Clinton Mishandling Reform of Health Care, Experts Say

Health experts told an Orange County medical gathering Wednesday that President Clinton is politically mishandling his national health care reform plan.

But they disagreed on whether the anticipated plan will be adopted by Congress after it is unveiled.

“I’m not optimistic that what gets announced in September will be passed,” said Peter Boland, a consultant and editor of a journal for the managed health care industry.

Speaking to doctors and hospital administrators at the Hyatt Regency Irvine, Boland called Clinton’s preparation of a health care proposal “the amateur hour” because of his alienation of organized medicine and other important interest groups.

Boland said he expects the proposal will be changed beyond recognition by Congress.

Boland predicted that ultimately, Congress may adopt a watered-down version that will relegate responsibility for health planning to the states. “I think what we will end up with is a series of state initiatives,” he said.

Other panelists attending the seminar held by the Orange County Foundation for Medical Care said health reform is handicapped by public misunderstanding of the issues and distrust of Clinton.

“There is a breakdown of trust now with the Administration that is very clear,” said Ellen Severoni, president of California Healthcare Decisions.

Severoni said research has shown that while medical industry experts realize that the health care cost problem is complex, including factors such as duplication of technology and services, the public blames soaring costs simply on greed.