THE FOLLOWING IS ONE IN A SERIES OF PERIODIC BRIEFINGS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AND OTHER SUPPORTS OF ITS HEALTH-REFORM PLAN. IT PROVIDES AN INSIDE GLIMPSE OF THE ADMINSTRATION'S STRATEGY. /* Written 10:38 pm Oct 1, 1993 by healthplan@igc.apc.org in igc:list.healthpla */ /* ---------- "Health Care Reform Today 10/1/93" ---------- */ The White House Health Care Reform Today October 1, 1993 * The First Lady had another impressive day yesterday...in front of the Senate Finance Committee, capping three days of testimony. Ellen Goodman, writing for her column said it best: "If this had been a three-day, 12-hour oral exam for a Ph. D. on health care, she would have gone directly to tenure. And when all is said and done, it must be great to finally get graded on substance." * There have been some questions about the Health Security Card. Here's how to talk about the Card: In today's system, only the thinnest legal protection guards personal medical information from disclosure or inappropriate use. No uniform, comprehensive privacy standards for health care information exist. The plan will create a new level of privacy protection for all Americans---with strong legal barriers. The only information on the card will be your name and a medical identification number. * We were disappointed with the more combative tone this week coming from the American Medical Association. Over the past eight months, we have consulted with the AMA as we have consulted with many groups. We have listened to their concerns and acted on many of their suggestions. We have never said their ideas were "unacceptable" or that we "unequivocally" opposed their suggestions. And we won't. We will stick firm to our principles, and keep working constructively with groups that work constructively with us. But, the AMA should remember that we're putting forth a plan that will work for all Americans, not just doctors. * It is also important to remember that the AMA does not speak for all doctors. Supporting the President's health security plan are the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Society of Internal Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. None of these groups agree with us on every detail, but all have been very supportive overall and constructive in those areas where they disagree. * Two polls of note. First, the LA Times poll shows 78% support for health security for every American. And, 54% expressed overall support for the President's plan. From Michigan last night, 57% of those polled by the Michigan Hospital Association say Congress should pass the President's Health Security Act. Association President Spencer Johnson said: "In terms of public receptivity for health care reform, they want it; they want it now. They want health security."