Today’s Selection Of Opinions And Editorials
Two Sides to Every Health Care Debate New York Times
President Obama has pledged to reform health care, but overhauling the system to offer every person in the United States coverage is no easy task. Op-Ed editors asked experts for advice on how to lower health care costs and pay for comprehensive coverage (Hickey, Gruber, Baker, Mello & Chandra, Kane, Ginsburg, 7/12).
Health-Care Savings The Washington Post
The rapidly rising cost of health care, President Obama has said, is 'a threat to our economy' and 'a ticking time bomb for the federal budget.' So a critical test of the health reform proposals lumbering through Congress is whether they defuse that bomb. The answer, so far, is no (7/13).
Improve Care, Lower Costs The Los Angeles Times
One encouraging thing about healthcare reform, however, is that improving the quality of care can help slow the debilitating increase in costs. It's good for all. And although the changes required won't be easy, they're essential to the crucial third piece of the healthcare reform puzzle, which is providing coverage to all Americans (7/13).
Eliminating Old Paper Files The Las Vegas Sun
Many surgical procedures unheard of a decade ago are routine today because of advances in computers, laser technology and robotics. Why, then, do physicians and hospitals do such a lousy job of keeping records on their patients? (7/13).
Approving Imported Drugs Is Good Medicine The Miami Herald
Either way, American consumers need a break on prescription drug prices. Congress should get behind efforts like these that could bring down costs by allowing greater competition (7/13).
Health Care Reform Requires Sacrifices The Kansas City Star
There's no escaping it: Health care reform will involve bitter medicine. Lawmakers are going to have to stifle their reluctance to impose mandates and - yes - some form of taxes (7/12).
Opening Moves On Health Care The Philadelphia Inquirer
Two big sticking points remain: the need to rein in growing health-care costs, and how best to finance coverage for the nearly 50 million uninsured. Both deals are steps in the right direction in the effort to tamp down medical costs. But that requires lots of trust the deals will be honored and won't cost more than they save (7/12).
Rx: Stop The Rush The Chicago Tribune
What's the rush? When did reforming the $2.5 trillion-a-year health-care system become a sprint? (7/13).
