After reviewing some blogs on liberal as well as conservative points of view on Health care reform, I just noticed something.... there are some important points NOT being focused on as well:
A fair debate between liberals and conservatives about the nature and needs of health care reform is a healthy and good thing. But what about life insurance? Should that be free, or without consideration for health conditions (cancer, aids, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic and terminal issues), parachuting out of an airplane, racing motorcycles? Will the baby (life insurance) be thrown out with the bathwater on this whole health care issue, or will it remain the same?
The nature of our health care has been insidiously controlled by the limitations placed upon it by its providers (AMA), the doctors trying to stay in practice, drug manufacturers, lobbyists, politicians, the insurance companies seeking to make a profit, and lastly the federal government.
All this compounded by the onset of frivolous lawsuits starting in the 70's, and the equally ridiculous settlements provided, were the first cause of malpractice rates to rise and begin a forced upward spiral of cost. It got so bad back then, that the State of Texas had to create a pool from which Doctors could buy basic liability limits so they could buy umbrellas of higher levels to stay in practice. The villans here are not so much the insurance companies (while they have their share of blame now) but the Ambulance Chasing attorneys seeking their fortune in 30% in fees from won settlements and class action suits (Jefferson County, Texas is known for being the home of the highest settlements ever returned in history). Tort Reform should equally be the focus, as well as some (some, I said) health reform.
This issue is a very complex and thorny one. Not to be settled by emotional politics run from one party or another, rather by careful and objective analysis. Many European countries have government run or subsidized health care that works hand in hand with private insurors who have to live with the rules of the road.
I have had to live with and without health care, and have also been at the effect of a public option while unemployed that forced me to pay for everything. So, while I have a good job with good insurance, I am satisfied with it. For those without, there should not be such regulatory barriers. The one thing that is for sure, the abuse of this system needs to stop. Everyone seems to be "gaming" everyone else, and that is one of the biggest issues.
Ok. I'll stop now.
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