Closure of clinic is symptom of health care system

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, May 11, 2016

The unfortunate closing of the health center should not be blamed on Franciscan, its practitioners or staff. The culprit is our health care system. Primary care has razor thin profits, or none at all. Those who accept Medicare or Medicaid subsidize the practice, or go out of business. Franciscan has very deep pockets and even they were unable to financially sustain a full practice, because reimbursements don’t cover the cost of providing care. And, Vashon is not unique, in rural areas, 10 percent of the nation’s doctors see 25 percent of the population. Sadly, there is no mandate that requires access to health care at all.

Until private insurance, Medicare and Medcaid reimbursements change, lack of access to care will be a problem. Before Vashon thinks about a tax district for health care, consider this: the money required to provide our health care needs will quickly outstrip many people’s ability to pay increasing taxes and drive those that need care the most off the island. Vashon needs a state or non-profit entity like the UW, or Sea Mar, and I sure hope someone convinces them to come here soon. Our health depends on it.

— Kelly Wright