have passed laws restricting HMOs. Most of the complaints from physicians center on gag rules and exclusion clauses. Patients complain that they are denied access to health care, particularly care from specialists. Many HMOs pay physicians a set fee plus bonuses that reward physicians for limiting expensive health care. Physicians have responded by creating their own HMOs and Congress authorized medical savings accounts, which could attract healthy people away from HMOs.

Political activity, Physicians, Medical professions, Ethical aspects

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How large employers are shaping the health care marketplace

Article Abstract:

Large employers, in an effort to reduce the cost of providing health insurance to employees, have substantially influenced the health care system in the US. The advent of managed-care insurers has shifted power from hospitals and physicians to the companies that pay for services. Large companies and regional alliances, intolerant of the growing cost of insurance premiums, have formed negotiating groups, forced employees into managed-care plans, limited employee choices, or opted out of the insurance system altogether by negotiating with hospital groups or by self-insuring.

Purchasing, Influence, Employers, Health insurance, Insurance

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