Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Statement by Consumers Union
Jim Guest, the President and CEO of Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports magazine, made the following statement in support of Dr. Donald M. Berwick’s appointment to head Medicare and Medicaid:
“We are relieved that President Obama moved ahead on this appointment. Don is a healthcare leader of extraordinary skill, knowledge, and compassion. He’s the right person for the job at this critical moment. He will make a fundamental difference in improving the way the system works for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and everyone.
“He is a rare individual who has the unique breadth and depth of experience and understanding to help bring about the improvements in the health system consumers want to see. Don gets that people are frustrated with the fragmentation and high cost of care. And he understands the urgent need to provide doctors and patients with good information about their treatment options so they can make informed decisions.
“Our system today rations care in the worst way – based on people’s ability to pay and when insurers deny or limit access to care. Don understands that our healthcare problems won’t be solved by rationing care but by eliminating wasteful, unproductive spending in a bloated system that too often fails to base treatment decisions on scientific evidence and the best interest for patients.”
Media contact:
David Butler, 202-719-5916
Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit testing and information organization serving the consumer. We are a comprehensive source of unbiased advice about products and services, personal finance, health, nutrition, and other consumer concerns. Since 1936, our mission has been to test products, inform the public, and protect consumers.