Health-care task force faces tall task

Health system reform, though overshadowed at the presidential level by preachers, sniper fire and VP beauty pageants, is a crucial issue facing the nation. With the appointment of a legislative health-care task force, the issue is heating up in Utah.

What's the gossip regarding membership on the task force?

Pignanelli: There is much speculation regarding the hidden agenda behind the surprising structure of the task force, recently appointed by Legislative Leadership. Many of the lawmakers with a deep expertise in this area (i.e. Jim Dunnigan, Becky Lockhart, Michael Waddoups) were not selected. Apparently leaders wanted some fresh faces dissimilar from the health task force from several years ago. (The musing focuses on whether membership is a dynamic of the upcoming leadership elections.) The legislative juggernauts of reform, House Majority Leader David Clark and Senate Minority Whip Sheldon Killpack will lead the committee. However, there is some thought all the "newbies" will need to be educated, which could be a distraction from the important goals.

Webb: I have no gossip to report. Only confidence that legislative leaders appointed members of the committee who will be fair, objective, hardworking and courageous, and who will be committed to make substantive progress this year (and who can leap tall buildings at a single bound).

Any predictions regarding the process and expected results from the task force by year's end?

Pignanelli: Yeah, lots of butt-numbing meetings. The summer will be spent on the same deliberations that thousands have deliberated for decades: reduce costs, maintain quality, and increase access to medical services without greater government. A number of advocate organizations and special interest groups will be pushing certain elements of change. But actual reform will only occur if all shareholders have skin in the game. Clark and Killpack understand this, and have demonstrated a willingness to venture farther than most officials. The bigger question is whether the public, including the business community, is really ready for true comprehensive change. The health system is inefficient and expensive, but have these burdens reached a crisis level where leaders can successfully demand sacrifices from all sectors? Further, this is an election year compounded with economic fears, never fertile ground for political courage. My client (Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Utah) and others are hopeful for significant developments from the group. My heart is with them; but my head still wonders.