Craig J. Bakken, CMPE, CEO of Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates (Lakewood, Col.):
Why do many policy wonks, theorists and others keep bringing this
concept up? The problems of access and cost barriers are no more likely
to be solved by one payor than by the multitude we have now, many of
whom are coalescing as we speak.
To assume that in a country with our varied populations, geography,
economics, transportation etc., we can be served by one entity is naïve
or purposefully self-serving. Let the federal government give a single
insurance card with attendant benefits to its civilian employees,
military and dependents and finally Congress itself. Then we can see if
it works before jumping off this cliff into a model that is ill-suited
to our country. I am sure Congress would step right up and volunteer
for this leadership role in the best interests of all of us.
Share your thoughts on this issue or any other issue by e-mailing Scott Becker at sbecker@mcguirewoods.com.
