HMO REFORM: Davis Backs Giving Patients More Leverage
Gov. Gray Davis said yesterday he would support HMO reform "to ensure that patients are treated fairly" but thinks eventually doctors will regain control of health care decisions. In Washington, DC, for the National Governors' Association's annual winter meeting, Davis said, "I think it is almost inevitable, because all these CEOs of HMOs are tired of wearing the black hat. They're tired of being blamed for all these problems." The Sacramento Bee reports that Davis said the "long-term" solution "will not be Congress tinkering around the edges ... but shifting the financial risk back on the health care providers, who then make the ultimate decision." In addition, Davis said he plans to propose soon that state oversight of HMOs be shifted from the Department of Corporations to a new independent agency. In related news, the Bee reports that Davis held a private meeting with the state's congressional delegation, urging the lawmakers to push his agenda (Smith/Sample, 2/24).
This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.