Reports Support a Cautious Wise Amid Medical Malpractice Debate
Associated Press
October 18, 2002

A groundbreaking study of medical malpractice insurance rates appears to support the stance of Gov. Bob Wise, who has been both praised and scolded as he navigates the state's fragile health care system through tough times.

Wise recently brokered the talks that helped Charleston Area Medical Center regain top-tier status for its trauma unit. Legislation he proposed and signed last year is expected to provide insurance for 1,000 West Virginia doctors by 2003. The state-run insurance program devised by Wise also now covers 23 hospitals and other health care facilities.

Wise's critics want more. The governor has so far deflected demands for a special legislative session to enact further measure to limit medical malpractice lawsuits and jury damage awards.

The pressure on Wise is considerable. The state and national medical associations say the issue tops their political agenda. The Bush administration and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have joined their chorus. Even potential challengers to Wise, if he runs for re-election as expected in 2004, have jumped on the issue.

Wise's caution may prove to be, well, wise. A coalition of consumer groups has analyzed malpractice insurance rates and policy payouts going back to 1975. Their conclusion: "insurance companies raise rates when they are seeking ways to make up for declining interest rates and market-based investment losses."

"There (have) been no real increase in lawsuits, jury awards or any tort system costs at any time during the last three decades," the Americans for Insurance Reform coalition says in its study.

For a copy of the complete article, contact AIR.