Crystal Ball Survey: Healthcare Policy In 2019

The February reader survey asked you to consult your crystal ball and play the role of seer. In 2019, the U.S. Congress will have the opportunity to consider several pieces of healthcare legislation. The question to you was this: Will Congress act on the following?

Here’s what you said:

Conclusion: It appears you, the readers of this newsletter, have little faith in the ability of elected officials to fix our broken healthcare system. I happen to share your skepticism and agree that if Congress does act, it will be to guarantee coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and to lock in other protections currently guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act.

If we’re right and Congress takes a pass on healthcare policy, look for large U.S. employers to start filling the gaps. Serious change may begin with the healthcare venture formed by Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase.

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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s the bestselling author of “Mistreated: Why We Think We’re Getting Good Health Care–And Why We’re Usually Wrong” and a Stanford University professor. Follow him on Twitter @RobertPearlMD.