November 25, 2008

Is Universal Care Realistic?

Dean Halverson

The November elections may have forever changed the landscape of American politics and the status quo in this country forever. The voters sent a clear message that change was needed and we will now have a Democratic majority in all branches. Since healthcare was seen as a high priority there is an assumption by many in the public that we will see a major shift in policy. Some believe that will be towards some form of universal healthcare or coverage.

The original plan for President-Elect Obama called for basically adding 25 million people to the Medicaid roles in the U.S. While the coverge may not be called Medicaid, it is likely to offer providers the same reimbursement. The bigger question is whether or not these 25 million new insureds will be able to find a doctor? We believe this group could literally bankrupt the provider system.

Healthcare is the only product the government purchases that it does not pay full price, or in many cases more than full price for. We have seen in Massachutesetts that doctors have stopped accepting new Medicaid Patients and even closed their doors unable to make a living at that reimbursement.

Univesal coverage is only good if the patient can see a doctor. Only time will tell how this will play out, but it will likely change the face of our delivery system in the process.

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