Dr. Heck has a unique perspective on healthcare and the ongoing debate over healthcare reform: that of an emergency room physician serving on the front lines of the healthcare battle and caring for patients regardless of time of day, physical complaint, or ability to pay. It is this experience, along with that of a healthcare educator and administrator that provides him with the expertise to thoughtfully address the healthcare issues and challenges facing Nevadans.

 

The United States has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Those that claim we spend more with poorer outcomes than other industrialized nations are comparing apples and oranges. We spend more because we are among the least healthy of nations with some of the highest rates of obesity, diabetes, and other diseases.

 

Is there room for improvement in our system? Absolutely. Does it require throwing out a system that is working for 85% of Americans? Absolutely not. By leveraging current programs and providing consumer choice we can have a positive impact on access to healthcare for much less than the estimated $1 trillion that Washington liberals are telling us ‘reform’ will cost.

 

The current claims of 48 million uninsured Americans require a deeper analysis. An estimated 12 million of them are undocumented aliens and are ineligible for government programs. 6.5 million are on Medicaid but claim otherwise. 4.8 million are eligible for existing programs yet not enrolled.  10 million make more than 300% of the federal poverty level, and would not be eligible for assistance under the Senate Finance bill. 3 million are chronically homeless – how do we insure them? That leaves 11.7 million, 4 % of the population, uninsured and without an option. Instead of creating a new bureaucracy, why not allow them to buy in to the Medicaid program? Congress has already enacted a similar provision with the Family Opportunity Act of 2004.

 

10% of the uninsured make more than 400 % of the poverty level. These individuals can afford insurance but have made the decision not to purchase coverage.  A government requirement with tax penalties for non-compliance is not the right incentive for this group. It is providing personal tax deductions and decreasing costs by limiting insurance mandates.  It is allowing coverage to be purchased across state lines and allowing individuals to buy the coverage they want, from whomever and wherever they want.

 

The foundation of any reform must be based on:

 

·        Moving insurance away from an employer-provided model and toward an individual-based one.

·        Federal tort reform to decrease the costs associated with defensive medicine.

·        Maximizing efficiencies in the provision on healthcare through electronic transactions and medical records.

·        Safeguarding those who have insurance

·        Providing an option for those without insurance to buy in to an existing program

 

“I can promise the citizens of Nevada that any of the current plans being discussed in Washington will not only make the healthcare crisis in America worse, but will decrease Nevadans’ access to private insurers by decreasing competition and will eventually lead to a single payer system.”

“Nevada needs a strong physician voice in Congress to champion these issues and ensure that you have access to appropriate healthcare and affordable prescription medications, right here in Nevada."

Our system currently works for the majority of Americans. We can make it work for all Americans through simple, common-sense reforms.