A Germ of a Reform Plan
The Lack of Competition
It is my opinion that there is no efficient reason for a complicated and expensive government run healthcare system in the US. There is mounting evidence that these systems are virtually unmanageable and that such systems simply do not deliver quality care.
Conversely, many politicians and a fairly large segment of the public still hold dear to the idea that health care should be universal and run by the government. Estimates on the cost vary but many critics and proponents of a big government healthcare system agree on a figure of at least ONE TRILLION DOLLARS or 100 Billion a year over the next ten years according to a recent CNN broadcast special on the subject. The second sting of this is that the plan will not even take effect for a minimum of three years and will not be in full coverage mode for six years. Sadly, those are probably optimistic predictions. Given the track record of big government, odds are it will take longer and cost more.
Many well informed people think that the concept is simply not practical or possible. There will always be poor people and we need to focus our attention on helping them but not by changing the present systems through government interference. The rules of unintended consequences will surely kick in. The results will likely be a lower standard of health care for all including the poor. However, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party deems this the most essential aspect of reform. Is there a possible compromise that would be effective and quick? I think the answer is yes. Competition and regulation are great things. We need to utilize both concepts to make our healthcare system thrive.
Here is my alternative proposal.
There are two things that should and could be done immediately. We need to let insurance companies operate on a national basis with no restrictions on competition. No set prices by individual state insurance commissions. In California there have been several scandals in the past ten years because of corrupt regulatory policies. Car insurers operate nationally; why not health insurance providers. This could be accomplished quickly if the voice of the people was heard.
I am a child of the 60's and we were great at slogans if nothing else; one of them which I always liked was, "You are part of the problem if you are not part of the solution." Simplistic to be sure but there is a germ of truth in it. Be part of the solution. Contact by phone, E-mail, regular mail (they really need the business) the insurance commission in your state, AARP and your elected representatives at all levels of government and urge them to work on opening up the insurance industry to real competition.
The second immediate action item will be posted by Monday.
Together we can make a difference. Let this time be different; lets be part of the solution. If you agree with me, please let me know. If you disagree, please let me know.
I can be reached at: jmcdonough44@gmail.com
It is my opinion that there is no efficient reason for a complicated and expensive government run healthcare system in the US. There is mounting evidence that these systems are virtually unmanageable and that such systems simply do not deliver quality care.
Conversely, many politicians and a fairly large segment of the public still hold dear to the idea that health care should be universal and run by the government. Estimates on the cost vary but many critics and proponents of a big government healthcare system agree on a figure of at least ONE TRILLION DOLLARS or 100 Billion a year over the next ten years according to a recent CNN broadcast special on the subject. The second sting of this is that the plan will not even take effect for a minimum of three years and will not be in full coverage mode for six years. Sadly, those are probably optimistic predictions. Given the track record of big government, odds are it will take longer and cost more.
Many well informed people think that the concept is simply not practical or possible. There will always be poor people and we need to focus our attention on helping them but not by changing the present systems through government interference. The rules of unintended consequences will surely kick in. The results will likely be a lower standard of health care for all including the poor. However, the progressive wing of the Democratic Party deems this the most essential aspect of reform. Is there a possible compromise that would be effective and quick? I think the answer is yes. Competition and regulation are great things. We need to utilize both concepts to make our healthcare system thrive.
Here is my alternative proposal.
There are two things that should and could be done immediately. We need to let insurance companies operate on a national basis with no restrictions on competition. No set prices by individual state insurance commissions. In California there have been several scandals in the past ten years because of corrupt regulatory policies. Car insurers operate nationally; why not health insurance providers. This could be accomplished quickly if the voice of the people was heard.
I am a child of the 60's and we were great at slogans if nothing else; one of them which I always liked was, "You are part of the problem if you are not part of the solution." Simplistic to be sure but there is a germ of truth in it. Be part of the solution. Contact by phone, E-mail, regular mail (they really need the business) the insurance commission in your state, AARP and your elected representatives at all levels of government and urge them to work on opening up the insurance industry to real competition.
The second immediate action item will be posted by Monday.
Together we can make a difference. Let this time be different; lets be part of the solution. If you agree with me, please let me know. If you disagree, please let me know.
I can be reached at: jmcdonough44@gmail.com
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