Pilot Programs to ‘Ease’ Health Care Crisis Merit Attention, Editorial Says

A recent Institute of Medicine report suggesting several pilot projects that could "eas[e]" the current health care "crisis" is "worthy" and "deserves careful attention" from HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson, a New York Times editorial states (New York Times, 11/22). In the report, a 16-member panel suggested that three to five states ensure affordable health coverage "for all citizens and legal residents," either through tax credits or expansions of Medicaid and CHIP programs. The report also recommended that between four and five states test "alternatives to medical malpractice suits," by setting up a program under which patients who waive the right to a trial would receive "faster, fairer, surer compensation." The report also suggested other pilot projects, including boosting use of computers to create a "paperless health care system," implementing new medical technology at 40 community health centers nationwide and examining new ways to manage chronic illnesses (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 11/20). According to the Times, if the pilot programs are "successful," they could "spark a major redesign of health care." The Times concludes, "If the White House and congressional Republicans are receptive to testing out potential reforms in a timely fashion, the nation can only benefit" (New York Times, 11/22).