Editorial: Health care post would benefit all

Thursday, May 27, 1999 | 11:40 a.m.

It is no surprise that the idea for a health care ombudsman first came from Buckley. She has had a sparkling legislative record in the area of patients' rights. Credit also must go to the nonprofit Nevada Health Care Reform Project for its support of the ombudsman proposal.

Anyone who has ever complained about health care knows the frustration of dealing with insurance and medical industry red tape. Many people remain befuddled by health maintenance organizations and other managed-care programs.

When you are ill, the last thing you need is a bureaucratic run-around that will increase your anxiety and possibly worsen your condition. But there have been cases where HMO clerks have overridden a doctor's medical decision by denying coverage.

The insurance industry argued against the idea of an ombudsman by noting that the state Division of Insurance already has the authority to assist consumers.

But by supporting creation of the ombudsman position, Guinn and the lawmakers have made a valid statement that the pursuit of health care complaints deserves more government attention. Guinn's proposal is contained in an amendment to Senate Bill 37, a bill that allows for the Nevada workers' compensation system to be privatized. If the bill passes the Legislature this week as expected, the Cabinet post will take effect Oct. 1.

The governor wants to arm the ombudsman with eight assistants to help investigate consumer complaints. The ombudsman will also be able to have the state insurance commissioner investigate insurance providers and ask the attorney general's office to prosecute companies and individuals that abuse the health care system.

"This is a great step forward in our ongoing effort to improve the quality of health care in Nevada," Buckley said.