Don Berwick  is a former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Obama Administration. The Journal of the American Medical Association recently published an editorial by Berwick in which he outlines the long-term implications of greed in the American healthcare delivery system.  

Berwick's observations Include:

• “The glorification of profit, salve lucrum, is harming both care and health. Health care should not be an engine for excessive private gain.”



• “The grip of financial self-interest in US health care is becoming a stranglehold, with dangerous and pervasive consequences. No sector of US health care is immune from the immoderate pursuit of profit, neither drug companies, nor insurers, nor hospitals, nor investors, nor physician practices.”

• “Rapidly increasing pharmaceutical costs are now familiar to the public."

• "Profiteering among insurance companies participating in the Medicare Advantage, and “Hospital pricing games are also widespread.”

The 88^th Texas Legislature is now in session. Two House Bills, 711 and 1692, have been introduced that if passed will directly impact the future of employer sponsored healthcare in a positive way.  Both bills will create a more transparent and competitive marketplace.

House Bill 711 will prohibit anticompetitive language in contracts between health plans and hospitals. These include gag clauses, and anti-steering and anti-tiering clauses.  House Bill 1692 will prohibit charging facility fees at non-hospital locations.

Texas Employers for Affordable Health, a 501(c)(4) non-profit, was created to support efforts in in support Texas employees and their families that receive healthcare benefits from their employers. For this legislation to pass , it will be critical for employees, their dependents, and employers to voice their support. Find out what you can do to Take Action.