Does the legislation fulfill the AMA’s essential elements for health system reform?
Five of the seven American Medical Association (AMA) essential elements for health system reform are substantially achieved in the legislation. Health insurance coverage is significantly expanded; pre-existing condition limitations are removed and other health insurance market reforms are implemented; the patient-physician relationship is protected; investments and incentives are provided for quality improvement, prevention and wellness initiatives; and insurance claims processing is streamlined and standardized to eliminate unnecessary costs and administrative burdens. The Administration and congressional leaders remain committed to permanent repeal of the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. In addition, the Administration already has initiated a medical liability reform alternative grant program.
