AMA to Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: AMA seeks change in health insurance

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

Regarding the story "Docs warming to national health care" (April 4): The recent survey that shows growing physician support for national health insurance draws attention to the clear need for health care reform, but it does not define national health insurance or incremental reform, both of which can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

The American Medical Association has a national health reform proposal to cover the 47 million uninsured patients in the U.S. The AMA plan expands coverage through tax credits that would provide the most money to those who need it most: lower-income Americans. Our proposal gives individuals choices so they can select the best plan for themselves and their families, and it promotes fair rules that include protections for high-risk patients and greater individual responsibility.

Physicians struggle daily with the shortcomings of our health care system, and we agree that much more can be done to make it better and stronger. The AMA is eager to support federal legislation that builds on the strengths of our current system — world-class medical innovations and research and doctors dedicated to the health of their patients.

Sincerely,

Edward L. Langston, MD
AMA Board Chair