Health care reform - where are we and where should we be going?

Article Abstract:

Health care reform is becoming an increasingly important issue on the US political agenda. Health care in the US is mainly paid for by the federal government, state governments, employers and individuals. All four are concerned about the increasing cost of health care, but none are ready to assume a leadership role in the health care reform movement. The main providers of health care are physicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical and medical supply companies and different types of health maintenance organizations. None of these groups are willing to assume a leadership role in health care reform either. Derailment of the current health care system is inevitable before the end of the 1990s, if no measures are taken to control the cost of health care. The federal government needs to implement global budgeting for health care before this happens.

Planning, Medical economics, Column, Health care reform

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The uncertain future of managed care

Article Abstract:

The managed care industry appears headed for trouble. Many for-profit plans are losing money and investors no longer consider them a worthwhile investment. Many plans made a one-time profit when Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled, but these profits may be hard to find in the future. If the US stock market has a major correction, many companies that have debt might be in trouble. Many consumers are pressing their legislatures to regulate the managed care industry. Between the federal and state governments, there is over $600 billion available to provide basic coverage to all Americans under a national health system.

Forecasts and trends, Managed care plans (Medical care), National health insurance

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