'Sicko' Hits America's Health Care System In GutPOSTED: 4:09 pm EDT June 29,
2007 The following is a transcript of a report by medical editor Marilyn Brooks that first aired June 29, 2007, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m. Director Michael Moore's "Sicko" was released in theaters on Friday, and it promises to be one of his most-viewed films yet.The documentary probes the ailments of America's health care system.Moore's documentary gives viewers a critical but powerful look at America's ailing health care industry, including Americans who said they're denied life-saving medical treatments.Health officials in Pittsburgh won't comment on "Sicko" until they see the film, but they agree health care in America isn't what it used to be. Long-festering health care wounds have now been opened to drain by the film.The slow spiral downward of America's health care system began in 1983 with diagnosis related groups that determine Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. Constant cuts have nearly crippled the nation's hospitals and left patients hurting.According to the Western Pennsylvania Hospital Council, "the current federal budget proposal is planning major cuts to the Medicare program. If they go through it would mean western Pennsylvania hospitals could lose more than $647 million within five years."Medicaid is in on it, too. Harrisburg is now debating the state budget, which could mean hospitals would lose $38 million.Loretta King's life was on the line in 2001. She was obese and in bad health. Doctors recommended banded gastroplasty, but her Medicaid-based insurance, Gateway Health Plan, said no.Loretta's surgeon complained Gateway denies 80 percent of his Medicaid patients, so he asked for guidelines."They wouldn't give up those," said Dr. Lance Weaver in a 2001 interview. "It really smacks of discriminating against people who don't have insurance, who are on welfare."Moore's documentary said things are not better now but much worse.The hospital council hasn't seen "Sicko," but said it "supports Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to cover all Pennsylvanians, including 153,000 uninsured adults. The only question: how can it be financed?"A Kaiser Family Foundation poll released in March shows the public considers health care the second-most important issue for presidential wannabes to discuss. Related Links: More County NewsGet RSS | E-Mail Alerts Copyright 2007 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. |
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