CIR Joins Other Doctor Organizations to Endorse HR 3200, the America's Affordable Health Choices Act

After a vote by CIR's Executive Committee, CIR formally endorsed HR 3200. CIR was not required by SEIU to do so -- the Executive Committee itself took this step because they believed that the implementation of the bill would have a dramatic and positive effect on physicians-in-training working at safety-net hospitals.  On July 27, 2009, CIR joined with Doctors for America, the National Physicians Alliance, Doctors Council/SEIU and others to issue a statement in support of the bill.

 

No bill is perfect, of course, particularly when you're discussing something as complex as the American Health Care system. But here are five reasons why CIR has taken this important step:

 

1. HR 3200 would make health care much more affordable for our patients.

Similar to the Obama campaign plan for health care reform, the bill would set up a National Health Exchange where comprehensive health care plans may be purchased at a subsidized rate for individuals and families making less than 400% of the federal poverty line (approximately $88,000 for a family of four). It would institute a yearly cap on out-of-pocket spending, including co-pays and deductibles. Finally, there would be no out-of-pocket cost on primary and preventative care.

 

2. HR 3200 would reform health insurance to provide more protections and meaningful choice for our patients.

Insurers would not be allowed to exclude anyone on the basis of pre-existing conditions, practice rescissions - canceling a policy when a patient gets sick - or selectively refuse to renew coverage. Insurers would not be allowed to set different rates based on gender, health status or occupation, and would not be allowed to impose a lifetime maximum benefit cap. Finally, the bill includes a robust public health insurance option on a level playing field (it would negotiate rates directly with providers instead of using Medicare rates) to compete with private insurance companies and keep them honest.

 

3. HR 3200 would begin to address the needs of the physician workforce of tomorrow.

The bill contains more funding for the National Health Service Corps, as well as new scholarship and loan repayment programs for primary care providers, particularly for those willing to work in areas of need. It would strengthen existing programs to promote diversity in the health workforce, expand and authorize grants to promote interdisciplinary and community-based training, and invest in Health IT and more effectiveness research so the physician workforce is armed with the latest information and best practices.

4. HR 3200 would greatly impact the hospitals and communities where we work.

The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has released a district-by-district impact of the passage of HR 3200. You can look up your own hospital's district here. To take just one example, in the district containing Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, the passage of this bill would enable 2,900 elderly families to avoid the "doughnut hole" in Medicare Part D, would provide quality insurance to approximately139,000 people who do not have it today, and increase payments to hospitals and providers by $156 million. That would have a dramatic effect on the welfare of our communities and the financial health of our hospitals.

5. We stand with other physician groups in support of our patients.

HR 3200 has been endorsed by the American Medical Association - the first time the AMA has endorsed a comprehensive health care reform bill. Indeed, throughout the entirety of the 20th century, the AMA opposed health care reform, including the establishment of Medicare. There are many physicians groups besides the AMA, and a majority have endorsed HR 3200, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American College of Physicians, the American College of Surgeons, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the National Medical Association, and the American Medical Student Association.

CIR is proud to add our voice to theirs on behalf of quality, affordable health care for all.

See what other physician organizations are on record as supporting this landmark legislation at http://www.doctors-support-reform.org/