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Local provider examines health care arguments

Dr. Michael Cropp
Photo from Independent Health
Dr. Michael Cropp

The Affordable Care Act is on today's U.S. Supreme Court docket. 

Given the complexity of the case, the justices plan on hearing arguments on various issues over three days. 

One local health insurance executive says no matter what the High Court decides several issues still need to be addressed to improve the nation's healthcare system.  
    
Independent Health President and CEO Dr. Michael Cropp says there's no easy solution for what's ailing the healthcare system. 

But instead of mandating insurance for everyone, Cropp says lawmakers should consider a "late-enrollment penalty," like the one used in the Medicare Part D program.  

"People like to preserve their choice even if it may be a semantic point," Cropp said.
    
To control rising costs he suggests focusing on prevention and wellness and not paying providers based on volume.  

"By paying just for volume you don't differentiate between the value that's created by the service," Cropp said.    

"And make it (primary care) both a professionally and economically rewarding specialty for those physicians coming out of medical school to pursue."

Coordinating patient services by expanding the use of information technology would also help make the system better. 

But Cropp says Western New York is out front with its HEALTHeLINK program.  
    
Whether the healthcare law is upheld or overturned, Dr. Cropp says people need better access to care, better quality and more affordability.