Actually, New Jersey already has in place state patient protections that are among the most progressive in the country. But some of these state regulations might fall by the wayside if federal law is passed without added debate this summer. Along with consumers, hospitals, physicians and other healthcare providers share frustration over health insurers' practices. As a matter of fact, the denial of coverage and delay of payments happen so often, one has to wonder if it's not all by design. New Jersey hospitals report that many HMOs are increasingly holding payment for months on end, forcing them and doctors, dentists and home health agencies into a cash-flow bind.
Some physicians even say they have to borrow money to meet staff payroll.
There's no doubt that we need to do more about controlling the escalating costs of healthcare. But we can't do it in such a fashion where those who control the purse strings use deny and delay tactics to reach that end. That simply puts too much power in the hands of people reading balance sheets and too little focus on the needs of patients and those who provide their care. New Jersey Hospital Association 760 Alexander Rd.