Health Wonk Review: the Groundhog Zombie Goes Back to the Future Edition

May 4th, 2017 by Julie Ferguson

 

It’s quite the day to be going to press with a new Health Wonk Review. We were trying to think of  a movie themed metaphor for today’s edition but can’t decide between Back to the Future, Groundhog Day or a zombie flick, so we’re going for a mashup.   Suspense is in the air as we await a vote later today on the revised AHCA. Or at least that’s what the media has been predicting as the bill suddenly sprang back to life late  yesterday after some arm twisting and deal sweetening in the corridors of power. One wonders what the hurry is since the Congressional Budget Office has not had sufficient time to weigh in and a quick vote would seem to violate the pledge of a minimum three-day public review. But maybe avoiding those pesky details are are seen as features not bugs. Our wonks submitted posts from the past week, so most were submitted before yesterday’s frantic hubbub of activity, yet still make trenchant observations about the revised bill. And of course, even though this topic is currently dominating the news, many of our wonks have healthcare observations on topics other than repeal-and-replace so if you are tired of the ongoing legislative goings on, read on.

Joe Paduda has kept an eye on the repeal & replace movement with his series of posts on the ACA deathwatch at Managed Care Matters. In his most recent post, he talks about flaws that plague the current bill and why it is destined to fail: ACA Deathwatch: No, AHCA is not going to pass Congress

At healthinsurance.org blog, Harold Pollack warns us to get ready for the uncomfortable questions with AHCA. Currently, an estimated 27 percent of American adults have been diagnosed with declineable preexisting conditions. Rollback of protections for those with pre-existing conditions means health insurers will again be rummaging through your health history.

Think the $8 billion that the revised AHCA bill earmarks for preexisting conditions solves that problem? Timothy Jost explains why that is unlikely at Health Affairs Blog.

One drum that Roy Poses of Health Care Renewal continues to beat (thankfully) is pointing out how health care organizations are increasingly run by a network of insiders who often put self-interest ahead of patients’ and the public’s health. As we head into today’s vote, he points out another vivid example: How Legislators rigged the repeal of the ACA to keep their own health insurance affordable.

Vincent Grippi points us to a post by Care Centrix CEO John Driscoll at The Homefront blog examining the recent struggle of the American Healthcare Act and highlighting why value-based care is an important part of the solution in his post Coal Mining Isn’t Coming Back and Neither is Fee-for-Service Medicine. It makes great points in light of recent congressional goings on.

Louise Norris of Colorado Health Insurance Insider looks at what’s next in Colorado for health care reform noting that, lately, it’s been a whirlwind. A bill to help out people over 400% of FPL just failed, disappointing many; there is uncertainty about Anthem BCBS staying in the exchange; insurers don’t have an exit clause if Cost Sharing Reduction funding is eliminated; rates will be filed late this year due to market uncertainty, and there is a bill to eliminate the exchange still in progress.

InsureBlog‘s Bob vineyard highlights the financial challenges of actually *paying* for even minor health care in his post Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?

It’s tough being a cancer patient. New urgent care clinics designed specifically for cancer patients help ease the burden and could be a model for the rest of healthcare. David Williams of Health Business Blog talks about what distinguishes these clinics and wonders why such services aren’t available to all healthcare consumers.

Brad Flansbaum of The Hospital Leader has a challenge to physicians: How often do you ask this (ineffective) question? A recent study calls into question the effectiveness of a widely accepted practice.

Healthcare Economist Jason Shafrin looks at the hedonistic treadmill and asks if it works in reverse when it comes to acclimating to deteriorating health conditions. (Don’t know what the hedonistic treadmill is? We sure didn’t but it is our nomination for concept of the day). He cites an recent study on the topic.

Here at Workers Comp Insider, we recently commemorated Workers Memorial Day, a time remember those who were hurt or killed on the job. In conjunctions with that event, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health issued The Dirty Dozen, highlighting employers who put workers and communities at risk due to unsafe working conditions.

Next up to bat: May 18, 2017 – Jason Shafrin – Healthcare Economist.