It's his quote. The CEO is male. And no where do I state that doctors make referrals to the emergency room. Dr. Olivia's statement said that referrals are down - meaning that the hospital is not full. West Penn is utilized at only 47% capacity because of a loss of referrals. The other problem is the drop in payments for medicare and medicaid, particularly the emergency room, due to the new health care law. Also, this a reaction to the rest of the rules in the health care law on the way. Braddock hospital closed for basically the same reasons. Whether you operate as a non-profit of for-profit there still must be sufficient cash flow to continue operations. Another concern for West Penn is the large pension obligations they are facing.

Explain just how a public option would lower costs?? Since when does a new entitlement do that?? Where does the money come from?? More taxes - that is just stupid. You want to see the economy go into the tank even further - add some taxes on people or just wait till 2011 when all of the evil Bush tax cuts expire and the new Health Care taxes go into effect. The insurance industry would not be against this public option - who do you think would administer the program??? Now you want a National sales tax or a VAT tax - if you are not paying enough taxes you may pay mine. Everyone would pay if Congress would institute tax reform - like a flat tax or fair tax. But that will never happen because then their ability to "sell" something to lobbyists would no longer exist.