SF Chron Letter to Editor: Market Share vs. Health Care
Market Share vs. Health Care
by Don Bechler
Blue Shield CEO Bruce G. Bodaken's solution for achieving universal health care would have Californians paying more money while expanding Blue Shield's market share. His employer mandate/public insurance model perpetuates administrative waste and a system in which multiple health plans try to insure the healthy and avoid the sick.
Let's rid ourselves of the 300 insurance company and 69 government bureaucracies in California. Creating one publicly funded and PUBLICLY ACCOUNTABLE agency to finance all healthcare would rid us of the existing maze of bureaucracies. We would pay taxes in lieu of premiums, but they would be less than current insurance company premiums. This would mean a healthier economy with more money in the pockets of businesses and working people.
The State of California recently concluded a 1.2 million-dollar study called the Health Care Options Project. (www.healthcareoptions.ca.gov) It concluded that by removing the insurance industry from the health care loop, Californians could save 7.6 billion dollars a year while insuring everyone with better services including long term care and full prescription drug coverage. As insurance would not be tied to employment, you could change jobs and still keep your same doctor.
Bodaken dismissed the study saying he disagreed with it and that the Blue Shield Foundation would produce its own study showing how his plan would work.
State Senator Sheila Kuehl will soon introduce legislation for the plan that saves Californians money and produces high quality health care for all.
More money for Blue Shield is not the only choice.
Don Bechler
Chair
Health Care For All
San Francisco Chapter
415-695-7891