Wasted billions in health care

October 9, 2008

Arthur Garson talks about unnecessary health care spending in his op-ed. He goes over the common arguments, including practice variation, lack of comparative effectiveness, paying for quantity, and malpractice.

Here’s his solution:

The next president, whoever that is, should start by appointing a group made up of those responsible for wasting our dollars ““ as well as members of Congress and the administration ““ to examine ways to save and then implement them. It could take at least five years to generate savings, so we have no time to lose. When we save this money and figure ways to apply it to the uninsured, we will have a long-term superwin: better competitiveness and healthcare for all.

I agree. Cost savings and affordability first, then worry about the uninsured.



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{ 3 comments }

1 Deron Schriver October 9, 2008 at 10:22 am

Kevin – Thanks for finding and sharing that great op-ed. It’s concise and right on target.

2 Anonymous October 9, 2008 at 10:49 am

re: “Cost savings and affordability first, then worry about the uninsured.”

So kevin the insured with medical issue need to wait 5 years? Now there is an ostrich in the sand solution.

3 Anonymous October 10, 2008 at 7:29 pm

Kevin .. that happens, right after they indict those who caused the Fannie/Freddie collapse, right?

Yes, that was deeply cynical. I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.

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