Comments on: DON’T OVERREACH by Michael Widmer http://commonhealth.wbur.org/michael-widmer/2007/03/dont-overreach-by-michael-widmer/ CommonHealth Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:04:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Stephen K. Zrike http://commonhealth.wbur.org/michael-widmer/2007/03/dont-overreach-by-michael-widmer/comment-page-1/#comment-747 Stephen K. Zrike Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:32:31 +0000 http://blogs.wbur.org/commonhealth/?p=32#comment-747 Unfortunately, I think they've "overreached" already. Understandably, implementation of a program of this magnitude is bound to be uneven and full of unanticipated complications. I have been appalled, however, at the horrendous lack of quality customer service at the Connector and the obvious (and apparently successful) efforts to limiting access to management. In my attempts to enroll a relative, I have been * given mis-information * told that their own correspondence was incorrect * insulted (the representative called my question "ridiculous" Before the program was "rolled out", all the details should have been defined and a "beta" version should have been tested (possibly in a small county) before it went statewide. Unfortunately, I think they’ve “overreached” already. Understandably, implementation of a program of this magnitude is bound to be uneven and full of unanticipated complications. I have been appalled, however, at the horrendous lack of quality customer service at the Connector and the obvious (and apparently successful) efforts to limiting access to management. In my attempts to enroll a relative, I have been

* given mis-information
* told that their own correspondence was incorrect
* insulted (the representative called my question “ridiculous”

Before the program was “rolled out”, all the details should have been defined and a “beta” version should have been tested (possibly in a small county) before it went statewide.

]]> By: working nurse http://commonhealth.wbur.org/michael-widmer/2007/03/dont-overreach-by-michael-widmer/comment-page-1/#comment-544 working nurse Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:24:00 +0000 http://blogs.wbur.org/commonhealth/?p=32#comment-544 While I respect your concerns I would argue that limiting analyses and recommendations to only the uninsured ignores the realities of the overall crisis. Experts across the country including here in MA have observed that practically everyone now fits into one of these three categories: Uninsured Underinsured Anxiously Insured (costs rising/benefits shrink) Isn't it irresponsible to focus on one group to the exclusion of the others that are just as real and deserve attention; couldn't that makes things worse for the other groups. After all, the causes and effective solutions for all 3 are directly interrelated. We must insist on value for our healthcare dollars. Would you agree? While I respect your concerns I would argue that limiting analyses and recommendations to only the uninsured ignores the realities of the overall crisis.

Experts across the country including here in MA have observed that practically everyone now fits into one of these three categories:

Uninsured

Underinsured

Anxiously Insured (costs rising/benefits shrink)

Isn’t it irresponsible to focus on one group to the exclusion of the others that are just as real and deserve attention; couldn’t that makes things worse for the other groups. After all, the causes and effective solutions for all 3 are directly interrelated. We must insist on value for our healthcare dollars.

Would you agree?

]]>