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Healthcare Professionals Share Perspectives on Policy Issues

BY LOIS THOMSON

South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
recently conducted a survey focused on healthcare

policy options under debate in the United States.
Respondents were recruited through the publica-

tion's weekly newsletter; and by 2CY, which
sought participants from national email lists to

expand the geographic representation.

Of the 242 respondents (148 in services – in the next five years.
Florida, 94 outside the state), the largest Respondents were presented with
group – 28 percent – worked in settings seven statements that are frequently part
such as hospitals or outpatient facilities, of the national healthcare debate and
or had jobs that provided direct patient chose the ones that most represented
care, such as physicians, nurses, dentists, their own current beliefs. The top three
etc. Those supporting the healthcare responses of Republican policy advocates having Medicare pay providers the same cent backing by respondents who strong-
industry, e.g., consultants, attorneys, and are: eliminating government interference amount for an identical healthcare serv- ly agree it is a good idea, whereas legal-
accountants, comprised 26 percent; and in the healthcare system is better for ice, regardless of the site of care; for ization of recreational marijuana was
those involved in industry associations, patients; a work requirement should be example, a hospital versus a physician's almost equally split by those who strong-
academic institutions, foundations, etc., part of Medicaid eligibility regulations; office. Such a program could reduce hos- ly disagree (24 percent) and those who
made up 23 percent. Respondents' and healthcare is a privilege. Democratic pital revenues by $760 million in aggre- strongly agree (21 percent). Regarding
involvement in the healthcare industry advocates believe: healthcare is a right; gate. medical marijuana, approximately 36
was the largest factor (81 percent) in gun control should be part of healthcare • More than one-third of respondents percent believe long-term use could be
determining their replies to the survey policy discussions; and taxes should sup- believe a work requirement should be dangerous to patients, whereas 55 per-
questions, and 73 percent had 20 years port health insurance for all those who part of Medicaid eligibility requirements. cent don't consider it a problem. Overall,
or more experience. Nearly 45 percent do not have coverage through their (Federal courts however are blocking respondents did not see a need for med-
reported they were senior executives: employers. state mandates requiring residents work ical marijuana – or CBD products taken
CEOs, CMOs, CFOs, presidents, board Along those lines, research indicates a minimum number of hours a month to internally (drops/pills) or externally
members, and the like. that two-thirds of Americans in general qualify for the Medicaid.) (ointment/salve) – to be classified as
One segment of the survey focused on favor regulations that prohibit insurance • Nearly 45 percent of those surveyed Schedule 1 drugs; that is, those that have
attitudes toward politicians' understand- companies from charging higher premi- strongly favor Medicaid expansion, the potential for high abuse, no medical
ing of the issues and their efforts to pro- ums to people with pre-existing condi- which would give health insurance cov- use, or the potential to produce severe
duce workable solutions. As back- tions, although that support declines erage to nearly all individuals with an safety concerns.
ground, generally speaking, Democrats when the public realizes the costs associ- income at or below 138 percent of the As a result of a measles outbreak in the
want expanded health coverage for more ated with such a policy. Survey respon- federal poverty level (currently $25,750 first eight-plus months of 2019 (1,241
Americans, although there is no consen- dents, however, are not in favor of people for a family of four). cases confirmed), respondents are highly
sus on their method to achieve this goal. with pre-existing conditions having to Pharmaceuticals in general and drug in favor of the government passing tough
Republicans want total repeal of the pay more for their health insurance cov- pricing in particular triggered intense regulations on immunization for child-
Affordable Care Act (ACA) and state erage. responses, with 44 percent strongly hood diseases such as measles, mumps,
control over insurance markets. Their Some of the points under Medicare agreeing that federal regulators should and chickenpox.
best policy is to support consumer-based and Medicaid included: place price controls on the cost of phar- Aside from the issues themselves, the
options, including purchasing coverage • More than 40 percent of respondents maceuticals. Likewise, more than 50 per- survey questioned respondents as to
over state lines and forming health sav- strongly disagree that "Medicare for all" cent believe patients should be allowed where they seek information on health-
ings/health reimbursement accounts. (a single-payor system) should replace to legally acquire prescription drugs care policy, excluding television. The
Respondents believe the Democratic the current system. from Canada. Pushback from industry internet is the leading source, as selected
party offers the best overall healthcare poli- • A nearly equal percentage believe however opines there is no way to guar- by 81 percent of participants, with local
cies by a rate of 43 percent to 22 percent. Medicare needs to be restructured to antee the safety of drugs coming into the newspapers and Modern Healthcare tied
However, neither party received many save the program for future generations. United States from outside the country; with 33 percent. Among the television
votes of confidence (4.43 percent/ • More than one-third strongly dis- and the fact that Canada is concerned it stations watched for news, CNN received
Democrats, 3.5 percent/Republicans) that agree with the idea of Medicare may run into a shortage by diverting its the highest viewership with 28 percent.
its policy will lead to a "great system of Advantage (Medicare Part C) replacing medicine supply.
care" – one that offers quality outcomes, the Medicare fee-for-service option. Medical marijuana continues to be a For a more detailed report of the survey,
and affordable and accessible healthcare • The majority of respondents favor hot topic. Legalization received a 38 per- visit adobe.ly/2ndTYRE.

South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com December 2019 9