Opinion
Provide physicians with a tax credit for treating the uninsured
LETTER — Posted Sept. 7, 2009
I have an idea that I believe would be quite acceptable to all physicians with regard to providing care to the uninsured. First, the federal government establishes some method of identifying those who are eligible. Then physicians are asked, "How many patients would you see for free per month?" That establishes a "bank" to which these patients can be directed. In lieu of payment, the government gives me a tax credit for my services. I'd even do it for a 50% tax credit. I have discussed this with several primary care physicians and specialists and haven't found a single doctor who wouldn't do this. This would cost nothing essentially and only a pittance of lost tax revenue, and would give me a real incentive.
Frederic F. Porcase Jr., DO, Jacksonville, Fla.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/09/07/edlt0907.htm.
