The health-care system in this nation is badly broken, and needs an overhaul. But it must be done right. This is the best chance for fundamental reform of the nation's health care system, but badly flawed bills now in Congress won't meet that goal.
Slow down and make sure the reform that is passed is better than the current system. The director of the Congressional Budget Office says the proposed changes won't "reduce the trajectory of federal health spending by a significant amount."
President Barack Obama wants the deal done now, but the only reason for the rush is because opposition is building. The president needs to understand that he will be hurt politically by a bad bill. But more importantly, the nation will be hurt at a time that wise health care reform is needed.
Health care reform has to include a strong public option. Wendell Potter, a former CEO for CIGNA has been the big whistleblower on the greedy insurance companies whom he asserts stockpile those who are sick and easily cut them off once they've filed claims. The mega $$$ insurance industry knows sick people do not yield big profit. In addition, we now have Republicans and some corporate Blue Dems crying "socialized medicine" when the public option is embraced, but would these same Congressional members give up their government driven plans? Maybe we ought to ask them.
One of my main objections to the bills is the fact that there are no real cost cutting features such as going after fraud, cutting back on lawsuits or establishing health clinics. (These could be run by doctors who receive financial assistance for med school).
Instead, their one attempt at cutting costs is to cut back on Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements to doctors. This will create fewer doctors willing to treat those patients, just as is happening in Massachusetts right now.
What's next- mandates for doctors to treat lowly reimbursed patients?
There will be a tipping point.
When enough people loose jobs?, find themselves needing medical care/treatment/prescriptions (who can't afford the horrendous rates of 'cobra') you're going to see ASTONISHING altruistic strides taken, with redefinitions of what's 'public healthcare.'
And it might just reach down past the hardpan of recently unemployed upper-mid classes and (gasp) benefit the poor (as it suddenly recognizes them by removing the stigma and simply sees them as 'broke.')
Though, I dunno, Reaganomic Trickle-Down has yet to throw even a shadow towards socialized anything, let alone: medicine.
(Sort of how buying somebody elses old 'togs go from 'that's not 'goodwill and hand-me-downs, that's consignment and 'gently worn.'
Ahuh, buttercup, whatever preserves that image.
-Point being, and Goal Accomplished?,
yer arse covered and you you're not busted for indecent exposure.)
Insurance companies that simply soak up money (then) drop at the first hint of ACTUALLY being needed?
Spare NOT the rod and razor there...
http://commonwealthclub.blogspot.com/2009/06/george-shultz-and-john-shoven-new.html
I was delighted to hear the voice of reason on the Commonwealth Club (for a change.)
Incidentally, there is a shortage of Registered Nurses in this country. I haven't seen the details describing the impact of Obama's proposed medical miracle on the profession yet, but I suspect there is a migration developing.
I am personally of the opinion that any health care plan coming out of congress will be intentionally flawed and so unlikely to pass or do us any good if it should pass. Unlike other special interests the healthcare industry is non-partisan and is in every politicians pocket.
This whole health care scheme is a farce, a dog and pony show for our benefit. "The public is watching. Everyone look busy."
Why is it ok to start a war and continue to fund it without money in the Treasury, but it is not ok to help our, the People get healthcare?
runescape-
Because the U.S. Constitution provides that the federal government maintain a national defense. Some would challenge whether the wars we've gotten into over the course of history are necessary (a fair debate), but no one would challenge the notion that once the nation decided an action was necessary it should be funded by the U.S. Treasury. Healthcare, on the other hand, is not a constitutional mandate of government (thank God).
You've heard of the U.S. Constitution haven't you?
Reform of the health care system as contemplated by the President and Congress is not necessary. Rarely does anyone leave the US for medical treatment anywhere else in the world. However, lots of people come to the US for medical care because it is recognized as the best in the world.
To the extent that the system could be improved, it appears that the primary improvement would be to find a way to cover the legal residents of the US (there are 10-12 million illegal residents). Fixing that problem would improve the system, but it is not essential.