Health Care – There is no denying that there are problems with the delivery of health care in America. It is provided in uneven proportions to various segments of society both in quality and quantity. The bottom line is that changes need to be made in order to allow all Americans access to a minimum set of services covering basic health care.
We hear all the rhetoric, half-truths, interpretations, etc daily on the evening news and radio talk shows. Most, if not all of us, are guilty of only presenting that facts that are favorable to our position. If we are ever going to made the changes that are so important to the most vulnerable members of our society, we must take a step back and see what really needs to be improved.
The first thing to consider is what encompasses a basic set of heath care services. Is it preventive care, regular checkup and office visits? Or is it something more? In order to gain the widespread acceptance that will be needed to pass any reform, we must keep away from controversial policies such as taxpayer funded abortion and Euthanasia. The debate on the reform bill must stay focused on basic health care and not provide a vehicle for special interest groups and advocates to drive changes on social policy.
“Death Panels”. I do not think that anyone is truly suggesting that death panels be set up. However, the reference to paying physicians to have “end of Life” discussion with their patients implies a government involvement in the discussions. There should be no government role in this activity. I would anticipate that these discussion do and should continue to occur as part of on-going treatment and consultation. Any final decision should rest with the patient. I know that in my case, if I am unable to decide for myself, I want no one other than my wife to make decisions for me. Not the government, not my parents, not the hospital!
Today many of us have health insurance which allows us to get good health care. Most of us have this through our employers. Still there are over 45M individuals without coverage at any given time. We can agree that this number varies over time and that there exist many different reasons for this lack of coverage. For some it is a temporary transition while between jobs, some just can’t afford it,and others choose not purchase. It is important to note that not all of these folks are denied access to health care. Many are young, live a healthy lifestyle and opt to pay for their health care on a as needed basis much as we do most goods and services in this country. In any case, the number is high and we need to make changes to bring it down.
How to make it happen? How to pay for it? It will be impossible to implement change without reforming the current system of delivery. Whether we like to admit it, there already exist rationing in the current system. The same services are not available to all now and they will not be in the future. The goal is minimize this discrepancy in services. Tort reform needs to continue to be pursued. Tests and courses of treatment need to be undertaken out of medical necessity not from a legal one. Medical professionals need to be held accountable for their actions but patients need to realize medicine is not an exact science. There are no guarantees. Limits need to be in place as to the size of judgments awarded in lawsuits. Medical professionals need to understand that the public is expecting that they will do there part to improve the system; don’t order unnecessary test and expect to return savings from decrease insurance and litigation costs back into the system.
I am not in favor of a single government ran system. Consumer need to understand what they are spending and that medical services is not an all you can eat buffet. One of the problems with the current system is that we as consumers do not know what we spend. We pay our premiums and copays but do not pay any attention to the true cost of what we are purchasing. When was the last time that you asks what something was going to cost when your doctor recommended a specific test or course of action? I prefer the existing system that we have now with some changes. For example, the tax deduction that large corporations needs to be extended to individuals and small business owners. In additional small business and possibly even individuals need to be allowed the opportunity to form co-ops to purchase health insurance. This will help drive costs down to a more affordable level. I would support government programs similar to the co-ops be created for individuals in transition. This will allow those between jobs to retain coverage until they are eligible for other coverage. Again these are a temporary option for folks who are between other coverage. I anticipate that these would be user supported with a minimum amount of government(i.e taxpayer funding).
In a nutshell that is “Health Care Reform According2Mark”. After re-reading some of my previous posts and tweets, i wanted to clarify where I stand. Although I do not support the health care reform as it is proceeding through Congress, I do understand that the system is broken. Changes need to be made to open up access to those blocked out of the system. While we do not have a “right” to government sponsored health care, we do have a responsibility to care for one and other. And it starts with each of us.