Ohio physicians call for mandated health coverage, improved transparency

The Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA), the trade group for the state's physicians, has created a health care reform plan calling for "mandated health coverage that would require every Ohioan to buy private or state-subsidized insurance" and "publicly available information for patients, such as data on medical outcomes at hospitals and physician practices and the breakdown of covered and out-of-pocket costs from insurers." (Source: "Ohio physicians write their Rx for health-care reform," Business First of Columbus, Sept. 20, 2007.)

According to a press release on the OSMA website, the other major components of the plan include a focus on wellness and prevention (instead of merely treating illness) and self-sustainabilty with a dedicated funding source. The OSMA also calls for more emphasis on personal responsibility such as by charging higher premiums for smokers. If additional revenue is needed to support the system, an OSMA brochure says lawmakers should consider "a broad tax on lifestyle choices that are detrimental to good health." (Source: "Vision for Creating a Healthier Ohio," PDF download.)

The OSMA, which represents nearly 20,000 physicians, medical students, residents and practice managers statewide, is in the process of presenting the plan to the Ohio General Assembly.