News in brief - Dec. 22, 2008

Obama seeks input on health reform

President-elect Barack Obama's Transition Health Policy Team, led by former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, wants feedback on health system reform from all Americans. Daschle and Obama asked people to hold community discussions on health reform between Dec. 15 and Dec. 31. The transition team offered "special moderator kits" designed to guide organizers on how to conduct the forums and provide feedback to the transition team.

"In order for us to reform our health care system, we must first begin reforming how government communicates with the American people," Obama said. "These health care community discussions are a great way for the American people to have a direct say in our health care reform efforts, and I encourage Americans to take part if they are able."

Daschle pledged to visit one of the forums and report back to the president-elect. He announced the effort at the Colorado Public Health Summit, hosted by Sen. Ken Salazar (D, Colo.) in Denver on Dec. 5. Daschle is Obama's presumptive nominee to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services.

To register for discussion materials or to submit comments, visit the transition team's Web site change.gov/page/s/healthcare/.

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Illinois medical clinic antitrust suit settles

An Illinois medical clinic settled an antitrust case brought by the state attorney general over allegations the group refused new Medicaid patients in an effort to force higher payment rates.

The Dec. 4 agreement resolves claims that Carle Clinic Assn. conspired with another medical practice to boycott new Medicaid patients, forcing them to seek more expensive care in emergency departments at the state's expense. The two groups employ more than 90% of physicians in the Champaign County area.

Carle Clinic, which had implemented a freeze on new patients in 2003, agreed to provide primary care to an additional 2,850 Medicaid patients over the next three years. The group also is prohibited from turning away patients due to medical debt under the settlement, which awaits court approval. In addition, Carle will contribute $240,000 to local programs providing primary and preventive care to low-income and uninsured children and adults.

The state is still pursuing its claims against the other group, Christie Clinic. Both medical practices denied any wrongdoing.

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