No matter what federal health care reform plan gets implemented there will be confusion and bureaucracy according to Bobby Peterson, Director of ABC for Health, a public interest law firm.”Whatever new system comes up, its still going to have cost containment and cost containment usually translates to barriers, bureaucracy and red tape.”
Understanding the new system may be especially for those who are ill seeking help. He believes lawmakers are doing a poor job in addressing the transition.
“Unfortunately there’s an attitude in Congress, ‘if they build it they will come.”
The Madison-based attorney says he would like to see individual advocates working on behalf of patients to help people navigate the care and coverage channels. However he believes states should have some discretion in setting up advocacy networks.
Here in Wisconsin, Peterson says there is already a system in place, Seniorcare, that could be expanded to those under 60. The states prescription drug program for seniors has benefits specialists found in every Wisconsin county.
AUDIO: Peterson on health reform’s problematic transition (MP3 :19)
