Tips for reducing Medicaid costs

Here are some common sense solutions to reduce the cost of Medicaid: Make emergency rooms for emergencies only, but open to everyone. All others referred to outpatient clinics, such as already-existing Walgreens. They already handle, very nicely, as my personal experience will attest, many medical problems i.e. shots, infections, colds, strep throats, pinkeye, blood pressure. They also prescribe and fill prescriptions using nurse practitioners. Walgreens clinics can also refer (as in triage) if necessary, to the next level — urgent care clinics. There is no discrimination in this process as it would be like a “preferred provider insurance.” (You go where you are insured.) Cost savings at an outpatient clinic versus emergency room is quite significant.

Also, tax all malpractice settlements at 5 percent. Lawyers and recipients pay the tax. Include cigarette tax also.

Guarantee malpractice insurance to clinics. This prevents unnecessary, defensive medical testing. This promotes treatment at the clinic level instead of referrals due to fear of treatment responsibility.

Finally, pay on time. This encourages more doctors to take patients willingly and promptly. This I know from 38 years as a practicing dentist.

It is my opinion, based on my experience and common sense, that this could work and nobody is hurt by the process. Again, the savings could be significant.

Arthur Siml

Wheaton