Editorial: Address Negative Effects of Health Reform Law
A San Diego Union-Tribune editorial argues that the health reform law will exacerbate the existing primary care physician shortage and place "major financial burdens" on states. According to the editorial, the country's physician shortage "should be an urgent focus of President Barack Obama and Congress, especially given how long it takes to educate and train doctors." It adds, "In recognition of states' budget worries, the president told the National Governors Association earlier this year that he was eager to provide flexibility to state leaders in implementing the federal law. But in May, his administration took a first step toward giving federal regulators veto power over state changes in Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals." The editorial states, "Obama needs to resolve the disconnect between the promise he made to governors and the actions his administration is taking."
- "Health Care Overhaul Needs Fixing" (San Diego Union-Tribune, 8/1).