Posted by Bills structured to improve healthcare for Americans are currently being drafted in Congress. The President will address the American people on ABC tonight to discuss why an expansion of Medicaid is needed. Many believe that these efforts will bring the U.S. one step closer to socialized medicine, others contend that the government should provide healthcare. So far no discussion has been set forth explaining how it will be paid, nor what kind of impact it would have on the already struggling private sector.
With many industrialized nations providing universal healthcare to its citizens, many in the U.S. find the concept appealing. On the other side of the coin, many understand that a free market solves economic problems better than a bloated government. The more the government gets involved in the private sector, the more adverse effect. For example, when the government forced banks to make risky home loans to low income people, the housing market collapsed.
Let’s face it, medical care is expensive. Paying for services via a private insurance company gives choices to the subscriber. The socialized healthcare approach collects its fees via high taxes, and the arbitrator of care becomes the government. Of course giving government the power to dictate the healthcare system is a risky and expensive venture that, if enacted, may very well bankrupt the country.
There are examples of abuse on both sides of the issue. For instance, in Canada, where the government provides universal healthcare, there are stories of Canadians who wait for months sometimes years for simple operations because the system is not functioning properly, and the government is tied down to spending close to half its GDP on healthcare costs. Similarly, there are claims of inadequate services on the part of private insurance companies, or stories of Americans with serious illnesses left penniless after shelling over thousands of dollars in private health costs. Indeed, something has to be done.
There are solutions that fair minded people can develop. End no-cap monetary awards issued in malpractice lawsuits. This will reduce medical malpractice insurance cost. Open up choices to the consumer by permitting interstate companies to compete for services. Provide incentives to small businesses that offer health insurance coverage, to name a few.
Do not let the media obsession with the President fog your view. Health care is a serious matter that if not handled correctly, will come crumbling down in our faces.
I was at a demo against ABC’s giving Obama more free time to try to propagandize for his socialist ploy. Government health care will destroy private insurance companies and we know how well anything run by the government works! I am sure that Pres. Obama is angry that Iran is distracting from his socialialist anti-freedom agenda.
By Alice L. on Jun 25, 2009
I truly hope the American people learn how expensive taking on universal healthcare would be, and how government control and oversight will limit options.
Good article in the Daily News yesterday:
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/06/24/2009-06-24_how_health_care_reforms_will_mess_with_your_coverage.html
By Raquel on Jun 25, 2009
I’ve been following the debates very carefully and still not sure what the right solution is. One thing about this debate though I understand what the far left democrat senators solution are eg universal government healthcare (which I don’t agree with), I understand what moderate democrates solutions are e.g co-ops (still some holes to be filled), I understand the presidents solution (i.e a health exchange with the govt as one of the provider,I could go with that but I haven’t been able to get over the hump of the govt pushing out private providers) but what I don’t hear clearly from republicans in congress is what their solutions are. All I hear or read from them are critisims of the solutions at least that are being provided. what is the republican solution and why isn’t someone clearly presenting those? At least I appreciate some of the solutions you propose in your blog. Btw ANY reform is going to be expensive
By Reggie on Jun 25, 2009
Republicans in Congress really have to get it together. Now is an opportunity for them to show the differences between the two parties. Greater government control means more cost, more bureaucracy, and more red-tape, with a dash of corruption (excess power always leads to some).
The economy runs like a roller coaster, and that’s not always easy, but the government runs like a sinking ship. I’d rather be on a roller coaster!
I suppose the more conservative think tanks are drumming up ideas for health reform, I have heard solutions from Lt. Col. Allen West, candidate for Congress (Fla., 22nd district), and Rush and Hannity talk about solutions. I think it’s mostly the Republican elected officials who are missing the boat.
Of course the press who as you know are mostly liberal, are pushing socialized health care because they want a strong handed government. And I hate to always resort to this handicap, but the press is not going to portray economy driven solutions as favorable as government driven solutions.
By Raquel on Jun 26, 2009
Just one other point Reggie, one that you touched upon, private insurance companies will not be able to compete with government-sponsored health insurance. Private insurance companies will surely lose many of its clients. Businesses will be more hesitant to purchase insurance for its employees when a “free” program is offered. Private companies will ultimately have no choice but to raise costs. In effect, broadening a socialized medical care system, and limiting private insurance to the rich. Talk about class inequality!
By Raquel on Jun 26, 2009
O. and his pals are now demonizing private insurance companies! Henry Waxman is a loon. He came up with this plan – let him go on it with his family!
By Alice L. on Aug 20, 2009
There is one simple thing Congress can do to increase competition and lower costs, allow private insurance companies to compete out of state.
If Congressional Democrats want to be in the insurance business, then they should quit their jobs and dive in. Leave the rest of us alone!
By Raquel on Aug 21, 2009