Do you believe in magic?

Don't bother to choose
If it's jug band music, or rhythm and blues . . .

Kirk Johnson and Reed Abelson in today's NYT tell the remarkable story of the Medicaid reform plan undertaken by former Utah Governor Michael O. Leavitt, now Secretary of Health and Human Services. It seems Mr. Leavitt is pointing to his own state's innovation as a model for the country.

Here's how it works: You extend health insurance to more people. You can do that without spending any more money. How is the miracle accomplished? Medicaid no longer pays for treatment if you actually, well, get sick. Instead, the system "relies on the generosity of doctors and hospitals to provide specialty services free of charge. In doing so, the state has in many ways reframed and reshaped the national debate over Medicaid . . ."

I'll say. To continue: "Everyone here, from state officials to patients, agrees that one big problem with the system is is finding a free-of-charge specialist. They do not exactly advertise in the Yellow Pages."

I'll bet you think I'm making this up. Check it out: Model in Utah May Be Future for Medicaid (registration required)

Now I kind of wish I'd stayed down in that hole . . .