From Deseret News archives:
Has task force spurred changes in giant IHC?
Task force focused on role of IHC; some say the giant has changed
Instead, lawmakers agreed to a compromise a task force charged with studying various aspects of the state's health-care system, namely competition within the system, the business and financial practices of health-care providers and the tax-exempt status of nonprofit organizations.
On Monday, the Privately Owned Health Care Task Force will meet for the final time, marking an end to the twice-monthly, four-hour meetings that were often contentious and, at times, downright nasty. During the hearings, non-Intermountain Healthcare doctors, insurers and hospital administrators spoke about fear of retaliation from the organization, which had dozens of representatives at each meeting and was often put on the spot to defend its practices.
So, what has come of the 20 meetings where the 15-member body waded through mountains of data and hours of testimony?
Some say nothing, while others, including Intermountain's harshest critic, contend the health-care giant has changed as have their opinions of it.
"They were the 1,000-pound gorilla, they could do and get away with anything they wanted," said Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley. "I think that they have recognized after all this testimony came out that all was not well in River City. ... I think that this was an awakening to them on a lot of issues."
Rep. James Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, agreed.
"I think it was a, and I hate to use this cliche, a big wake-up call, but I think it was," he said. "(Intermountain) had a good mind-set that they were a good player in the community, and I think that's probably justified ... but their competitors and their providers didn't necessarily view it that way."
Privately, some Intermountain competitors have said they see little change in the company's business practices and level of cooperation, despite assertions like those from Rep. Brad Dee, R-Washington Terrace, that "perceptions have changed on all of the parts of private health-care providers" as a result of the task force.
Indeed, many lawmakers, some former critics, are now singing the praises of Intermountain, which, in the past two years has dropped its familiar "IHC" nickname and renamed its health insurance plans "SelectHealth."
Comments
- Favre to Rice helps Vikings win 4:19 p.m.
- Photos: A Royal welcome 3:58 p.m.
- Bengals beat Steelers, lead AFC North 3:06 p.m.
- Johnson, Titans beats Bills 41-17 3:05 p.m.
- Bush helps Saints stay unbeaten 3:04 p.m.
- Redskins end skid with 27-17 win 2:58 p.m.
- Keys may help identify body 2:57 p.m.
- Scobee's FG lifts Jags over Jets 2:56 p.m.
- Panthers harass Ryan, beat Falcons 2:50 p.m.
- Henne helps Dolphins rally by Bucs 2:45 p.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
361 - BYU happy to escape with victory
224 - TCU creams U.
215 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
201 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
133 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - RSL heads to MLS title game
115 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
Sears is holding a special VIP night Sunday, Nov. 15, in stores and online.
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
IRIS WAS AN INSTRUEMENT OF MONUMENTAL GUIDANCE IN MY LIFE, SHE IS A FRIEND,...
Open you eyes! The real cesspool of corruption IS the government!
He is not a Republican by any stretch of the imagination. He is trying to...
Checklist for tigers to win friday Speed Check Discipline Check ...
You guys are all idiots. BYU should be much more concerned with how they...
Tearing down Juan Diego is ridiculous. They have a great team...as do Park...
kittie fans stay out of here and shut your mouths. you BARELY beat a pathetic...
Way to go SUU cross country! You were awesome this year!
This Home was in Riverton, not Herriman
"Why wouldn't legalization of gay marriage force church leaders autorized to...

You can be the first to comment on this story.