2008 OK Senate Debate: on Health Care

Andrew Rice: Pay doctors to proactively treat patients; end pay-per-test

A: I am concerned about the long range fiscal health of Medicare and I will fight for reform that ensures that seniors continue to have access to quality health care. Some change which I support include:

1. Requiring government negotiation of lower drug prices.
2. Paying doctors stipends to proactively treat patients, based on their age and medical conditions, instead of making payments for each test and treatment -- a change that could significantly improve care while reducing spending on unnecessary tests and equipment.
3. Improving management controls to reduce the $60 billion lost each year to Medicare fraud by physicians, therapists and other suppliers of medical services.