A few weeks ago I posted about the Iniated Measure 17, which is on the election ballot (https://s2sbrownclinic.com/2014/09/vote-yes-on-17-patient-choice/). Many of you have probably seen the commercials for both sides of the measure and since we have gotten a lot of questions about it, I thought it was worth of posting again about it. There is a bit of confusion about this measure due to the media and message the other side is giving. Opponents of IM17 are using broad generalities without support and poor interpretation of outdated and irrelevant research to suppor their case. There is no credible evidence to support the oppositions claims that costs will go up. Here is the TRUTH:
1) A key element of IM17 is that providers (doctors) who wish to become a part of a given network must meet the terms put forth by the network. There will be no service cost increases caused by the doctors. If insurance rates go up, it will be the insurance companies that will be increasing the administrative costs.
2) IM17 will increase competition among providers and insurance companies in the state. Competition puts downward pressure on pricing and causes companies to improve in order to be competitive. The big health care groups in SD want you to vote NO so that they can have total control over your insurance and where you go to the doctor. Ie- if you have insurance from one of these health care groups (Sanford or Avera), this measure will eliminate your freedom to choose where you go to the doctor and will in turn mandate you to see one in their group.
3) Eleven other states have similar laws and there are no cost increases.
4) Because out of network fees normally borne by patients will be eliminated, out of pocket costs for patients will go down.
5) Both Wellmark and Dakotacare have open insurance programs for their insured patients and their programs are highly competitive. DakotaCare is operated by the South Dakota State Medical Association, which supports IM17.
Oppositions state that IM17 is more needless government bueaucracy imposing itself on health care. In reality, IM 17 protects against changes that may be occuring in the health care marketplace by ensuring that patients may continue to see their chosen providers.
We value our patients and are passionate for providing quality care to you, thus we kindly ask you to support IM17 by voting YES as we feel your patient choice is important and having a consistent and on-going relationship with a provider is in the best interest of quality care.
For more information, feel free to visit: http://www.sdpatientchoice.org/.
