The health-care tipping point
Insurance CEOs fattened on the suffering of many
By Howie Wolf
Originally published April 16, 2006
Boulder Camera
A brilliant and widely read book by Malcomb Gladwell called “The Tipping Point” calls our attention as to why there are so many changes in our society which seem to happen unexpectedly and suddenly. The sudden rise in popularity of “Hush Puppies” in the ‘50s was an example.
Then Gladwell shows that not only fashion trends, but social movements and reform also may reach a “tipping point” wherein it is realized by the populace that something needs to give. The civil rights movement of the ‘60s is an example of how a longstanding wrong reached the point when most of society could not tolerate racial inequality. Recently across our country people are marching in protest of impending anti-immigration legislation in Washington. Tipping points are being reached.
There is clearly a growing movement in our nation regarding health-care reform. We are spending far more for health care per capita and of our GDP than any industrialized nation. We have 46.8 million uninsured and many millions more underinsured. This means lack of access to care or delay in seeking care which translates into the grim reality that an estimated 18,000 Americans will die annually. Those who lack health insurance make around 50 percent of all bankruptcies, but 70 percent were “insured” when their medical condition began.
We do have outstanding health care being delivered in our country, and scientific advances abound. But these aren’t affordable for the uninsured.
Our co-pays and premiums are rising dramatically for those of us “lucky enough” to have insurance. Sadly for many Americans it is a choice of medication or food or a heating bill. Trying to understand most EOBs (Explanation of Benefits) reports from insurance companies is usually a complex task. Worse, there is no accountability, and insurance companies rake off 15 percent to 30 percent of our premiums to keep their companies rolling, which includes CEO salaries in the $20 million-per-year range. Most medical facilities must employ extra people to do the communicating with each insurance company with their varied rules and formularies. Payment to providers is made with predictable delays and dramatic cuts.
As a family physician who has practiced in this county for more than 43 years, I have seen the realities of what it is like for my patients who lack insurance and who face frightening medical doctor bills. An ethical and moral dilemma probably occurs with any provider who treats patients lacking insurance; we simply cannot offer the same services, treatment or medicine to the underinsured person.
Something needs to be done! Most national legislators seem uninterested in significant reform. The insurance and pharmaceutical lobbies have supported those in Congress who resist change. Indeed, the Medicare part D you’ve been hearing about is not only complex, but will be useful and money-saving for but a few Americans, while reaping nice profits for insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
Consider the savings that could have been achieved had prescription drug prices been a negotiable item, but that option was deliberately omitted. It was unconscionable how they swung this deal, leaving many seniors with costly choices. Why should a senior have to pay more than three to four times more for Lipitor than what Pfizer’s charges the VA Health care system?
Over 60 percent of all Americans favor a single-payer universal system, similar to the Canadian model. We would prefer a system that is affordable, accountable and accessible and includes preventive care and management of costly resources. Countries which have universal care can cover everybody - and have preventative care as well - at less cost than we are now paying. Their outcomes - longevity, maternal and infant mortality figures - are better than ours. Many of us who are activist in health care reform believe that - until the masses -including the uninsured and underinsured - create enough power to reach the “tipping point,” we’re stuck with the status quo.
Perhaps politicians will “listen better” when the streets swell with millions of people - as with the recent crowds demanding immigrants’ rights - but this time demanding health care for all. We are the only industrialized country without a universal system. Most systems are funded publicly but run privately. Canada’s operating cost is 2 percent to 3 percent compared to the 15 percent to 30 percent in our country.
I have learned that incremental reform will not do. A major fix is needed. Yes, the Health Savings Accounts are nice for those who have youth, money and good health. But for those who become very sick, the costs can be unaffordable, plus they do nothing to address the uninsured. Tying health insurance to employment seems absurd. People often get laid off, lose their insurance, and COBRA costs are out of sight. Employers get stuck because fewer of them can afford the rising rates. Why should employers carry the burden of health insurance anyway?
Are we close to reaching the “tipping point” with health care?
Howie Wolf, M.D., is a Boulder physician.