In a recent opinion piece in the Boston Business Journal titled, “Healthcare Cannot be One Size Fits All”, Josh Archambault and Dan Winslow discuss the impact of “Obamacare” and Governor Patrick’s Phase II healthcare reform on Boston Children’s Hospital. Citing Children’s as the top pediatric hospital according to the recently published US News and World Report, the article questioned payment reform’s impact on the “world-class medical facility”.

Archambault is the Director of Health Care Policy at The Pioneer Institute. Winslow represents the 9th Norfolk District in Massachusetts’ House of Representatives.

Citing facts, such as 90% of Children’s business is pediatrics and Children’s is the third largest provider of patients on public insurance in Massachusetts, as well as public insurance rates being only 60% of reimbursement levels for managed care plans, Archambault and Winslow caution policy makers when it comes to forcing providers into ACOs or other bundled payment models. Describing ACOs as buying “a car from the dealership”, rather than “different parts yourself”, the authors postulate whether ACOs “designed for the grandparents” will also become “good for their grandkids”. They argue that healthcare reform should “promote innovation and coordination” and not just be based on “force”.

Still, the federal rules have yet to be finalized, the federal challenges have yet to be heard by the Supreme Court, and the states continue to march ahead – including Gov. Patrick in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Kevin R. Burchill, Esq., FACHE
Director, Beacon Partners

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are mine personally and are not necessarily representative of Beacon Partners, its management, employees or its subsidiaries.