Viewpoint
The Times Demand We All Weigh In
This winter has been colder and snowier than average in Minnesota. A good thing about this weather is that it reminds us that only by relying on each other and pulling together—as neighbors and as larger communities—are we able to thrive in this climate. That’s a lesson we as doctors can apply as we anticipate upcoming budget battles.
We face a foreboding forecast with regard to the state and federal budgets, especially in the area of health and human services. We must confront the reality of billion-dollar state and trillion-dollar federal budget deficits. The economy is slowly recovering, but we’re not likely to see huge increases in tax revenues this year. What to do? It would be nice to have the wisdom of Solomon at such a time.
Although we may not feel we have that kind of wisdom, we doctors do have unique knowledge and a valuable perspective. We need to make sure that our voices are heard and that we share our insights in order to help our legislators make wise decisions.
In January, a number of MMA members participated in the MMA Day at the Capitol in St. Paul. It was heartening to see so many physicians, residents, and medical students making time to go to St. Paul to weigh in on these and other issues that affect patients and health professionals in this difficult time.
We met many newly elected freshman legislators, who need our advice in order to make decisions about health care funding priorities. We told them the MMA is concerned about the potential weakening of social and health care safety net programs. We are concerned about the regressive “provider tax” that has funded health care and been used in the past to balance the budget. We are concerned also that we may not be able to afford to care for Medical Assistance patients because of the low payments we receive.
In February, several MMA leaders attended the AMA National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. We met with members of our congressional delegation. We advocated for eliminating the SGR formula that causes the yearly anxiety about Medicare payments and access to care for our senior citizens. Tort reform was also on the agenda. It is clear that Congress will not tackle Medicare reform in this session. But we will be watching carefully as the Affordable Care Act is challenged in the courts and the political arena.
I have been impressed with the large number of students and residents who are engaged in the political process at both the state and national levels this year. These future colleagues have wisdom and leadership skills that bode well for the future of our profession. I encourage us all to get engaged in the discussions that will affect our state and nation. And I further encourage us veteran physicians to mentor a student, resident, or new physician as we advocate for our patients.
Together we can support innovative policies that will help us deliver high-quality health care fairly and cost-efficiently to all of our neighbors. Don’t allow yourself to be marginalized as important decisions are being made. The MMA is counting on all of you. Let us hear your voices.