The withdrawal of Group Health and Secure Horizons means seniors in Eastern Washington will lose their choice of health care coverage. However they will have health care coverage. If seniors need assistance with this transition, I encourage them to call one of my district offices at the numbers listed below. In 1997, Congress passed legislation which saved and strengthened Medicare for over a decade. The centerpieces of this legislation was the MedicarePlus Choice program which was designed to give seniors choice in health care.
More choices means more competition, lower costs, and increased satisfaction.
Unfortunately, as the withdrawal of Group Health and Secure Horizons shows, this has not been the case in Eastern Washington. There is no single cause or simple solution to the recent HMO withdrawals. The formula HCFA uses to establish payments to insurers has resulted in a great disparity between rates paid to Washington State insurance companies and to those paid in other states. Washington state, especially in rural areas, is being penalized for providing efficient medical care. This payment disparity is coupled with an additional payment reduction which will take effect on January 1, 2000.