From Deseret News archives:
Act now for secure future of health care
Unfortunately, these accomplishments overshadow the very serious problems that exist in Utah's (and the nation's) health system. Health care is far too expensive, at times has dubious outcomes and leaves hundreds of thousands of Utahns without the peace of mind that comes from health insurance coverage.
Consider these troubling realities:
In the past 10 years, median household income in Utah has grown by 15 percent, while family health insurance premiums in Utah grew by 109 percent.
In 2006, health care premium increases were twice that of earnings and more than twice that of inflation.
Misplaced incentives such as cost-shifting, hidden taxes and physician self-referral create overutilization of health care services, costing society far more than necessary for quality care. For instance, the National Imaging Association's own audit concluded that 40 percent of diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, is inappropriate and noncontributory.
Those who are insured pay premiums that are 17 percent higher to help pay for the costs of the uninsured. This means that many employers actually subsidize care for their competitors.
We can do better as a society.
That is why the United Way has convened a group of 130 business, community and legislative leaders to address the financial challenges facing Utah's middle class. They will release provisional recommendations to reform Utah's health system and seek public comment on the ideas. As Utah's largest business association, the Salt Lake Chamber heartily endorses the work of the United Way.
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