After SPIN! Video: Is eliminating CON Laws in the budget a good idea?
Published May 23, 2017
After SPIN! "Question to John and Chris – In the Senate budget they devoted several pages that essentially brought to an end North Carolina’s Certificate of Need laws. Currently some 25 procedures require approval by the state and the Senate declared they were to be phased out. But before that can happen the House must also approve. Why or why not do you think this repeal is a good idea and where do the House seem to be leaning on this proposal?"
May 23, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Norm Kelly says:
To say that CON is outdated, antiquated, is such an understatement.
Does MORE gov't involvement in health care provisioning make it more readily available to consumers, does it reduce costs to consumers, does it reduce costs to providers? In short, is gov't regulation like CON useful, productive, and good for consumers?
The obvious answer is NO, it's not good. Gov't involvement hasn't helped just about anywhere they've stuck their noses. The more bureaucrats come up with 'ideas', the more bureaucratic, bloated, less efficient, more expensive the regulated industry becomes. Doubt it? Then show an example of where gov't control/regulation/involvement has actually helped any industry thrive AND provide more choice/better pricing for consumers.
Chris has a point when he says health care isn't like any other industry. Partly because of gov't involvement. Partly because prices are so hidden from the public. MOST health care related services could be listed in the office or on a website with a price tag associated with it. If insurance companies could make their product just slightly more understandable, and could create a calculator on their website for consumers to use plugging in the service, the cost by the provider, the specifics of their coverage, and estimate the out-of-pocket cost to the consumer, then the power WOULD be in the hands of individuals. It's only emergency services that aren't predictable (by the nature of 'emergency'), and this becomes hard for the consumer to make choices about. But what other part of health care delivery CAN'T be itemized so consumers can make educated choices?
Regardless of how our state finally gets rid of CON, another level of gov't control/involvement that is counter-productive, it's time the task is completed. I agree with John, it shouldn't be part of a budget, it should be legislation. If libs are constantly whining (i know, they can't help it!) about every other state, all our neighbors, the majority of states, blah, blah, blah about every other issues, especially teacher pay, then why aren't they whining about CON? Cuz CON gives pols power, and demons NEVER give up power willingly. Why have Republicans not yet eliminated CON? There's a darn good question. But then we could also ask why Republicans haven't eliminated ABC stores!
