In my opinion, the solution lies in HMOs honoring their contractual and legal obligations.
HMOs purportedly adjust their rates upward to the point where they can provide for the medical expenses of their customers and generate a fair profit for their owners. Their rates are supposedly kept in balance by their competition - other HMOs and other managed care enterprises.
The problems presented in the article and elsewhere are caused when HMOs cheat by dumping patients and otherwise take their customers' money without providing services. The means of solving to these problems is to stop the fraud and deception.
What would be a responsible way oif dealing with a homeless person who is ill, but not ill enough to be in the hospital?
The HMO has every right to stop paying once the patient no longer needs hospitalization.