Last week, the Boston Globe reported that Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa is leading an effort to win insurance coverage for naturopathic doctors, herbal healers, mind-body specialists, and acupuncturists as part of health care reform. Backers of this amendment claim it could save tens of billions of dollars in the long run by providing less expensive and better alternatives to drugs and surgery in a variety of cases.
It is interesting to note that the amendment has bipartisan support as it is backed by Senator Mike Enzi, the ranking Republican on the Senate committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. This committee agreed to pass the measure onto the Senate Finance Committee, which is working on companion legislation that may include crucial language regarding potential reimbursement.
Supporters of this amendment greet this action as a real breakthrough, regardless of the final outcome. It certainly confirms the model of care offered at the Marino Center.
In a general sense, the bigger picture here is that more attention is being paid to the front end of the health care system, i.e., prevention, wellness, and management of chronic conditions. This would be real health care reform if things move in this direction. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
In my early twenties I'd look admiringly at the row of prescription bottles in a woman's kitchen. She was late forty-ish, early fifties. Someday I too will have all this, thought I. In my late thirties I stumbled onto interesting reading in a small paperback. NW Walker's raw juice... Pure serendiptiy. For years since I've wondered how to wake up the congress, the Powers Who Make Law. Women (primarily) who choose the BigPharma way out and are oblivious to the lifestyle contributors to their health problems are also a Powerful segment. Full of adoration and idol worship of Western Practioners, as I was before I found out. Thanks to this Senator. Long Overdue, for sure.
ReplyDelete