OSMA president critical of potential 'public option' in Obama health plan

Dr. Roy H. Thomas, the president of the Ohio State Medical Association, said most physicians would oppose the inclusion of a so-called “public option” in any potential health reform plan (Source: “Doctors diagnose problems with Obama health plan,” Columbus Dispatch, June 15, 2009).

Thomas attend President Obama’s speech to the AMA on Monday and cautioned that the proposed public health care option is "as dramatic an expansion as Medicare or Medicaid,'' that would be a "significant concern to physicians.''

Despite his concerns, Thomas said his organization "applauds'' Obama's efforts to revise the nation's health-care system and provide insurance to the 47 million Americans without coverage.

Thomas said physicians "believe there are significant challenges'' to the nation's health system and "we are ready, willing and happy to be part of the team addressing those problems.''