Blue Dog Ross’s Conundrum: Should He Battle Health Bill That Could Benefit His Depressed Town?
Rep. Mike Ross grew up in tiny Prescott, Ark., and knows well the problems of many residents who can’t afford health care insurance and have trouble getting access to hospitals and doctors. Yet Ross, a leader of the Blue Dog Democrats, stands ready to try to block passage of a health care reform bill in the House that might help his constituents; he complains the bill doesn’t adequately contain costs or help rural areas enough.
Special Health IT Report: Electronic Prescribing Increasing Despite Glitches
Advocates say e-prescribing is a key advance toward health care’s digital future because of its potential to reduce medical errors, cut drug costs and save doctors and patients time and money. But kinks need to be worked out to spur more rapid acceptance.