It was an interesting and informative session. You seem to support the concept but only if it is done in a voluntary spirit by insurers and private employers. Just as employers, insurers and business interests had to be pulled kicking and screaming into providing worker protections throughout this century, they now have to be told that insurance plans have to provide benefits for the people they insure and not simply profits for the insurance company. As a practicing physician, I am concerned with the erosion of patients rights. The balance of power has shifted far too much in the favor of large insurance companies.
Patients have a right to have the coverage of their health care policy clearly disclosed in advance.
They also have a right to timely and fair arbitration of disagreements with their health insurer. Finally, common sense and decency should be the rule of the day in terms of covering necessary medical care. Obviously, the state plan seems to have voluntarily incorporated these points. If the health insurance industry and particularly the managed care industry were to voluntarily follow suit, we would be in very good shape. We might also be in Wonderland.