One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?

February 28, 2006

One of the things that hinders progress in addressing the challenge of 45 million uninsured in our country is the possibility of making things worse rather than better. Currently, the charge is that the new Medicare prescription drug program has done just that. USA Today briefly reviews one doctor’s effort to continue his patient’s medication. And Reuters provides a brief overview of the ways various states stepped in to help citizens who experienced problems with the federal program. Doubtless, some of the 45 million uninsured have made a conscious decision to forego coverage, but for those who seek coverage, programs put in place to address current shortcomings must be carefully thought through. In short, we need more dialogue about how best to address questions of resource allocation and access to healthcare.