Administrative Simplification Simplification means that the most direct connection, with the smallest number of bureaucratic personnel, should lie between payment for the health plan and payment for services. This principle acknowledges that continuity of care is of medical value and contributes to quality. Physician Autonomy Quality of patient care must be physicians' first priority, however, physicians have to take responsibility to make cost-conscious decisions. The American Medical Women's Association recognizes both the pressing need for health care reform, and the limited source of funding from which to draw on as Congress begins to legislate systemwide changes to the health delivery system. As the debate over how to finance health reform intensitifes, it is important to remember that a majority of Americans favor an increase in the federal excise on tobacco.
Tobacco is the single most appropriate source of revenue for health care reform.
It is the only product which, when used exactly as intended, causes addition, disease and early death. Raising the tobacco tax will generate revenue for health reform and discourage young people from beginning the habit. Most Americans support a tobacco tax increase. This is a tax vote Congress can be proud to take. AMWA supports the Committee's actions to retain abortion coverage as part of the covered benefits package.