Berwick and Healthcare Reform

Obama's recess appointment of Donald Berwick to head CMS does not bode well for the supply-side of the U.S. health care system.

Berwick is not only incredibly cynical and bearish on the U.S. health system, he seems to believe that the source of remedy for what ails the system will come entirely through rationing demand.

What is it with all the people in the current administration who: a) have very little or no experience as productive members of the private sector, and; b) are so openly hostile towards the productive elements of our society?

Who is going to actually bother to produce anything in the future?

Glossary: 

Yes, for all of the supply-siders out there the Berwick appointment must be too much to take.

There are no lasting gains to be made in the system without improving productivity.

Any demand-side gains are zero-sum and will most likely favor one preferred political class over another.

In addition, the U.S. is the primary driver of innovation and productivity on a global basis. A terrible picture for innovation at such a critical time.