Out of the great noise and posturing that have characterized the sometimes uncivil and caustic debate over health care reform, the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Insurance Co. has quietly spoken calmly today to voice its views on the issue within the pages of the Black Chronicle.In its statement, the insurance company initially made it clear that it is no Johnny Come Lately to the cause of comprehensive and bipartisan health care reform, and says it--like the president and many others in both houses of the Congress (seated on both sides of the aisle)--wants to see meaningful reform accomplished this year.
¡§We have brought to the table extensive solutions,¡¨ the statement from Blue Cross/Blue Shield said, ¡§including changes to our own industry, to ensure everyone has coverage, costs are brought under control and quality is improved.¡¨
The company went on to outline key elements it wants to see in the health care reform legislation that will emerge from the Congress and will be signed into law by President Barack Obama.
According to the Blue Cross/Blue Shield statement, meaningful health care reform legislation should:
„P Provide all Americans health coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions;
„P Insist that government subsidies help support a personal responsibility requirement to obtain and maintain health coverage;
„P Make it so that it is easier for individuals and small businesses to shop, compare and enroll in coverage;
„P Require that payments for health care services are tied to quality outcomes and patient safety; and
„P Have as its goal the eventual result that individuals are healthier, with a greater focus on wellness and better management of chronic conditions.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield says that it is in support of health reform that ¡§makes the market work for everyone by bringing more in rather than creating a new government-run health plan that would cause millions of Americans to lose their private coverage.¡¨
¡§For health care reform to work,¡¨ the company¡¦s statement said, ¡§it must include more than insurance reforms.
¡§Comprehensive reform also must improve quality, rein in rising costs and ensure everyone has coverage.¡¨
¡§Our support for market-based solutions stems from our long history of service to our communities,¡¨ the Blue Cross/Blue Shield statement said, and the company goes on to point out that already that company has proven that market-based solutions work.
Well, out of the veritable din of noise and sometimes irrational hollering and shouting we have been hearing, Blue Cross/Blue Shield has deftly weighed in to voice its viewpoints in this debate.
We welcome and value this steadying and calming approach, and all of us should step back, take a deep breath, and clear our minds¡K.and then get down to work and get the job done¡K.this year!
Maybe the president, the Congress and all others who are serious about achieving reform are listening to the tranquil voice of one of the giants in the health care delivery industry, and will be guided by that voice.
