BCBSA Urges Action On Comparative Effectiveness

Statement from Scott P. Serota, president and CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

June 17, 2008

WASHINGTON - Yesterday's Senate Finance Committee Summit "Prepare for Launch:  Health Reform Summit 2008" sponsored by Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA), featured several healthcare industry leaders, researchers and stakeholders.  At the session titled, "Approaches to 'Bending the Growth Curve' of Health Care Spending," where Scott P. Serota, president and CEO of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) participated in a panel discussion, there was broad agreement on the need for comparative effectiveness data to address issues related to healthcare cost, quality, and access.  In response, Serota said the following:

"I commend Senators Baucus and Grassley for convening this important discussion.  I was especially heartened by the broad agreement on the need for comparative effectiveness data.  The Blues have championed this critical reform and, in fact, have called on Congress to create an independent, comparative effectiveness research institute that would serve as a best practices 'engine.'

"At a time when 30 cents of every healthcare dollar pays for care which is ineffective, inappropriate or redundant, there is no time to waste in advancing comparative effectiveness.  I urge Congress to act swiftly on legislation offered by Sens. Baucus and Conrad to create such a research institute, and I reiterate the Blues' pledge to work collaboratively with other stakeholders to make this vision a reality."