Common Sense

      The Malpractice Reform Bill addressed the issue of keeping our doctors in State with some Common Sense solutions. Our delegation from the 37th district indicated that a 2% tax on HMOs and MCOs will hurt small business, workers and the rural poor. Let's look at that just a little bit. First, the poor, urban or rural, generally can not afford and do not have Health Insurance; unfortunately, they usually need to use Emergency Rooms as their doctors. Common Sense tells us that a 2% tax on their insurance carrier is mute. Also, the National Association of Independent Business estimates that the 2% tax on HMO premiums will result in average Health Insurance increases of approximately $.53 a day per family policy; $.34 a day per individual and dependent policy; $.40 a day per individual and spouse policy; and $.19 a day per individual policy. I don't know about you but I can remember when Sally Struthers asked for "just $.33 a day to keep these children in medicine". I think we are all worth the increase. Also, when a tax is increased from 0% to 2%, I have to wonder why it was at 0% at all. HMOs need to pay their way too. Finally, the "legitimate reason for putting this HMO tax into the bill" is because the monies will underwrite the cost of malpractice insurance for doctors, and give doctors higher reimbursements with Medicaid patients. Common Sense tells us that everyone wins at $.19 a day.

    Tim Quinn - Easton, Maryland