A health care flashback
June 15, 2009 11:14 am ET by Jamison Foser
Look what I came across while researching my column about media coverage of the American Medical Association (note the date):
The Associated Press
August 25, 1994, Thursday, AM cycle
Health Reform Failure Wouldn't Neccessarily Mean Big Price Increases
BYLINE: By STEVE SAKSON, AP Business Writer
SECTION: Business News
LENGTH: 750 words
DATELINE: NEW YORK
The price of health care could accelerate if Congress fails to pass major reforms, but that doesn't mean doctor bills will double or prescription drugs become a privilege of the rich.America's corporations - the biggest buyers of health benefits - have been forcing reforms on their own for years. Regardless what happens in Washington they'll keep cutting costs, reducing chances that drug companies, hospitals and other medical providers would seek to sharply raise prices.
Just something to keep in mind the next time you see a news report offer industry-friendly spin that things won't be that bad if comprehensive health care reform doesn't happen.
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There was some Republican hack on Morning Joe who tried to blame the high cost of healthcare on lawsuits, because doctors order a lot of expensive tests to cover their butts.
I think the larger question should be: Why are those tests so obscenely expensive? Why does a 5 minute MRI cost $5,000?