Posted by
Patrick Henry on Monday, April 20, 2009 11:26:03 AM
Healthcare reform is the next congressional "hot potato." President Barack Obama
wants to Institute universal healthcare, much like that of Sweden, France, Norway
and the U.K. so that no American will be uninsured. While covering every citizen
is a noble goal, the costs associated with it create the mothre of all entitlement
programs and increase the national debt to unsustainable proportions. If it follows
the aforementioned European models it is also likely to lead to a greatly reduced
quality of care for all but the most wealthy and, unavoidably, a rationing of
care that will throw the elderly and the chronically ill under the bus. A way must
be found to place an umbrella of care over most Americans, while maintaining
the nation's undisputed leadership in quality of medical care. Let;s not throw
out the baby with the bathwater.
Instead of offering blanket universal coverage that must inevitably lead to a
healthcare tax, there are some other steps that can and should be taken. A basic
Medicare-like policy might be created for those living at or below the poverty
level, with the stipulation that they waive the "tax rebate" (refund of taxes they
never paid) which would go to help defray the cost of their premium. When their
earnings climb to a certain level above poverty, they would phase into contributing
to their own premium based on their earnings, Prioritizing healthcare is a choice
for most of us, and even a government supported policy should not relieve those
covered by it of some responsibility for prioritizng their health over luxuries and
other discretionary spending. Private insurers could be engaged to bid on the right
to provide such government subsidized policies, much like the Medicare Advantage
plans. This would ensure that private insurers willing to cooperate with the new
system could stay in business, although at a reduced level of profit.
If the government wishes to involve itself in subsidizing healthcare, then it can
look into assisting businesses, especially smaller businesses in providing health
plans for their employees. By bundling these businesses and using government
clout, substantially lower rates for coverage can be negotiated. although employee
choice of coverage may be curtailed to some extent.
Another thing government can do is begin subsidizing physicians by renegotiating
and then paying their malpractice insurance premiums. Combined with national
tort reform capping payments for malpractice awards, the cost of coverage could
be significantly reduced. Government could also become the universal purchasing
agent for medical supplies and equipment, thereby cutting physicians' costs in
adequately equipping their practices. Full fare government scholarships could be
offered to qualified med students, which would alleviate their need for repayment
income when they open a practice. Physicians could repay this government
assistance by lowering their fees for service proportionately to the savings they
realize or. alternative, chipping in proportionately to a government fund that
would help to pay the premiums for the poor.
The already scheduled computerization of medical records should, once in place,
also provide more efficiency and cost effectiveness. Drug companies and pharmacies
should also be given incentives to further engage in cost-reduction of prescriiption
drugs needed to treat the poor and the elderly. Similar provisions could encompass
extended care facilities, physical therapists and proven forms of alternative medical
providers. Everyone will make a little less, but the costs of doing business will also
decline, with a result that the tax burden necessary to provide basic coverage to the
uninsured can be lightened.
This seems like a common sense proposal that can minimize additional tax burdens,
provide basic medical care for almost everyone and yet not tear down our present
system of medical care fir a system that has already proven both ineffectual and
exclusionary in Europe. Every day people come to this country from other places
to receive the finest care money can buy. You don't see those same people flocking
to the European socialist democracies where people routinely die awaiting needed
care. Let's show some common sense and find a middle ground for our healthcare
system.