opinion

Liability reform essential to achieve savings that other reforms promise

Posted April 19, 2010

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Instead of supporting the health care bill, I wish the AMA had the wisdom and courage to come out with a statement that it could not support a bill that did not contain comprehensive medical liability reform. Without such reform, it would be impossible to slow the increasing cost of health care -- wasn't that the purpose of health care reform in the first place?

To expand coverage before reducing costs and increasing the number of physicians is a recipe for disaster. It will require rationing by government bureaucrats and massive tax increases that will forever cripple our economy. We will no longer be able to be a beacon of hope to those who yearn for freedom and prosperity.

The fact that only Democrats voted for a bill which the majority of Americans opposed may be a clue to its real purpose: To establish another large government bureaucracy and ensure more Democratic votes by Americans who depend on big government for their health care, Social Security, etc.

William Zato, DO, Beverly Shores, Ind.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/04/19/edlt0419.htm.

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