Who cares?
 

by Tony Blaz - 
KUAM's Political Insider
November 26, 2004

Who cares? This is the question island residents often ask when referring to issues of vital importance. One issue of serious concern for all of us is health care.

Getting sick on Guam has some terribly expensive consequences. All of us have to contend with the rising cost of insurance premiums, decreasing benefits, higher deductibles, higher co-payments, fewer choices, higher hospital costs, etc., etc. Every year for the past several years, Guam consumers are subjected to increases in every aspect of our lives. These problems are becoming horribly obvious to the average GovGuam worker and retiree. We have been told that health care is a right not a privilege and I wholeheartedly agree but lately we've been wondering why is something so right can be so wrong.

Because the cost of health care has become unaffordable to thousands, we have to be concerned about the long-term consequences if those who can't afford to pay for health insurance and associate costs choose to stay away from the doctor or not engage in any health preventive measures. The consequences for many taxpayers (beside heartbreak and sorrow) will ultimately mean higher hospital debt and costs, increases in M-I-P, catastrophic illness programs, public health costs and the list goes on and on.

Our leaders need to address these serious problems immediately. Guam consumers need more choices; we need to open our doors to increase competition so that we all can benefit from the free market. We provide numerous incentives, like QCs for the tourism industry; let's do the same for health care. I also recommend that the responsibility for all health care insurance issues including the negotiating of premium rates and benefits full under the Office of the Insurance Commission. The insurance consumer can then procure the services of real experts and an actuary who will fight for the affordable health insurance premiums and real benefits for our people. Island leaders must also vigorously pursue GovGuam inclusion in federal programs like Medicare to reduce the "high risk" concerns of insurance companies. The creation of a Health Trust responsible for all healthcare investment and expenditures for GovGuam and providing self insurance for GovGuam is another solution.

Many of you, I know, have been concerned and want solutions to all of these problems and we are all wondering--who cares? Well GFT cares. It has recently provided an affordable alternative for its membership. This solution may have some negative consequences if GovGuam employees contributing end up being part of the GFT package. The AG also cares having filed lawsuits on behalf of employees and retirees on this issue.

But what about solutions from those of our leaders who have direct influence over our health costs. Where do they stand?

Again we ask the questions: Who cares? This rhetorical question can take on a completely different context especially accompanied by a shrug and a smirk and can signify non-concern and indifference or to put it simply "I don't care."

Is it possible that the silence and inaction of our island's leaders to all of our health care problems and concerns is indicative of the real message they want to convey to us? Rising health care costs, unaffordable health insurance.

Who cares?    

Tony Blaz hosts "Positively Local", a radio talkshow on Isla61-AM everyday from 6-10am