Introduction:

Obviously health care is a major issue increasingly discussed in political campaigns, corporate board rooms and in the general media. Problems with access, ongoing increases in costs and variable quality lend many experts to characterize health care as in a “crisis”. Health care is increasing at double-digit rates and is less affordable. Health care reform leaders in Minnesota have known of the variable quality of health care for decades and have done little to change-even though poorer quality usually costs more. Access to health care must be provided to all of the public.

Don't Leave Consumers Out

All stakeholder groups such as physicians, hospitals, health plans, employers and even health care reform consultants are posturing to promote their brand of health care “change” needed. Consumers and the public are paying for all the health care (i.e. either directly or indirectly through employers, government taxes or other 3rd party payment systems) and yet have little influence on health care system improvements . A non-partisan group of advocates for Consumers, Workers and Families have come together to make sure the overall public interest is served in any health care changes. This includes stronger Consumer representation on health care task forces, committees, commissions and other planning groups.

A New Team To Support Consumer Interests

Called the Consumer Worker Coalition (CWC), this group based in Minnesota (but reaching out to the multi-state region) is promoting change with a central focus on consumers and patients.

The Labor Management Coalition (LMC), Upper Midwest is sponsoring the new alliance. Sean Kenney, the LMC's former CEO is the interim facilitator of the group. Kenney says “ the group understands that health reform directions are being driven by the special interests of those who depend on health care revenue; who generally resist change and pursue slow and safe “science-fair types of projects” instead of systemic change that benefits consumers, workers and families. “ An informed “Consumer Voice” needs to be elevated in order to balance interests.

Much of Health Care Cost Increases are Due to Duplication, Waste, Ineffective and Poor Quality Care.

Jim Hansen of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49 represents over 11,000 construction engineers. crane workers and heavy equipment operators and says his members are “outraged” at the costs of health care especially when they learn of the extent of poor quality.

It is the consumers, workers and their families “at risk” for preventable errors in health care. “ It is their money and their bodies. The variable quality in health care has been known for quite some time and relatively little has been done to narrow the gap. Compare hospital care risks with Minnesota auto fatalities; bridge collapses; contaminated pizzas or work related accidents (e.g. OSHA monitored) and you will find the hospital environment is a greater risk than all of the above combined,” says Hansen.

The Same Old, Same Old “Marketplace Solutions” Don't Work.

Minnesota and regional leaders have been calling for “the marketplace” and “competition” to improve health care costs and quality for over 25 years with the problems only worsening. Employers, their business associations and health care coalitions have been meeting for years and years with poor results in making the market work. Yet, there are renewed calls for “beginning to use market forces” while shunning government involvement .

The voice of Consumers needs to be informed and recognized by those who are paid by health care dollars. We must move from a supplier and seller-driven market to one that serves the patient and public interests, first and foremost.