Wednesday
Jun242009
More Physicians Needed For Health Care Reform
Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 3:21PM
By Aaron Richardson and Sam Wechsler - Talk Radio News Service
The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009, which has recently been introduced to the House and Senate, would raise the cap on the number of resident physicians created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The bill is backed primarily by Representatives Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 only permits a certain number of Medicare supported resident physicians in each state. Under current conditions, if a hospital hires more than the capped number they will not be paid back for the surplus of residents.
While the population of the country has risen significantly in the last 12 years, the amount of resident physicians has not. This has resulted in a higher patient to physician ratio.
If health reform legislation is passed, then there will not be enough physicians to care for the newly insured. “Covering 45 million uninsured individuals is going to place an incredible burden on an already stressed out system,” said Crowley.
The act sets out to increase the number of young primary care physicians. This is especially important to Florida, where 25 percent of primary care physicians are 65 years of age or older.
“I believe this is a health access crisis” said Stephen Klasko, Dean of the University of South Florida College of Medicine, during a press conference with Castor and Crowley.
The Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2009, which has recently been introduced to the House and Senate, would raise the cap on the number of resident physicians created by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. The bill is backed primarily by Representatives Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) and Kathy Castor (D-Fla.) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).
The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 only permits a certain number of Medicare supported resident physicians in each state. Under current conditions, if a hospital hires more than the capped number they will not be paid back for the surplus of residents.
While the population of the country has risen significantly in the last 12 years, the amount of resident physicians has not. This has resulted in a higher patient to physician ratio.
If health reform legislation is passed, then there will not be enough physicians to care for the newly insured. “Covering 45 million uninsured individuals is going to place an incredible burden on an already stressed out system,” said Crowley.
The act sets out to increase the number of young primary care physicians. This is especially important to Florida, where 25 percent of primary care physicians are 65 years of age or older.
“I believe this is a health access crisis” said Stephen Klasko, Dean of the University of South Florida College of Medicine, during a press conference with Castor and Crowley.
House Democrats Unveil Immigration Reform Bill
Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and more than 20 like-minded House Democrats unveiled new legislation Tuesday to reform immigration. Under the new bill millions of illegal immigrant could legalize their status.
"We have waited patiently for a workable solution to our immigration crisis to be taken up by this Congress and this President," said Gutierrez. "The time for waiting is over. This bill will be presented before Congress recesses for the holidays so that there is no excuse for inaction in the New Year."
The bill, with full support of the Black, Hispanic, Asian and other progressive Congressional caucuses, proposes that illegal immigrants should have the right to register with the government, and after paying a $500 fine per adult, learning English and passing background checks, become eligible for a six-year visa and eventually a green card.
“Border security, that is a concern of all of ours,” Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.). “We need to know everyone that is in the United States today...Not have people living in shadows.”
Many critics see a rough road ahead for immigration reform legislation, particularly with the U.S. unemployment rate at 10 percent and mid-term elections approaching.
“We want to make sure American workers get the first crack at all American jobs,” Gutierrez said. “But we want to invite immigrants to come here, bring their money, bring their knowledge, bring their entrepreneurship. We’ll let them in as long as they come here and create jobs for Americans.”
President Barack Obama said in August that he is confident that Congress would pass legislation that would overhaul immigration. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are expected to introduce an immigration bill in the Senate by February of 2010.