I wouldn’t call myself an economics expert, but I do know that mega-corporation consolidations can be bad for the public interest. They raise costs and eliminate valuable options that some families rely on, and rarely does the community get a say in how that happens.
When it comes to health care consolidations, we’ve got to do better. The Keep Our Care Act (SB 5241), which would create oversight and community input opportunities for future health entity consolidations, is vital to the health of Clark County. Locally, we’ve seen the PeaceHealth merger in 2010 eliminate patient referrals for end-of-life care, prolonging suffering — the opposite of their mission.
The Keep Our Care Act ensures costs don’t rise because of mergers and creates a guarantee for the public to voice concerns. A big thanks to Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver, for co-sponsoring the House bill and a big nudge to Sen. Annette Cleveland, D-Vancouver, to quickly pass the Senate bill when it reaches the floor this legislative session.
To large health systems, the family doctor down the street is just another competitor. Consolidations are ripe for longer wait times and worse health outcomes, all while charging 20 percent more on average. How’s that for inflation? I wonder if they’ll accept your insurance.
